Image via WikipediaHaving some games ready to play at St.Mary's was a good start to our overall preparedness; however, if we are truly going to change the culture of PE and have more physically educated students, then we must be sure to provide developmentally appropriate physical education (DAPE) and avoid games and activities that are in the PE Hall of Shame. After watching some of us resort to games that we played as kids and ones that are not in the best interest of young children...we will now start to explore WHY these games are not beneficial. Anybody without a teaching degree and a B.Sc. in P.E. can "lead" games such as Duck Duck Goose, Kickball, Dodgeball, etc... You don't have to go to a teacher preparation program to use those games and we will NOT be playing these games while we are at St.Mary's. We are striving to change the environment of the after-school program by using games that are supportive of the needs and abilities of the students and not just convenient to play because they know how to already play them. When we're not there, they can play them all they want. While we're at St.Mary's - we need you to explore and be creative to create enticing environments, choose developmentally appropriate and adaptable games/activities that help your assessment of motor skills and assist students in performing these skills more effectively.
PE Hall of Shame (Part 2) (also available here) was released after the initial induction of 6 games that should not be played in physical education class. In class we discussed two of the initial inductees (Dodgeball and Kickball) and why (human targets, isolation, no choice, safety, hiding from others, skill level, etc...) they were included in the initial induction ceremony.
Click on the comment link at the bottom of this post to leave your brief (2-4 sentences) initial comment about the PE Hall of Shame inductees. Then leave your blog URL (eg. http://www.rockstarpe.blogspot.com) and then go on your own blog and write and defend how you would seek to use one of these "shamed"games in your PE program (if it all). How will playing this game help your students attain the goals of being physically educated and what will be gained? Be sure you can defend your claim to use the game(s) be providing modifications to game play, equipment, and rules. It would help if you added pictures like Jack's post on defending dodgeball (posted below). This assignment is due before next class. (Photo via iStockPhoto & Xanga)
Click on the comment link at the bottom of this post to leave your brief (2-4 sentences) initial comment about the PE Hall of Shame inductees. Then leave your blog URL (eg. http://www.rockstarpe.blogspot.com) and then go on your own blog and write and defend how you would seek to use one of these "shamed"games in your PE program (if it all). How will playing this game help your students attain the goals of being physically educated and what will be gained? Be sure you can defend your claim to use the game(s) be providing modifications to game play, equipment, and rules. It would help if you added pictures like Jack's post on defending dodgeball (posted below). This assignment is due before next class. (Photo via iStockPhoto & Xanga)
One of the most highly debated topics in the world of Physical Education is the use of the game of dodgeball in the curriculum. Many people have their opinions based on their personal experiences with game. Some see it as a rite of passage for students, while others see it as a barbaric sport that needs to be removed from schools. Here is my No Spin opinion:
When I was in junior high school, I was first introduced not to dodgeball but a variation called "angle ball." Dodgeball itself was removed from our schools and the Physical Education teachers implemented this variation so us students could experience it. The rules were pretty much the same; elimination when you get hit by the ball but to ultimately win the game, your team needed to knock a basketball off of the cone on the other teams side of the court. Needless to say everyone enjoyed this.
As a Physical Education teacher, however, I have to decide whether dodgeball would be appropriate to use in my class. I feel that the game helps to develop and strengthen important physcial skills including running, throwing, and catching, while it also includes teamwork and strategy. It is a fun game and should be experienced by all. However, it does have its share of negatives. Many students are not as physically able as others and prefer to sit to the side or not participate at all. Plus, it allows certain students to target and bully others all the while promoting the use of violence. The game has plenty of positives and negatives.My decision would be to use dodgeball, or a variation of the game, in my Physical Education class. However, I would offer an alternative game or activity for those students who choose not to participate in the game. This allows students who want to experience the game the ability to play it and gives the other students to experience another activity they are more comfortable with that also shares the same skill development.
There are many people who claim that dodgeball is a dangerous sport and needs to be removed from the school. However, sports like football and hockey share the same heightened risk but continue to be played without opposition from concerned parents. If one sport is to be penalized, then all who share the same risk should be subjected as well.
While it will always be a contested subject, there should be a compromise that will give students a choice to participate in dodgeball whether in Physical Education class or as an after school activity. It could be a decision for the best.
