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I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to physical
educators who teach this age-level. Although it is geared towards teachers
in a middle school it could also be used in districts that are still
in a "junior high" setting. I think it is a great presentation that
shows the uniqueness of this special age-group, and outlines their needs,
and a way to meet them in the Physical Education environment. Good information
is given about the special needs of this age-group, and stresses a different
curriculum for each grade: (6th) Learning Skills Through Cooperation,
(7th) Taking Acceptable Risks Through Problem Solving, and (8th) Working
as a Team to Develop Strategies for Success.
The appendix for recommended materials, resources, and readings offers
a wonderful amount of information that can be used. There are references
for dance, software, videos, and addresses for many resources that are
referred to throughout the book. There is also a reference for journals
and research to stay up-to-date. Also, there are interesting highlighted
"boxes" throughout. Examples are:
- Healthy People 2000 Physical Activity and Fitness Objectives from
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- Eight Characteristics of Quality Middle Schools from a report of
the Carnegie Council of Adolescent Development.
- Appropriate Practices for Middle School Physical Education from
the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE).
- Content Standards for Physical Education from the National Association
for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE)
Very professionally written, it combines up-to-date curriculum .information,
resources to use to add to our program, and activities appropriate for
each of the three grade levels. This book is one that I will keep close
at hand to refer to, yet I got much out of it by reading it all the way
through. Middle school is such a unique age level to teach. By using the
information that Bonnie Mohnsen provides, students will have an up-to-date
curriculum, and feel good about who they are.
Special topics included:
- Selecting instructional units for each age group
- Developing unit and lesson plans
- Assessing and grading students
- Incorporating technology
- Selecting teaching styles and strategies
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