Modern active gaming combines technology in the form of a game with physical movement. The participant acts as the controller in the game. The bodily movements control the player within the game as the games simulate actual exercise motions, including balance boards, cycle machines, dance movements, snowboarding, paddle games and more. PE Central states that there are three main active gaming categories: 1) exergames, 2) active learning games and 3) interactive fitness activities.
Teaching active gaming requires the PE teacher to help students attain a knowledge of the necessary skills needed to become physically active. Active gaming is designed to be used as a tool to help students participate, to provide feedback opportunities and to achieve specific learning objectives. The teacher's role is to create a learning experience goal for the active gaming experience. For active gaming grants and funding information, visit PE Central Online (pecentral.org).
Dodgeball works well in physical education classes because it can be played indoors or outdoors and it only requires a playing field of 50 ft. long and at least 30 ft. wide, divided into two equal sections. Dodgeball teams typically are made up of six to 10 players, ideal numbers for physical education classes. The object of the game is to eliminate the opposing players by throwing the ball and tagging them as "out."
Schedule field trips to take your classes to a roller skating or an ice skating rink. Destinations offer schools discounted rates, which can leave little, if any fees to be paid by students. Field trips allow students opportunities to learn various skills and to participate outside of the school gym.
Physical education classes at Poplar Bluff High School in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, rotate roller skating and bowling field trips. Skate Galaxy Georgia Online provides educational and fitness-based field trips "rolled" into one, in its "Roll With Motion" program for schools. As another physical education idea, the Physical Education Department in Carmel, Indiana, plans miniature golf field trips.
Play basketball in physical education class. Cover the rules and guidelines of the game and concentrate on the value of teamwork. Students can enjoy playing basketball on outdoor or indoor courts and can gain a better understanding of the game, once they play it personally. Allow the students time to play under the rules of the game and without the rules, just for entertainment. Give the students time simply to shoot hoops and to practice ball dribbling and tossing. Basketball promotes hand-eye coordination and a cardio-vascular workout.