MEDIA REVIEW

DYNAMIC PHYSICAL EDUCATION FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN, 16th edition

Target Audience/Purpose: Professional Physical Educators and Classroom Teachers

Author's purpose for book: To assist physical educators in inspiring students to live healthy, active lives as well as to enjoy physical fitness throughout their lifespan. Dynamic Physical Education (DPE) text was also written to help new teachers understand why they are teaching various skills and activities in the curriculum.

The sixteenth edition of Dynamic Physical Education for Elementary School Children (DPE) retains a strong emphasis on physical education for professional Physical Education teachers. This edition also maintains a strong emphasis on student skill development, physical activity participation, and physical fitness behaviors. This edition includes supplementary resources, an instructor resource manual and an instructor resource DVD (for helping pre-service and in-service teachers think, reflect, and improve on the act of teaching).

The new and exciting version of DPE is concise and easier to read and understand. The text is organized into two main sections: (a) Instruction and Program Implementation and (b) Teaching the Objectives of Physical Education. The first part addresses necessary knowledge to become an effective Physical Education teacher and part two is comprised of the instructional activities including (a) Introductory activities (b) Fitness activities (c) Lessons (d) Games and (e) Instructional diagrams.

Summary: The chapters are outlined in a very user friendly format which makes the textbook an easy read. For each chapter, the authors do a nice job of highlighting the essential components of a quantity of programs and NASPE standards as well as providing applications for the content. Pictures, graphics, and tables are vivid, inviting, and simple. Physical activities are broken down into the simplest form for teaching, which is useful for individuals new to this curricular model or reviewing this content knowledge.

In the second section of the textbook, the lesson plans/activities are also very detailed with diagrams, checklists, pictures, and hints for maximum understanding and transitions for teaching content to students. The authors give many examples and choices of activities to choose from as well as providing information on the playing area, players, supplies and skills need to meet lesson objectives. One of the most useful features of the book are the definitions in the back!

Strength/Limitations: Strengths: This book provides a great variety of evidence-based activities. The new layout of the book offers the information in a more concise and easier to understand format. In addition, the authors included the NASPE standards and the eight essential components of a quality program. Further, age and developmental appropriate assessments are included.

Limitations: One limitation may be a lack of specific training to implement specific assessment instruments provided.

Recommendation: DPE provides teachers with the necessary tools to focus on teaching and managing students. It is a great road map to increase success and confidence in teaching. This book is also great for districts or schools who do not have a defined curricular model.

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