Significant Postings from the Blogging Experience

Most of the postings on this blog are very informative. As a Physical Education teacher, I was happy to see that people are realizing the importance of physical education. There are several postings about the influence physical activity has on academics, obesity, and mental health. The article about obseity in Georgia shows the need for increased P.E time in school. Most of the students today only participate in physical activity at school. The day when students used to play with their friends at home is rapidly disappearing. I try to expose the students to a variety of sport, so that can find one that they enjoy and take it up as a life long activity. Physical Education is one of the most important aspects of school life. The benefits of Physical Education are enormous. It provides an opportunity for children to work together, solve problems, build confidence, and make healthy choices. Physical Education in school provides a structured environment to promote a healthy lifestyle and develop life long skills. The latest trend in Physical Education is to integrate other subject areas into the lesson plan. for example, the students are learning math while they are praticing basketball drills.

Significant Postings from the Blogging Experience

The most significant posting from this blog to me was the Reading and Running post about the collaborative between a PE teacher and a media specialist at an elementary school in Alabama. This was significant because it provided ideas for me as a future media specialist as well as highlighted a success story. I love to read about success stories and what's working. Sometimes you can get bogged down dealing with the challenges of the job, so it's good to read about positive practices. Also, all the postings related to local systems are significant, because it could have an effect on you. All of the postings about the Georgia Legislature definitely affect me as a mother and a practitioner in a primary school. Other posts I enjoyed were interactive or visually stimulating posts, such as the podcasts, interviews, and surveys. It's always fun to do surveys and to have audio elements added to posts. Overall, this has been an awesome experience expanding my knowledge on the benefits of PE and discussing them with my colleagues.

P.E. Central

As Lori posted, Kathy Schrock's Guide has a page full of links for teachers, parents and kids. One that relates to our topic of physical education is http://www.pecentral.org/.

"Welcome to the premier Web site for health and physical education teachers, parents, and students. Our goal is to provide the latest information about developmentally appropriate physical education programs for children and youth. To combat the high obesity rate, we offer motivational kids fitness programs (e.g., Log It, Get Active Stay Active) where students log their physical activity and/or pedometer steps. We have over 1500 published lesson ideas for you to view. We encourage you to share your lesson ideas which are reviewed by our editorial team. Additional information about who we are and our awards are available. Please contact us if you have questions."

P.E. Central: The Premier Web site for Health and Physical Education (2008). Retrieved from http://www.pecentral.org/ 4/13/2008.

Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educators-Health, P.E., and Fitness

This page has links to other sites that give information on topics such as teachning and coaching a variety of sports, nutrition, and even health and fitness-related lesson plans.

http://school.discoveryeducation.com/schrockguide/health/fitness.html

Significant Postings from the Blogging Experience

Significant postings from my blogging experience include all the posts that reiterate that while competitive sports are not for all students, all students need to participate in some activity, whether tennis or running or dancing or swimming. This is especially appropriate for middle school children who are going through stages of development and a search for identity. I am thinking of the posts Tunnel Vision is Harmful and Co-Curricular Physical Activity and Sport Programs for Middle School Students. These articles remind me of my own experiences as an elementary, junior high and high school student, as not being the most athletic person in the class. I did enjoy certain activities, however, like running and playing tennis against the gym wall after school. Not every child is able to excell, for one reason or another, in competitive sports. They should not be ridiculed or shunned by their teachers or peers, as so many have been. This negative attitude can carry on throughout life and prevent students from developing enjoyable and beneficial physical activities. I have also been affected by the posts about running (Kids Running and Reading and Running). Anyone can walk fast, at least, and most children DO run. These articles offer practical solutions to helping kids be active.

Insights About Myself Given This Blogging Experience

This is my first time participating in blogging. The more I blog the more comfortable I have become with the pratice. I have learned that it's not easy for me to express myself in writing. I am overcoming my phobia and becoming more comfortable using the computer. I am enjoying blogging so much that I am going to start another blog about my other interest. This is a wonderful way to share information and get feedback from others. Also, I found out that I am way behind when it comes to utilizing technology to enhance my profession.

Insights About Myself Given this Blogging Experience

This blogging experience has given me several insights about myself. The first is that I have enjoyed focusing on a topic outside my usual realm and learning about it. This happened because of the nature of our blog group: a Physical Education major opened the door to this topic. It shows that people can always be open to learn no matter what their interests are. In school, we will expect our students to expand, and we must also expand. That is what blogging has helped me to do.