65 comments:
In a physical education classroom setting, I would have to agree with the Hall of Shame for the most part. While a lot of those games may be appropriate in a summer camp setting, they are not appropriate in the classroom. These games do not inquire a lot of physical activity, and it can sometimes hurt a student's self esteem. Students, during games such as messy back yard, don't have to do much to participate.
http://perfectlifepe.blogspot.com/2010/01/first-day.html
I agree with the hall of shame, in physical education setting i do not believe that games like dodge ball are a good sport to play. This game for example embarrasses the weaker students as well as keeping a good amount of kids on the side line as the game continues. many of the weaker kids will try to get hit first so that they are out of the game and don't have to play. Also the game is very dangerous and can cause serious injury. Many of these hall of shame games hurt the self esteem of some students as well as exclude physical activity for a majority of the students.
coachyanik.blogspot.com
I agree with the Hall of Shame. The games choses are not appropriate for the classroom setting. They do not give students enough physical activity, although I do believe you can change some of the games around like dodge ball to make them have more physical activity.
I also agree with the Hall of Shame. The games that have been put on the list are not ones that take much activity and much teaching. These games do not give students the opportunity to learn what physical education really means, and they do not get much out of these activities. In physical education games should be played that gives each student something to do and learn.
http://jennifersblog113.blogspot.com/
I completely agree with the Hall of shame. In physical education classes the hall of shame games are games that don't have much activity such as running around, teamwork, and there is no equality to students who aren't as physically gifted as others are. These games make it easy to single out and in some cases crush the self-esteem of students. Although these games are frowned upon in phys. ed. class, if they are changed slightly they can become beneficial and might actually work in a physical education classroom setting.
http://andrewseletsky.blogspot.com/
I have come to the conclusion that I must agree with the Hall of Shame. I remember playing dodgeball, kickball, or steal the bacon in physical education classes growing up and every time we played games such as these one commonality was that not everyone was included. Another negative to these games was that in cases such as dodgeball students who were not as skilled or athletic would opt to not participate and hide in the back of the gym. Only the students who were I guess you would say at the top of the physical education class would participate. The class as a whole was not getting a true physical education through playing games such as these. I do although believe if a game like dodgeball is modified correctly, keeping the children's best interests in mind, it can be used in most physical education classes.
i forgot to leave my blog...it's:
http://stephaniedicapua.blogspot.com/
sorry.
I agree with Dodgeball being submitted into the Hall of Shame. Such a game in a classroom setting is not appropriate. A game like this can be dangerous and hurt students’ self-esteem and the game itself is "picky" to certain types of people. What I mean by this is that not everyone is good or can be good at Dodgeball. People that play Baseball or Football, for example, might have an unfair advantage then someone who doesn't play a sport.
http://kylebensonpe.blogspot.com/
I agree with the Hall of Shame. Activities such as dodgeball, kickball, and duck duck goose do not provide any beneficial factors to students. These types of games do not enhance the students physical abilities or encourage a healthy physical and mental life style.
http://fendickd.blogspot.com/
I would have to say that I agree with the Hall of Shame. I always remember that when we played dodgeball in my physical education class that some of the students would shy away and end up in the back because they did not want to participate. I would have to say this game as well as many others can most certianly do the job for some students when it comes to being physically active. There are alot of people that love this game and do get the workout they need from it. When it comes down to the classroom setting I believe that this is not a game that needs to be brought into the classroom environment. There are always going to be those students that feel embarassed, dont want to participate and most importantly the game itself can be dangerous. There are other ways that the game could be changed up to avoid the negatives that come from the game dodgeball.
http://jolenequintablog.blogspot.com/
I agree with the Hall Of Shame games. In A physical education setting games like the ones mentioned in the article do not belong. They aren't very beneficial to children and do not involve enough movement for all the children. Games like dodgeball often times single out the weaker or less talented students and they get bombarded an knocked out easily
morancpe.blogspot.com
I agree with most of the games that were put on the list. However, I like tag games. As discussed in lab tonight, I would use tag games without elimination (sitting down)as an activity. It could be a great getting started activity and there are lots of fun tag games out there that don't eliminate the "losers."
