Warm-Up Variations! Debbie, Physical Education Teacher: Ogdenburg, NY

"Instead of having students run a specific number of warm up laps, have them select a song for the week. Then have the students jog to the song. For the second quarter of school, have the students select 2 songs to jog to. Continue to increase the number of songs and jogging time for the remaining quarters."

Group Selection for Students Lousie, Physical Education Teacher-Middle School

"Try this method to include students when selecting partners for groups. Allow students the option of getting into groups of 2 or 3. This helps eliminate any student from being left out. Also, some students work better with 2 group members to assist them!"

Know Your Students by Name Jean Marie, K-12 PE Teacher: Burlington, VT

"Many PE teachers have over 300 students in a given school year if not more. I have found an easy way to know the names of my students. One of the first classes is devoted to having students write their name (with very large print) on a 5x7 index card. Some times I let them design the card with their own insignia. I then laminate the cards and affix a "safety" pin on the back. Students are expected to wear their name tags for the first several months until I get to know all of them by name. If there are activities that require precautionary measures for safety, I ask that the students remove the tags and set them aside. Other options include having the students design their own tee shirts using indelible ink."

Assessing Students Capabilities Chris, Primary Grade PE Teacher: Peoria, Illinois

"Have a checklist that lists criteria that assesses basic capabilities of younger school children. The checklist should include skill levels, both cognitive and psychomotor; social abilities for the purpose of grouping or teaming; and prior exposure to the games that you will be using to develop skills in your students."

Agility Training Lisa, 4-6th Grade PE Teacher: Athens, Tennessee

"Agility training is great for challenging intermediate grade students as well as developing problem solving skills. Set up the gymnasium as an "obstacle course." Use a variety of materials that will challenge students to make decisions about how they will overcome the obstacles. You can use old tires that have been thoroughly cleaned, plastic bars, hoola hoops, stations that require a set of movements (i.e., sit-ups, jumps, etc.) or anything that will create an obstacle that has to be overcome. Make sure that the skills required are commensurate with the ability levels of your students and that are "safe and appropriate."