The second insight about myself I have gained from this blogging experience is that it takes effort to say something worthwhile. Opinions need to be backed up by meaningful sources to have real value. This requires searching and thinking things through and documenting-- activities which take time and attention to detail. I know this is a beneficial exercise, but it is not always easy to accomplish: it is easier just to state opinions.

The third insight I have gained is that there is so much to learn from other people. I am impressed by the posts of other bloggers in our class and those associated with our classmates. It is interesting to be part of such a diverse learning community. I think blogging helps me to be a more well-rounded person.

Kids Running

Carol Goodrow is the creator of KidsRunning.com. It is a website with information about running and ideas to use in classrooms, clubs and for personal fun. Some topics include:

• Keeping kids fit. . .Mom and Dad's job?


• Warning signs of unhealthy sports


• The school-sponsored fun run


• Junk food: things you can do at home and at school


• Ten ways exercise helps you focus in class

This website has a lot of good information for children, parents and teachers about physical fitness for kids. Carol Goodrow has written several books about helping children learn how to be healthy. There are also free printable bookmarks and other kid-friendly items. Carol believes running and literacy go together. I really like this website!

Carol Goodrow (2004). KidsRunning.com, retrieved 4/7/2008 from http://kidsrunning.com

Reading and Running

Here is another integration of reading and running. . .

Vigorous Exercise Can Lead to Academic Gains: Running’ to America’s Bays

"The running program at Fairhope Elementary School in Fairhope, Alabama, works in conjunction with the school’s reading program. Called "Running and Reading Across America ... One Bay at a Time," students run, jog, or walk laps around a ¼-mile track during their physical education classes. Laps are logged for each student, and a total is calculated for each student, class, and the entire school.
In collaboration with the media specialist, school staff members choose specific bays across America to "run" to. The library highlights books about that particular bay or area of the United States. The trip around the U.S. begins at Mobile Bay and students move from bay to bay, all the way around the coastline, until returning to Mobile Bay. A large map of the United States is hung in the lobby, and, as the school logs miles, the miles are graphed on the map.
Students who reach the ten-mile mark receive a foot sticker that is displayed on their photo card in the school lobby, and a bead in the shape of a foot to tie onto a shoelace. For each additional 10 miles, students earn an additional foot sticker. As a class reaches the 50-mile mark collectively, a large foot is displayed in the hallway near their room, and they receive another foot for each additional 50 miles."
Running and Reading One Bay at a Time , Fit to be Taught, Vol. 32. Education World® Copyright © 2008 Education World, retrieved 4/5/2008, http://www.educationworld.com/a_issues/fittobetaught/fittobetaught032.shtml

Applications of Blogs to my Practice

I have heard alot about blogs, but I have never participated in the practice before. I believe this is a wonderful experience. This is the first time that I am blogging. It is a very interesting way to share information. I have learned a lot from the articles that the others contributed. The comments made by others were very insightful. I am looking forward to participating in more blogging with my friends and colleagues. I am still learning how to operate all the tools that are available. I am going to create a blog for my Health classes. Also, I will use blogs to communicate with parents. The parents will be able to find out what topics students are learning in class. I will use this tool to share ideas and discuss issues that are important to Physical Education.

Insights About Myself Given This Blogging Experience

I find this question difficult to answer, because I can't think of any insights about myself that were gained during this experience. I already knew that I was a hands-on learner, and the more practice I have blogging, the more comfortable I woud become. I have learned more about the blog topic PE for Learning, than I have learned about myself. If I think of anything...I will revisit this comment.

Applications of Blogs to My Practice:

As a library media specialist I would use blogs to have students review books, teachers discuss professional development, to organize school newsletters or newspapers, and for discussing research topics or authors. I'm sure there are 100 more ways that I can use blogs as a media specialist, but I can't think of them all. However, I look forward to setting them up and encouraging my students and teachers to use them.

Richard Simmons and NCLB?

Richard Simmons argues that NCLB is incomplete without required P.E. in schools. He says , "Carve out real time in school for physical activity. The FIT Kids Act sets a goal of 150 minutes/week in elementary school and 225 minutes/week in high school. Enlist Certified Aerobic instructors to help P.E. teachers offer excellent physical education. Ensure that P.E. classes include warm up, cardio, strength training and stretching. Just hitting a ball or running around a field won't cut it anymore. Get kids moving to the music they love" (Richard Simmons, 2008).
Read a post by Claus von Zastrow (March 27, 2008) in Public School Insights: What is working in our public schools. Listen to portions of his interview with Richard Simmons.