http://untildeathdoweexercise.blogspot.com/
i would like to agree with the hall of shame, but as a kid i loved duck duck goose, dodgeball, or anyother game. it was fun, but know that i have the PHYSICAL education part, i completly understand that we need to keep our kids movingi for one, have taken part in dodgball leagues, and love it, it's a competion, but when you do this at a gym setting, kids are sitting out and it's not getting that 30 to 60 minutes a day that kids need. plus it keeps the kids thinking if there good enought, singels them out and dosent provide enought for the day. i believe that each game we teach our students, they should leave sweating and knowledge of the game
I agree with the Hall of Shame, in the sense that there are many qualities to those games where students are embarrased by elimination. While children participate in the game of Simon say's, children will spend their time moving only certain parts of their bodies until they are caught moving or touching the wrong body part; forcing them to sit out. Being put to the side is humiliating and can decrease a child's fondness to the game.
http://keepitsweetkeepitslow.blogspot.com/
When teaching as a professional, I agree with excluding the games that are written up in the hall of shame. The games listed do not have enough activity, they leave students eliminated, standing or sitting around. They do no enhance character building or additional learning. But, I do believe that if changed around, maybe of these games could be used in the classroom. They are fun, and with some adjustments could be worthwhile as well.
jlawrence6@blogspot.com
In a Physical Education Class, I totally agree that those games are innappropraite. They embarrass many students or make them highly unconfortable. I know from personal experience I was always the little kid in class, so when we played games like red rover I was constantly getting ran into by giant boys and I hated every minute of it. However, I feel like most tag games can be appropriate if they don't involve elimination which can be easily avoided.
http://gymclassrocks.blogspot.com/
To an extent I agree with the hall of shame games mainly because having kids sitting out reduces physical activity and is a waste of time. The reason because of weaker kids being picked on making the self-esteem lower doesn't seem like a valid reason thought. Striking out in softball/baseball, dropping a big pass, or missing a shot can also reduce self-esteem but people aren't calling for these sports to be banished either. To point of physical education is to educate kids and the best way to do that is to constantly have them learning and moving and to limit the amount of down time.
I forgot to post my blog at the end of my comment: http://mcmanuspe.blogspot.com/
I agree with the Hall of Shame, that Dodge ball is a game that is not appropriate for physical education because it alienates the weaker students, as well as students who don't have the proper development to throw a ball. I also agree with Jack because he makes a valid point that it works on students running, throwing, and catching ability, while also promoting teamwork and strategy.
Personally dodge ball itself belongs in the hall of shame. It's a game enjoyed by some, not all, and lacks a lot of key physical elements. Also it has the potential to alienate certain students, which should never happen. Physical Education should not only physically benefit a child, but also promote respect in and out of the class room.
http://mattattackonalexmac.blogspot.com/
I agree with most of the Hall of Shame games and techniques. I defiitely agree that rolling out the ball is a bland way to conduct a physical education class, and showcasing a student is bound to lead to total embarrassment for several students. Many of the games are classic "gym class" games, but they do not come close to fitting the criteria for what we as physical educators need to accomplish today.
http://ttoteno.blogspot.com
When it comes down to it, those games do belong in the Hall of Shame. I am not familiar with all of them, but from reading the descriptions I can tell that the students wouldnt be learning much or anything about themselves, the skills they already have or could potentially obtain. Afterall that is what we want to accomplish as PE teachers, as well as create a positive association with physical activity, not something they hate. However, in this article I would have liked to have seen examples or ideas as how to improve these "games of shame" to meet their standards of what truely makes a fun and effective game.
http://edwin-futurepeteacherrockstar.blogspot.com/
In my opinion, yes dodgeball has its negatives but it does has its positives as well. I agree that a variation of the game should be taught with an alternative to be played as well for those who do not wish to participate. The variation should consider safety, fun, and motor skills as should the althernate game. That way everyone wins, has fun and gains from it as a result.
http://kjrpe.blogspot.com/
The Hall of Shame is neccessary in our current time setting. It is getting to the point in Physical Education and the world where people have to be accepted and treated equally no matter their physical ability. Compared to the past such as the 90s or 80s where the ideal attitude of a physical education teacher was Billy Bob Thorton in "Mr. Woodcock". I disagree with this particular perception but I think dodgeball is acceptable with the correct equiptment such as the foam balls. It should not be a mandatory activity their should be an alternative activity to be played.
