Cup stacking has become commonplace in today's physical education nomenclature. Proponents make claims that cup stacking improves cognitive, affective, and psychomotor abilities. At physical education conferences, scores of professional physical educators eagerly watch cup stacking representatives construct and deconstruct a variety of pyramids…

This article describes strategies for implementing comic strips into physical education instruction and provides ideas on how to locate relevant materials. The author suggests that, rather than disregard comic strips as a silly form of artistic expression within the popular culture, physical education should consider embracing the medium as a way…

In this brief article, the author suggests some tips that can help teachers promote class activities by keeping parents informed on what is going on in class. Letters to the parents, monthly newsletters, and web pages are some of the methods described.

The purpose of this article is to summarize information presented in the prior articles into practical strategies physical educators can use when teaching children with autism. The authors divided the article into three areas: (1) structuring the environment; (2) accommodating communication challenges; and (3) preventing challenging behaviors.…

It's become commonplace for concerned physical educators and parents to reminisce about the good old days when children played outside. What receives less attention is that for many children, there is too little physical activity outside of physical education class. Too few schools provide daily physical education, and those that do, don't always…

In this article, the author provides some sample strategies and assessment examples for physical educators to distinguish what is being taught and what students are learning in class. Among other things, the author suggests to use instant activities such as, "Locomotor Trail" and "Jumping Rock, Paper, Scissors" for assessments or to use peer…

In this article, the author states that becoming a better physical education teacher can be challenging since it is the time for attending conferences, reading journals, and collaborating with colleagues. She added, that working at a summer camp for children provides a valuable way for physical education teachers not only to earn extra money…

The Margie R. Hanson Distinguished Service Award recognizes established professionals who have made outstanding contributions to the field of physical education for children. The 2005 recipient was Steve Sanders, former Senior Editor of "TEPE." This article contains the text of the speech Dr. Sanders made following an official NASPE awards…

The main purpose of this article is to share the author's observations of children's broader experiences in school as they relate to barriers to positive social development. In this article, the author enumerates the four barriers together with its barrier bluster to social development. Furthermore, the author states that a well-organized physical…

Children's fitness levels are decreasing at an alarming rate. The Centers for Disease Control has determined that approximately 33% of children do not regularly engage in vigorous physical activity (CDC, 2002). As a result, childhood obesity has increased 100% since 1980 in the United States due to physical inactivity (CDC, 2004). A well-planned…

In today's world of accountability and litigation, physical educators face an everyday battle of defending the merits of their programs. While strong professionals eagerly promote their programs, many issues continue to reflect negatively on physical education, thus putting a damper on the physical activity of children. "Stings," characteristic…

This article describes how quality physical education can promote lifelong physical activity. One strategy for motivating students to be active is to get parents involved. Of the many possible sources of social support for children, parents are the most powerful. And, this remains true regardless of the age. This article provides strategies and…

Having a theme-based field day is a great way to get away from doing the traditional track-and-field type events, such as the softball throw, 50 yard dash, and sack race, year after year. In a theme-based field day format all stations or events are planned around a particular theme. This allows the teacher to be creative while also adding…

In this article, the author relates how she intervened between two of her students who have fought during their swimming activity in one of her camping classes. Sarah, the student from Sudan and involved in the fight, had accused Monique of drowning her in the swimming pool. The author relates how she explained that what Monique had done was just…

In this article, the authors provide some practical actions, which physical education teachers can initiate to increase the activity levels of children by engaging them in fun physical activities outside of physical education class, that would help meet the guidelines developed by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE).…