"Appropriate or NOT?" by Gerry Cernicky

Call me an old dog that has learned many new tricks these past three years which started with an interest in computers and the Internet. I always thought that my classes were effective, enjoyable and learning was taking place. Way back in the 1960's and 1970's there was some waiting in lines, less equipment being utilized per student and some assessment activities.

The 1990s brought us a brand new term - Developmentally Appropriate! This key word would hang on every lesson, assessment, equipment distribution and the GAME was a bad word. I felt all stressed out if my lessons didn't follow all the ideals and RULES of this intimidating word. I wasn't having fun anymore and I think that the students knew something was going to be different this year. They wanted to have FUN! They asked, " Why another test?" "When do we play the game?"

This is not to say that physical education should only be about fun but there comes a time when we should let our hair down and engage in activities that the students enjoy. Don't we want them to come back to our classes with a proper attitude? I think we should sell our programs with the thought that they want to be there so why not be creative and include activities that makes them beg for more.

Just today, I got a chance to go outside, in Pennsylvania, on December 9th (60 degrees). I marked off the cones away from the "mud" and decided this was going to be a special day for the 1st and second graders. My inside space is 20x20 in which I have to move 15 computers, 3 tables, 34 chairs, 5 bookcases and music equipment. Anyway, there was an activity called TRADES where one group had to guess mimics of "jobs" to act out. The other team had to guess it (skating or painting or mopping), then they switched. There was constant running except for the guessing. Next was ZOOKEEPER followed by MIRROR TAG. Of course, we started with exercise, rope jumping and RUN for FUN.

I must admit we had a great time. Was it developmentally appropriate? Probably not! But I will remember the smiles, gestures , hugs and that inner feeling of PEACE. The older students were assessed on basketball skills inside (30 degrees in the morning-brrr!) and a lead up bball game. Yes, it involved two games at once, lots of equipment and 100% touching the ball. The feeling wasn't the same like with the little ones. Maybe, I did do something right "in the olden days" because my 30-40 year old neighbors (ex-students) play volleyball in the summer, basketball in the winter and jog, bike and walk around our neighborhood.

Recently , I took a poll on PE CENTRAL about throwing objects at others. Reading this site and being a loyal listserv participant, I was shocked to see the number of PE teachers that think its still okay to throw something at another person. My vote was in the 9% range that never throws at students. To my surprise an overwhelming number thinks it's either okay or acceptable if soft objects are used.

Developmentally appropriate is a solid, concrete method but I think it's highly overrated. I know many educators will disagree but just take some time out for a day or two and feel the serenity of a job well done and the SMILE that will last a lifetime from a student(s) who thinks (we) are the best thing that ever happened to them. Who knows those same students will become future school board members and my wish is they will remember that experience come salary and program cut time!