Survivor PE Style was developed as an intense and fun way for children to take on responsibilities, and learn important character traits while competing in an extended game similar to the popular TV series "Survivor." The author also wanted the students be motivated to participate in activity, look forward to Physical Education class, and improve their fitness. The program was designed for elementary school children, but the structure could easily be adapted to any age and other settings such as day camps. The outline was designed for ½ hour physical education classes once a week for eight weeks, but again the structure allows flexibility in sessions and length of program. The program also allows integration with other subjects, such as using science or math knowledge for the mental challenges. Survivor PE Style is an easily read book; full of ideas, diagrams and photos.

The book is divided into three sections. Section One is "Getting Started on a New and Exciting Program," which outlines the mental, physical, strength challenges, the cardio walking activity, and a schedule of the seven week program. Section Two entitled "The Actual Experiences of the PHS Survivor Adventure" documents how the Peninsula Heritage School Grade students experienced the program (43 grade four and five students). There are many photos of excited children participating in the activities. This section covers how the program was started, how the banners were made and tribes formed, each week's events, and final results with tribe member's comments. The comments from the author and the students throughout this section allow the reader to feel the excitement. The third section "Summer Survivor Adventure" outlines how the same framework can be successfully used in the weeklong summer camp setting with younger children.

Character building and improvement of social skills is at the heart of this program. The author mentions that bonding as a team carried over for the participants from the physical education class into the rest of the day. The teacher is the critical person in the physical education class for modeling and teaching of social skills. It is evident from the author's narrative of teaching the Survivor PE Style program, that her years of teaching and interest in developing students with positive social behavior allows her to be a catalyst for change in her students' lives.

I have a few reservations about some activities relating to safety and inclusion. Several photos and references to the wheelbarrow race show the carrier holding onto the wheel barrow's ankles. To prevent swaying backs and spine compression, holding at the knees is recommended. Secondly, though elimination is a part of the Survivor game, activities where participants are sitting out, or are inactive for long periods of time should be avoided. Elimination activities examples may include Dodgeball Dungeon and Scorpion Arms, depending on the student's abilities and the teacher's wisdom. While cheering on your tribe is encouraged once a student is eliminated, perhaps a secondary challenging and fun activity might keep the activity level high for everyone.

The Survivor theme is a novel idea for a physical education program, and works to keep the students motivated in physical education class. I would recommend this book for the elementary specialists, classroom teachers, and recreation leaders who wish to incorporate social skill development, character building, competition, and physical activity in a fun, challenging and flexible program.

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