In my opinion the Hall of Shame is correct for banning games like dodge ball and kickball. These games are not school appropriate and they do not focus on physical activity or development. These games can hurt a student's self esteem and there are safety concerns involved. These games are fine outside of the classroom, but they are unacceptable inside a physical education class.
http://calderonepe.blogspot.com/
I definitely agree with the Hall of Hall of Shame. In the classroom setting games like dodgeball are inappropriate. They can embarass some students and also discourage some from participating because they are afraid of being embarassed. I also think that it is not good for a classroom setting because it does not have enough physical activity for the students. Games like dodgeball should be modified not only to have more physical activity, but to make it more fun to motivate kids to participate without being embarrassed.
http://jillianpedblog.blogspot.com/
My students love to play Poison ball as we call it. I have a year 1and 2 class, ranging from 5 to 9 year olds, and two students with physical disabilities. All students love the game because when your get touched you go to a different area of play, not the sideline. They have become quite good at it although we only play it once or twice a month in our 15mins of mandatory fitness time. They have developed strategies and work as a team. I have taught this version to all year levels at the school, and they often ask me to supervise a game at lunch play. I was taught this version at university, during my grad dip ed. programme. The course ran for 10 weeks and every thing I learnt I have used in my teaching (the only course I can say that about). Maybe you guys can get a hold of the lecturers at the University of Wollongong and get all their modified games for your use.
Dodge ball is an old school physical education game for those lazy teachers who like to sit back and watch. Physical Education is more developed and has way more to offer than dodge ball. The reason I feel this way is because if one student doesn't want to be hit with the ball then the entire game is unproductive. There is no way to change the game of dodgeball to make it specific for your class. As a physical education teacher I want to be able to move things around so ALL my students are comortable and enjoying themselves. I will go into depth on my blog on why I feel this way.
http://everythingphysed.blogspot.com/
-Albert A. Mercado
Dodgeball is a very tricky game. While yes you do get some work out with throwing, and running. It is a big deal in today's schools with bullying. Kids are being targeted by their peers for some reason, and it might lead to horrible consequences. While dodgeball might have no connection, what if the two students had class together. Now the kid who is getting bullied is getting picked on some more by having balls thrown at him. I don't think dodgeball should be allowed in schools do to the fact that kids can be picked out, and there is a much better game that can be played other then dodgeball.
I feel that dodgeball shouldn't be played in a physical education classroom. Even though I grew up playing basically everyday. Whether it was at school p.e or at summer camp, I've always was into it. I believe that there are so many other different games or activities that can be taught to kids that will work on the same things. For instance, different motor skills that will benefit kids greatly.
http://greg-primavera.blogspot.com/
I am really on the fence when it comes to allowing or disallowing the game of dodge ball. I see the benefits of the game because it promotes the development of over-hand throwing, catching, running, and teamwork. On the other hand, the game allows for bullying and violence. There are students who do not possess the same skill set as others, and are therefore put at a disadvantage. As discussed, there are benefits to the game, but in the end do the negative aspects outweigh the positives?
http://platinumpe.blogspot.com/
I can see the pros and cons of dodgeball, but in my personal opinion the negative aspects of the game stand out a bit more than the positives. Dodgeball is a game thats pretty self-explanitory...the students are to dodge a ball. In the new and improved field of physical education, we should be encouraging our students to do anything but that. The Hall of Shame article makes many valid points that future PE teachers should be aware of, and if we want to continue to make positiive changes in this field then we need to make positive and influential changes in our lesson plans and assessments. And to say the least, this all begins with eliminating games that use our own students as throwing targets.
http://fitnesswomenpe.blogspot.com/
I would have to agree with the hall of shame. In all of the games listed the object of the game is to get someone out. When this happens, the person who got out is now sitting on the sideline watching the game continue. There is little activity for all students at a continuous time. These games do not give the students enough physical activity as other games would.
http://allinforpe.blogspot.com/
After reading through the PE hall of shame I still have mixed feelings on whether or not I agree with certain games being eliminated. I definitely agree that we need to bring in games where students are active at all times and no one is sitting out. However, I believe there are variations of games such as dodgeball and relay races where this could happen. Games like these can be changed and have different variations where all children can participate and be very active at all times. I agree that we need to play games where children do not lose self-esteem and I know that there are better ones than dodgeball, but still think these games can be beneficial.
http://carlycooperpe.blogspot.com/
I agree with a lot of the "Hall of Shame" games that should not be allowed in Physical Education classes but I believe dodgeball can be an exception. There are various forms of dodgeball and different types of balls as well. Check my blog to see my full reaction:
http://mmorellifit.blogspot.com/
Games like Dodgeball are a lot of fun and there are many benefits for the students, but I understand why the game has been banned by many school districts and states. It's not right to single a student out and hurt a students feelings or physically get hurt. Dodgeball does provide great exercise/teamwork/competition. But so do many other games and sports where the student isn't a target by other students.
