SCOOTER GAMES
ISBN: 073606527X
ISBN-13: 9780736065276
Description: Paperback, 191pp, published October 2009
Author: Tony L. Larson

Short Description (Human Kinetics)
Scooter Games offers 100-plus creative and challenging games for kids to learn cooperative play, teamwork, problem solving, and sportsmanship while enjoying a fun physical activity. Includes interdisciplinary activities. These games provide a refreshing break from the SOS (same old stuff) they’ve grown accustomed to.

Reviewer: Jacob Bersin

I remember when I was in elementary school - we only used scooters for relay races.

After reading this book, you will find so many creative ways to use scooters in your program. This book is an excellent resource for the elementary physical education teacher looking to “spice” up his or her program. Chapters 1, 2, and 3 give a rationale for the use of scooters in the gym. The authors explain the physical, social, and cognitive skills that can be “nourished” when children are engaged in scooter games.

In the beginning of the book there is a section called game finder, which explains the title of the game, equipment needed, and type of game. At the end of book are a variety of reproducible assessment tools that the teacher can use to compliment the games. I really appreciated the fact that the authors described the purpose for the games at the beginning of each chapter. This made the games much more meaningful. Having a purpose for what we teach is an important element of student learning.

Chapters 4-9 delve into specific types of scooter games. The author explains games to develop the student’s familiarity with the scooter, as well as a variety of interesting cooperative scooter games. The book also describes how scooters can be utilized in tag and relay activities. There is even a section on developing team games.

The games in this book are “unique” and were developed with a specific purpose in mind. The visuals and diagrams in the book are excellent as they are easy to understand. In addition, most of the diagrams portray real students in the picture actually playing the game! If you happen to have scooters collecting dust in the closet, now is the time to utilize them. I highly recommend this book to any physical educator and give it five stars.