| Author |
Message |
Florence A. Evans
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 - 9:18 am: |       |
This past school year, I attended a workshop for area physical educators. One of my former college professors presented one of the sessions on "Getting the Most Out of Tumbling Mats." He found the information in a text book for middle school physical education. I tried some of the simpler ideas with my elementary physical education classes (K-4). They thoughly enjoyed the team and cooperative aspects of the unit. Using the mats that fold up and scooter boards, dividing the classes into "teams," they were given the assignment of moving their "boats" across the gym floor in the most efficient manner. Whatever a team suggested all the teams had to try. Some suggested "everyone use their hands," or "everyone use feet only," and even some suggested folding the mats up like a canoe. A great unit on cooperation, teamwork, problem solving, critical thinking and gross motor movement. All my students, including my special needs children, experienced a certain level of accomplishment and success. Isn't that what we are all about? There are many more possibilities that could be presented on a middle and secondary level utilizing the tumbling mats. I would like to hear of some other cooperative lessons/units that have worked for other physical educators.
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Derek Bailey (Bails)
Junior Member
Username: Bails
Post Number: 2
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Friday, February 03, 2006 - 12:12 am: | |
I have done similar lessons with groups using anything from a mat to three hula hoops, benches etc. They are told that they have to work together to cross the 'river' in the middle of the gym without falling in. They must keep their feet off the floor by stepping onto the benches, hoops or whatever you allow them to use.
The MOST important thing is the safety of everyone in their group. The second most important thing of course, is to get across before the other team!
It is great to split the group into boys and girls and watch how the boys tend to blunder into things, shouting and following the boys who shouts the loudest - where the girls tend to take a much more measured approach and are usually slower but more 'responsible' for the groups safety. Great fun! I have even given them a story line, like it is a journey...they begin with easy tasks and it gets harder. I have finished up with the group having to 'carry' or transport a wounded member of the group - who cannot move and must be carried across the river.
Cool!!! |
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