http://www.blogger.com/profile/09746316351128071513
I agree with the Hall of Shame. Games like dodgeball are fun to participate in however they are not good options for a PE setting. They don't teach kids the fundamental skills, they single students out, and they all allow for inactivity.
http://physicallyeducated7.blogspot.com/
I agree with the Hall of Shame because the games are fun to play however there is absolutely a better game out there that should be played that will cover more motor development and can better suit the students. PE is about teaching the kids how to be Physically Educated and at no point in time will dodgeball, duck duck goose, or any other games that fall under that category will benefit the students in being physically fit. http://wpattersonpe.blogspot.com/
I would have to agree with the hall of shame. These type of activities do not belong in the Physical education world. These games like dodge ball make cetain kids a target which are usually the ones who cant throw the ball hard or fast and which are usually the girls. I remember playing in middle school and the guys got out all the girls first because we were the easiest to get out and we just had to sit out and watch which I personally had no fun with. Its just not a game that belongs in the curriculem.
http://msfitnesspe.blogspot.com/
I have to say I somewhat agree with the Hall of Shame. Yes, dodgeball and kickball are not hard to teach at all, anybody can do it. I do feel however that if there is an appropriate class that these games may still be used and be beneficial to the participants.
http://agarrettpe.blogspot.com/
I am on the fence with this issue. I think it should be played in schools because it helps with several motor development skills. Such skills as teamwork, throwing, reaction times, and agility. Yes, once you get out you go sit down which in today's day in age is not appropriate due to the increasing obesity problem. I feel that you can alter the game enough to keep everybody active. I agree with the wall of shame with games like red rover and duck duck goose. You are specifically targeting people to either leave out the less ability students, or just pick your friends so its constantly the same people being active. As opposed to kickball where you have a line of students waiting to get their turn to kick. I feel that if this game is in the wall of shame you have to add games like softball. Every game you play students will not like it and want to sit out. As a physical education teacher it is our job to keep the staple games in the curriculum and alter them so they are safer and everyone is active, no student left behind.
Here is my blog, I forgot to put it in the last post. mhayden-mh11.blogspot.com/
Dodgeball is a fun game that is great for conditioning, agility, arm strength, and hand-eye coordination. I think is crazy for people to say that this should not be played in physical education. Come on…. It gets kids moving around, using their psychomotor skills, using strategy, and improves ones competitive position. Competition is part of life, and dodgeball certainly teaches kids to give it their all or they can simply quit and lose. Don’t we want to teach children to take advantage of being competitive and how that is a part of life? Oh of course- the elimination factor. As we evolve in the PE setting, we know that we can alter any sport, game, or activity to fit the needs and equality of all students. There can be a penalty for “getting out” such as a side activity in a “jail” so that the students want to come back in. They may need to catch a ball thrown by their other teammates from across the gymnasium to return to the main floor-which creates an awesome, intense competition and excitement when numbers are close. As for safety-I do not see a safety or injury factor to dodgeball. Maybe years and years ago when they did not have such a variety of balls to play with such as nerf balls and smaller foam balls. Injury is obviously a risk in all sports, exercise, and athletics. I honestly think people need to stop being such babies about this topic. To say that it is a dangerous activity is just unreasonable.
There is absolutely a place for dodgeball in the physical education curriculum. It is how the activity it structured and modified that relates to our goals in overall fitness, athletics, and fun. There should always be a goal in mind when planning activities for students. The physical educator must ensure that students are learning about target heart rate, agility, throwing mechanics, catching skills, etc. while playing any game. When taught from this perspective, dodgeball becomes a valuable learning tool, not a lesson in humiliation.
-I am posting pretty much the same thing in my blog, which you can find at tfratto.blogspot.com
I think the biggest issue with dodge ball is that fact that children are targets. Yes there are safety concerns with each and every activity played in PE class where a student may be hit by an object; however a game like dodge ball or kick ball actually intentionally aims at the children. Follow my blog at http://fredricksonpe.blogspot.com/ to read more.
