“What’s the group game today?” That’s the question I keep hearing from my students as we walk out to recess. It’s Mrs. VanDyke’s day to lead the group game, and several students cheer when they hear that she is leading doctor tag. They run to join other third graders on the field, while my other students grab a soccer ball or head to the playground.
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APR
13
2011
Spring Is a Verb!
We should all take a cue from this season's name: spring up from our seats and get moving! Take a break outside or just stand up and do a quick energizer—it will…
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APR
01
2011
“Go Play!”
Our parents were right: Going out to play is good for children’s minds and bodies. But many children no longer spend much time playing outside. On the home front, they’re often engaged…
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FEB
16
2010
Energizers! Tips for Using Energizers
Last week, I encouraged you to work energizers—quick breaks that get children moving, breathing, and having fun together—into your classroom day. Energizers are great ways to get children refreshed and refocused on…
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FEB
01
2010
Recess Before Lunch
It's always affirming when studies corroborate behaviors that we already practice, or at least espouse.For example, on the personal front, I've been thrilled to see nutrition articles lately citing evidence that kale…
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JAN
13
2010
Cooperative Games for Younger Students
When I was a physical education teacher, I was always on the lookout for fun, cooperative games for my youngest students.
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AUG
01
2007
Breathing In and Breathing Out
Despite increasingly packed school schedules, one-size-fits-all curricula, and standardized testing, schools can reshape children's days in ways that help them learn, grow, and enjoy childhood.
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FEB
01
2002
Games Kids Love to Play
Do you remember the playground on a bright spring day, flinging off your coat in a mad dash for the monkey bars or choosing up teams for a fast game of dodgeball?…
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FEB
01
2001
The Middle of the Day
It's a cool, crisp, autumn morning as 100 second and third graders burst onto the playground for a much-needed break from the academic demands of the day. Some make a beeline to…
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