A brain-compatible learning text that deals with physical education and learning has been a long time coming to our field of education. The global trend in education is towards different techniques, or as I like to say, "tools" that teach children to be lifelong learners. PE-4-ME teaches lifelong health and fitness based on research and teaching experience.

This text takes a thematic approach that gives a solid base for fitness and health concepts that can be used for a lifetime. Blast off with a middle school and senior high school package of yearly and weekly themes that are dynamic and "make-it-happen" lesson plans. Creative classroom management "game plans" make homework and communications part of student learning and portfolio assessment. Innovative fitness activities that emphasize group success and cooperation are provided.

There are many printouts for the "Radical Wellness Book" which students add to, and grow with, throughout the year. Cathie has loads of printable and reproducible material. This is a practical tool to add to any physical educator's resource library. This useful resource promotes participation in physical activity, and has the user develop lifelong habits. Making the material relevant to each individual motivates the learner to continue and expand his/her knowledge on the subject. This is a truly practical "hands-on" approach, which is easily applicable to all students from kindergarten to high school.

This text is a good introduction to the connection between the learning research theory and actual physical education classes. Cathie's approach takes the theory and puts it literally in the "field". Here are numerous innovative ideas on what to do when you have no gym or classroom. Lack of facilities can be no excuse for not allowing students an opportunity to choose learning on their own. Here are 272 pages, half of which is research and program development, and the other half is reproducible handout material.

What a motivator! It is easily read, and especially enjoyable when Cathie's personal reflections and personality comes through the text. She is devoted to teaching children. The "Radical Wellness" theme is unique and amusing. This resource takes teachers and the New PE into the millennium on a solid basis of staff development and professional improvement. It is teacher friendly, loaded with the most current research information on fitness, and movement and brain-compatible learning. The use of themes and concepts has been used in Quebec and France for many years, Cathie's "Radical Wellness: Learning for the Brain and the Body" is outstanding. It taught me quickly to take the ancient body versus mind connection of physical education, and bring it into context to the 21st century.

There are a few reservations that I would foresee with this approach. The lack of technical support of computer programs for the cumbersome paper and record keeping tasks could discourage over burdened teachers from adopting this learning approach. Often students can be responsible for these tasks, and teachers can concentrate their efforts on the teaching methods to best deliver the classes.

Some students can adapt well to the modular or concept (theme) units, but accountability for the learning can be lost in the novelty of the activity with the less motivated students. Self discipline and motivation become the key factors to student success in such a flexible and open classroom setting. Also, I would prefer a larger sport concept and theme base, not just fitness/health.

The final concern deals with geographic and climatic settings. I question the long-term use of the outside in the four season Canadian climate that is so unpredictable. However, I give this text a rating of 4-5. PE-4-Me puts forth ideas that are exciting, adaptable, and an outstanding starting point to get physical education's importance recognized by students and society.

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