I believe that we should be able to play dodgeball in a physical education setting. Even though I do agree with many of the negative points that were listed in the hall of same. However, I believe that many of the negative points that were made are also in manyother games played in physcial education classes. There are many different variations played.
http://kcoughlin.blogspot.com/
I am very torn with this debate, I completely agree with the Hall of Shame in some areas but also feel that games like dodge ball or tag are very beneficial to students if instructed correctly. No matter what area your teaching during class, there will be students who feel embarrassed or don't feel like they are "good at it" and feel uncomfortable, but it is our job as teachers to help close these thoughts out and make class beneficial for everyone.
http://bridgette.dwyerPe.blogspot.com
I am also someone that agrees with dodge ball being in the Hall of Shame. Physical education is a subject in school that is changing little by little year to year. Dodge ball is yes so much fun to play, but in my opinion doesn't focus on the overall well being of every child involved. The self-esteem of some children can be crushed and may feel like they are the ones being picked on in class. Kids should play this on their own time, but in the classroom kids should not be forced to play. Co-ed dodge ball to me is just overall not a good idea, maybe girls vs. girls and boys vs boys would be a better idea if this game is ever played in class. It can not be denied, dodge ball is so much fun, but from a professional point of view it is time for change is phys ed class.
http://mmtrombly.blogspot.com
Although I believe that there are some aspects of Dodgeball that are beneficial for students and there motor skills, such as teamwork, throwing, catching and dodging. But even though it helps with these things I believe Dodgeball is not acceptable for the Physical Education classroom. Games such as these singles the non-athletic students out, and they end up sitting out. These games not only single students out, but can put them down and make them feel bad about themselves because they aren't as athletic as the rest of the class. There are other games that keep everyone active and having fun, without singling the ones who need the active lifestyle the most.
http://emilypettengill.blogspot.com/
When I become a PE teacher I will not be including dodgeball or kickball in any of my units. In my opinion I feel as though that these two activities could be replaced by better activities in which students could become more physically educated. For example, in dodgeball all you have to learn how to do is throw accurately and catch. For basketball, you have so many other things that you could learn and be assessed on rather than the fundamentals of dodgeball.
www.mphenriepemajor.blogspot.com
I believe that some of the games listed in the Hall of Shame should not be played in a physical education classroom, but I don't think that dodgeball is one of them. A good thing about dodgeballis that it allows you to improve on your accuracy and reaction time. It is a game that also improves your running, throwing, and catching skills. There are many ways that you can modify the game of dodgeball to make it safer and game that does not belong in the Hall of Shame.
http://lesleyturnerpe34-healthychoices4all.blogspot.com/
I too agree with with what the hall of shame has to say. In the world we live in today, bullying is a top priority. Many of these old school games contribute to bully like behavior if people realize it or not. I believe that physical education classes should have games in their program that not only motivate students to be active, but encourage team work and peer encouragement as well.
http://each1teach1pe.blogspot.com
Dodgeball is acceptable in PE, and it's also not. I believe that depending on the age of the students in the PE class, depends on the effects of playing this game in class. I'd say that dodgeball is unacceptable for younger kids, since their developing motor skills, and experience certain emotions that they may have not felt before in the class room, such as competitvness, or frustration. On the other hand, dodgeball is completley acceptable for students who are much older, like in high school.
I agree with the Hall of Shame on that fact that it is our job as physical educators to help each child develop there mind and body. Motor skills and fitness is a bases of physical education and according to the Hall of Shame and i completely agree with that. Thats why games like dodgeball are not acceptable because they have a low participation in games, it could hurt a child physically and mental; hurt their self esteem.
http://courtneycortlandpe.blogspot.com/
I disagree with inducting dodgeball into any kind of Hall of Shame. Dodgeball has always been one of my favorite PE activities for a variety of reasons. It's extremely active and motivates kids to move around in a unique way. If there are students who are unable to throw or catch the ball go over pointers with the whole class to not single them out but still make sure they get the knowledge. It's the way that most teachers run dodgeball that is the problem. You shouldn't just roll the balls out and say "play" without any explanation. Maybe start the first day off by teaching the students and helping them with anything they are having problems with. The biggest issue I have is when people say we shouldn't play dodgeball because of what it does to a child's psyche. That it may hurt their feelings or put them in an uncomfortable situation. Our job as PE teachers is not to shield our students from what the world is really like or be the source of their self esteem. The many perspectives of dodgeball from being the best to being the worst are no different than those the students face in the hallways or outside of school. I believe too many people are trying to get behind the "wussification" of America. Students are supposed to run around and get hurt from time to time. It's not like the game is any more dangerous than anything else. Everyone needs to learn how to deal with things like humiliation and people are just trying to make sure kids never experience any kind of negative situations anymore.