"Kids Aren't Well-Rounded, They're Just Rounded." An Exclusive Interview with Richard Simmons. . Retrieved 4/2/2008 from http://www.publicschoolinsights.org/?storyId=19340

Applications of Blogs to My Practice

Blogs are an important part of my practice as a future middle school teacher. My subjects will be language arts and social studies, and I believe blogs are a great way to communicate my views on books, history and current events, and receive feedback from students and other teachers. Blogs will also be a great way for students to publish their writings and thoughts. Blogs can also cross cultures to join students together from other countries. Blogs are a way of expanding one's knowledge and learning in a community. As a teacher, I will strive to create viable learning communities, and blogs are an essential tool to meet this purpose.

Adding Swimmimg to PE Shows More Than Physical Benefits

NPR podcast supports Phys Ed for Learning

An August 31st 2006 edition of NPR reports that research supports increase in physical activity strengthens academic success. You can listen to the entire radio broadcast by clicking here.

Tunnel Vision is Harmful

I was interested to see that in some cases physical activity helps academic achievement. However, from my viewpoint there are more important reasons to keep physical activity in all grade levels.

There is a history of depression and suicide in my family, so I have done much reading on the subject. Regarding physical activity, one thing is clear: it is instrumental in emotional well-being. Because of our increasingly competitive and stressful world, the importance of physical activity as a mental health "vitamin" trumps its importance to academics. This is especially important in the pre-teen and teen years when children's hormones are kicking in and peer pressure increases to fit in a certain category (jock, prep, goth, emo, gangsta, etc.). Exercise can be a route to peak mental health and, therefore, high self esteem. In that regard, it can also affect academics because who can perform well academically if he/she is feeling depressed? This is especially important for overweight or obese kids who already suffer from low self esteem and lack of physical activity. In fact, it could be that the reason some children perform better academically is that they feel better emotionally. Either way and from any perspective, it is important to incorporate non-competitive physical activity at all grade levels and to impress upon our youth that exercise is a life-long need which, once fulfilled, will help them in all aspects of their lives.

Podcast Video about Using Audacity

Cheryl has posted a video on how to use Audacity to create a podcast in her post, What Happens When You Don't Pass the GHSGT? I have viewed this video: it helped me to understand the Audacity application better and how we can use it to create video learning tools.

Co-Curricular Physical Activity and Sport Programs for Middle School Students

The National Middle School Association has published an article about interscholastic sports versus intramural sports activities in Middle School. Because of the developmental aspect of this age-group (11-14), highly competitive sports programs are not recommended. Instead, activities that offer opportunities for the physical participation of all students--not just the most athletic--are encouraged. In spite of the benefits of children being involved in sports, some experts warn against potential dangers. It all depends on the motivation of the program's leaders--whether or not they have the best interests of the students as their goal.
I agree that the sports program should first benefit the students and not be for the purpose of gaining recognition for the school. I think all students should be able to find an activity they can participate in and have fun, not just to compete. This is especially important in middle school, where students are developing at different rates.

The National Association for Sport and Physical Education's (NASPE) Middle and Secondary School Physical Education Council (MASSPEC) at www.aahperd.org/naspe, National Middle School Association (2008), retrieved from www.nmsa.org/AboutNMSA/PositionStatements/SportPrograms/tabid/292/Default.aspx 3/18/2008.

Weighty Matters

This is a great blog by a Canadian doctor. It addresses childhood obesity and nutrition in a humorous way, such as how many calories you can burn playing video games.

http://bmimedical.blogspot.com/

What Happens When You Don't Pass The GHSGT?: Learning Math Using the Pod Cast

What Happens When You Don't Pass The GHSGT?: Learning Math Using the Pod Cast

Increasing PE Time Associated With Improved Academic Performance

Richard Bailey in his study, Physical Education and Sports in Schools: A Review of Benefits and Outcomes concludes that "overall, the available research evidence suggests that increased levels of physical activity in school—such as through increasing the amount of time dedicated to PE—does not interfere with pupils’ achievement in other subjects (although the time available for these subjects is consequently reduced) and in many instances is associated with improved academic performance."



