Gerry Cernicky

The fall is a great time to engage in a myriad of activities that not only include your students, but also the entire family unit. This can consist of outdoor adventures, or remain in the confines of a well prepared gymnasium. In all instances, the first order of business is to ensure that safety standards have been addressed. Use a safety checklist of the equipment, and be aware of all the outside areas to prevent injury from unsafe objects. This will include a thorough understanding of all outdoor adventure activities that are sponsored by city, county, and state organizations.

It is valuable to include motivation as a principle reason to reach not only those students who are already self-motivated, but to reach and connect with those who need to understand why physical education is not only for the physically fit. This can happen in many ways such as a fitness calendar, or by providing intrinsic motivation to complement and answer the question of why the activities are important. These students may keep a daily blog or engage in the new Twitter phenomenon. A significant detail is that they will keep track of their own personal fitness regimen. Improvements on a previous performance serve to motivate them to succeed at their highest levels.

From the early stages of the elementary grades, fall activities can be incorporated with the seasonal changes. For example, in an activity called Falling Leaves, the students attempt to catch leaves before they fall to the ground. They then repeat the procedure to improve on a previous performance. Another idea is to participate in a game called Shadows. In this activity, the students attempt to step on as many shadows (created by the sun) during a designated time limit as possible. They can repeat the activity to improve a previous performance. By using environmental factors, it not only becomes an integrative activity, but it also adds a component of fun.

Youth programs provide recreation that is both educational and fun. The activities range from kayaking to geocaching hikes, cruser biking, fishing, climbing wall, and a combination of two adventures that includes gear, itinerary, and guides. This allows the students to learn about problem solving, self-esteem, and teamwork with others. Other activities of interest include scavenger hunts and orienteering. All of these are a culminating experience that promote an active and healthy lifestyle. This will also allow for the opportunity to explore pedometers, compasses, or GPS units.

At the secondary level, the students can be motivated to participate in the annual sports season at their respective schools. This can be accomplished by utilizing college or pro level sports. There is a lot of city and state pride for team’s games, which creates a unique opportunity for individuals to participate in lead up, cooperative, and international games by combining the skills into modified games and activities. For example, by combining the skills of football, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and baseball, the game of speedball has created a unique variation. Include rip flag rugby, Tchoukball, and Sepak Takraw to motivate students for game action. This will incorporate creativity, new challenges, more individual opportunities, and leadership in a motivational atmosphere.

The environment and outdoor adventure pursuits are a vital component, not only for fitness and fun; they will also provide a new and different avenue for trying out activities provided by local and state agencies. The entire family can participate in biking and hiking through nature preserves and state parks. Watercraft activities, such as kayaking and canoeing, are reasonably priced. Another important feature of outdoor activities involves participating in the available walks and runs sponsored by various charities.

Here are some examples from my area in western Pennsylvania that will serve as additional motivational ideas that include both students and the family. Most of this information can be found in local newspapers, brochures, YMCAs, local and state parks, magazines and Internet searches. By joining Venture Outdoors, you can be involved in hiking, biking, and water activities, along with a plethora of family activities. City parks play an important role in offering activities. Especially during the fall season, there are many different activities in which all students and family members can participate. In many cases, there are activities to explore that extend beyond the immediate area.

Another venue, Ohiopyle State Park, will enhance an interest in hiking, biking, horseback riding, and watersports for all levels of experience. The fall season is such a great time to engage in new activities, especially the ones you never thought existed. Recently, the city of Pittsburgh not only hosted the G-20 Summit, but also an annual incentive and motivation for thousands of runners and walkers called THE GREAT RACE. During the first week of October, there is a charity walk for Alzheimer’s, and it includes a free trip to the zoo for all participants. Surely, this is a motivational incentive to not only support charities, but also to help individuals commit to a lifetime of fitness.

Clearly, there will be days of inclement weather, and plans should be formulated to change a lesson plan; this can be accomplished by using variations and by quickly adapting to the situation. This is when modifications will take effect in the previously mentioned games. Sometimes, it will require combining skills into a new or makeshift game while adapting the rules, changing the equipment and space, and introducing strategy. This is the perfect opportunity in which to use the students as their own officials/umpires while practicing leadership skills.

As seasons draw to a close, the change brings forth interest and motivation for school spirit and individual pursuits. These can be carried over to a fitness calendar that encourages the students to watch, report, and be part of the school. (Examples are provided in the calendar that accompanies this article.)

The fall activities take many forms, but they can be made to include students at all levels, as well as their family members. From fitness calendars, outdoor adventures, and International games to individual blogs and Internet conferencing, students can always find a way to get motivated. It is our job to encourage and increase this motivation in any way we can. By being actual participants, we will provide the leadership needed to instill the motivation to participate.

addendum             ( it is episode #46 / PE Talk )

Gerry Cernicky
http://igreen.tripod.com/gerpe

(pelinks4u home)