http://geoffgreene.blogspot.com/
I believe that in the proper environment along with the proper rules, regulations, and variations; Dodgeball should be an activity that Physical Education classes can partake in. Growing up dodgeball was always a very exciting, challenging, and fun game to play and even today children love it. I say this because I see the results of dodgeball first hand at the youth summer camp I work at over the summer. Whenever we play dodgeball every kid gets excited and with variations, not everyone has to be at an 'advanced' level of throwing to be a key part of their team. My reasoning explained more in depth can be found on my blog:
http://sp-pe.blogspot.com/
Dodegball is looked at like the "devil" of physical education activities. I personaly do not believe that because there are plenty of positives from the activity. Teamwork, sportsmanship, hand-eye skill, and agility are all fundamental aspects of dodgeball. Yes there are some controversial parts of the game, but as physical educators it is our responsibility to adapt and eliminate those threats.
Well being one of the kids that excelled with motor development at an early age, I must say that dodge ball was my favorite game in grade school, but I as a future PE Educator, I agree with the hall of shame because elimination games aren’t beneficial to the children that need a challenge to improved motor development and the ones that need physical activity and help developing motor skills.
http://devinepe.blogspot.com
I am certain that games like football, and hockey in PE are far worse than Dodgeball for the development of performance moralities in young children.
What is the cultural relevance of dodgeball? There is none. That creates significant opportunity for play without judgement.
What are the implications for youngsters and performance morality in dodgeball vs. football and hockey? When was the last time you saw a parent fistfight break out at a dodgeball game? It is not culturally valued and this provides opportunity for play without judgement.
What is the level of participation offered to all children in dodgeball vs. hockey and football?
What is the frequency for complex motor skills with manipulatives in dodgeball vs. baseball, hockey, and football? Opportunity for skill development with manipulative every few seconds vs. 1 opportunity to catch the ball in 30 minutes.
Educators who cannot provide a scalable and modified opportunity for the game would state that it shames children. I would argue that these educators need to look at the level of judgement their setting allows.
The cultural implications of baseball, football, and hockey are far more damaging to children.
Why? Because if you are not good at one of those 3 you are not in the tribe. You don't belong. Sense of belonging is #1.
Teach the children that PE is fun and the games are irrelevant to their esteem.
When the culture values prowess in an activity no amount of spin reduces the implication on esteem.
The papers, the principal, the superintendent, come to school and pat the star QB on the back.
When was the last time the community cared about who won dodgeball in PE?
Dodgeball trumps all of our culturally approved games because the community doesn't care about the outcome or abiltiy and it offers repeatable and scalable approaches to non stop activity in which each child has high frequency of opportunity with the manipulative.
I am certain that games like football, and hockey in PE are far worse than Dodgeball for the development of performance moralities in young children.
What is the cultural relevance of dodgeball? There is none. That creates significant opportunity for play without judgement.
What are the implications for youngsters and performance morality in dodgeball vs. football and hockey? When was the last time you saw a parent fistfight break out at a dodgeball game? It is not culturally valued and this provides opportunity for play without judgement.
What is the level of participation offered to all children in dodgeball vs. hockey and football?
What is the frequency for complex motor skills with manipulatives in dodgeball vs. baseball, hockey, and football? Opportunity for skill development with manipulative every few seconds vs. 1 opportunity to catch the ball in 30 minutes.
Educators who cannot provide a scalable and modified opportunity for the game would state that it shames children. I would argue that these educators need to look at the level of judgement their setting allows.
The cultural implications of baseball, football, and hockey are far more damaging to children.
Why? Because if you are not good at one of those 3 you are not in the tribe. You don't belong. Sense of belonging is #1.
Teach the children that PE is fun and the games are irrelevant to their esteem.
When the culture values prowess in an activity no amount of spin reduces the implication on esteem.
The papers, the principal, the superintendent, come to school and pat the star QB on the back.
When was the last time the community cared about who won dodgeball in PE?
Dodgeball trumps all of our culturally approved games because the community doesn't care about the outcome or abiltiy and it offers repeatable and scalable approaches to non stop activity in which each child has high frequency of opportunity with the manipulative.
Steven C.
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