Bailey, Richard. (2006).Physical education and sport in schools: A review of benefits and outcomes. The Journal of School Health, 76,(8), 397 -401. Retrieved March 16, 2008, from EBSCOhost database from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=mnh&AN=16978162&site=ehost-live.

Study Shows Vigorous Activity Linked to Good Grades

The American College of Sports Medicine performed a study on 214 middle school students. The students were randomly assigned to a PE Course in the first or second semester. There was a marked improvement in grades among the most active students. The study recommended PE classes include at least 20 minutes of vigorous activity three times a week. The study's lead author said physical education and activity during the school day may reduce boredom and help keep kids attention in the classroom. The study included activities such as soccer, football, and basketball.

Academic Achievement Higher Among Most Active Kids - Vigorous Physical Activity Linked To Better Grades. American College of Sports Medicine: Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 10 August 2006: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. 14 March 2008 <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/49250.php>

Georgia's Resolution for Fitness

The Georgia General Assembly (2003) has recommended that schools provide 30 minutes of physical activity a day for children in grades K-8. The rationale behind this recommendation is that children who are unfit face health and psychological problems that could cause "an enormous financial burden on Georgia as significant medical and financial resources are expended in treating overweight youth and adults."

Reps. Buckner and Harbin. House Resolution 968. Georgia General Assembly 2003-2004,
retrieved 3/13/2008 http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2003_04/fulltext/hr968.htm

PE4Life

Newsweek reporter Susan Brink (2006) expressed it well when she said, "PE4life is for any kid who has been picked last, consigned to right field, or left dangling half-way up the climbing rope. The idea is to get away from the jock culture—the fastest, strongest, and most athletic—and instead start all kids on the road to lifelong fitness."
The Titusville School District considered children's health important enough to invest $30,000 in the middle school PE program. This initial funding allowed the program to finance equipment for a new Wellness Center.

Please read this NMSA article about physical fitness in middle school.

McCord, T. and Rhonda Wagonseller (2006 August). PE4Life gets kids moving every day. Middle Ground: The magazine of middle level education, 10, Retrieved 3/13/2008, from http://www.nmsa.org/Publications/MiddleGround/Articles/August2006/Article18/tabid/845/Default.aspx

Georgia Adults 14th Most Obese in Country; Youth 12th Most Overweight

"There has been a breakthrough in terms of drawing attention to the obesity epidemic. Now, we need a breakthrough in terms of policies and results," said Jeff Levi, PhD, Executive Director of TFAH. "Poor nutrition and physical inactivity are robbing America of our health and productivity."


Retrieved on 3/13/08. View full report http://healthyamericans.org/reports/obesity2007/release.php?StateID=GA

GA Wants to Mandate Obesity Testing in Schools

While physical education is important and imperative in schools to help kids maintain healthy minds and bodies, GA may be taking it a step too far by mandating obesity testing.

Read this article in the Gainesville Times: http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/news/article/3953/

Mandatory P.E.

"It is imperative for our students to understand that learning takes many forms and along with the academic we must also teach the benefits of physical well-being" (Barbour, 2006).

I wholeheartedly agree with Gov. Barbour. There are many things to learn and learning takes many forms. Real learning occurs in different contexts and affects different venues--mental, emotional, social, and physical. In fact, real learning must take place in all these areas to be lasting and effective.
Physical Education involves children in mental, emotional, and social learning, as well as physical. Planning game strategies, enjoying the activity, interacting with teammates, learning good sportsmanship, and feeling good about oneself are all important areas of learning that are involved in Physical Education.

Barbour, Haley (2006). Mississippi governor calls for mandatory P.E. in grades K-8. The Clarion Ledger 10/3/2006. The District Administration, retrieved 3/12/2008 http://www.districtadministration.com/newssummary.aspx?news=yes&postid=17358

Wellness Workshop Project

Stacy Andell (2008) has written an informative article about the beginning of the "Wellness" Workshops program in the Atlanta school system. The goal of this project is to address students' overall health through nutrition and exercise workshops and activities. Several highly-qualified speakers were present, including Dr. Yvonne Butler (2005), author of Healthy Kids, Smart Kids, and Olympic ahtlete Gail Severs. The Wings of Eagles dance troupe performed, showing students the benefit of being healthy and energetic. This is a great way to focus attention on the connection between physical well-being and better learning in school.

Andell, Stacy (2008). Atlanta Schools "Wellness" Workshops Project, retrieved 3/13/2008 http://www.buzzle.com/articles/atlanta-schools-wellness-workshops-project.html