Woodstock or Woodcock

The first thing to look at is the movie itself. It is meant to either bring
controversy or millions of dollars in revenue. The actors are prime time
with many accolades from past performances. Now , why can't PE be perceived
the same way.That is , what are our past performances? Will thousands of
students come in droves to "watch" our PE class ? What was presented? Was
there an exemplary DIRECTOR (PE teacher) ? Was there an exemplary EDITOR (
developmentally appropriate lessons) ? Was there a PRODUCER , who could
develop an interesting movie(class) so the students would beg for more and
can't wait for the next MOVIE(class).
In my case , all I could remember was paddle ball , a Marine Fitness Test
and throwing things at people.(tennis balls). At that point , I didn't mind
because I was swift of foot and hid behind all the obese students( not
really). Most of us walked to school or between buildings in the snow , in
the rain and any inclement weather. There were NO law suits because we got
wet or the conditions were sub par. We just went through the paces . When we
had to talk to somebody we did and that was without the ubiquitous cell
phone .
Yes, times have changed , but unfortunately , the way "gym" class is
perceived has been better , but the sins of the past still lurk over us. I
can feel and see the difference the moment I retired . The leadership has
waned terribly, in fact , in one short year , there are no more special
programs( Gym Show and Junior Olympics), no more staff meetings , and no
more school subject that has fallen by the way side in respect. As mentioned
in the past Woodcock message , "the same people are doing most of the work ,
a small group ." There are heaps of us from the listserv, but even more who
are picking up paychecks for doing absolutely nothing . Whether it be the
emphasis on testing , large classes , leadership or the occasional movie
(Dodgeball) , the bottom line is public relations from within . And that
means results . What will the teachers of today prove that we belong in the
same breath as the core subjects or at least , a different attitude of what
we teach is as important as anything else.
Yes, Woodcock will bring the movie-goers a good chuckle. Susan Sarandon and
Billy Bob will act their way through a drab movie . But amidst the popcorn ,
juju-bees, Raisenettes , licorice , cheeseburger , M&M's ,will be a diet
Coke( that cracks me up) will be a BELLY laugh . The trailer for the movie
is probably the best part of the celluloid cunundrum. Throw in some sexual
innuendoes and you have the perfect movie . It's only a movie and far beyond
the ratings, we must then invite teachers , school board , Principal
parents ,etc. to see what really goes on in P.E. class. Woodstock changed a
whole genre of thinking .Why can't we make our own movie ? It will be on
display everyday in our classes. I can remember inviting the Principal into
my classes at any time of day.It became apparent that something different
and special was taking place. In fact , it was so moot , that when she
evaluated my class( 2 times a semester),she stayed for only 15 minutes. From
there, the word was spread to other administrators. The teachers knew I was
using part of their units as integration, the parents knew I volunteered for
everything , the school board knew what (we) did was important.The students
performed for them at their meetings. The community knew when they went to
the annual Gym Show . The newspaper subscribers knew when they saw us on the
front page of the local paper. The students knew ,too. I saw it in their
eyes , felt it in their body language and most importantly , I heard it in
their voices," Do we have to leave now , can we stay here all day." The
credits roll by and a heap of names are mentioned , but the story doesn't
end here , please look for the sequel , it's all about YOU . Who will be the
next Cecil B. DeMille?
Gerry Cernicky
http://igreen.tripod.com/gerpe

WEBPAGE RESOURCES

Check out new lead up games , content objectives and rubrics that are now found at my webpage for resources and ideas:
http://igreen.tripod.com/gerpe

SURVIVAL TIPS

• Volunteer for everything
• Learning never stops
• Conventions, conferences,in-services
• Scour the Internet for best practices and teacher websites
• Be visible
• Be organized and plan exemplary lessons
• Developmentally appropriate activities
• Seize every opportunity to ensure a healthy lifestyle
• Adapt
• Enthusiasm , creativity, imagination
• Integrate
• Be technologically sound

P.E. RESOURCES

Here are some activities and resources that can be used at all grade levels and adapted to each classes ability. Introduce lead up team sport games in rugby , Kin Ball , speedball, geocaching,Tchoukball, and Smart Board technologies(http://www.smarttech.com ). To get total involvement include DDR , Virutal Cycling , Eye Toy , Smart Wall, Makato and games that are inherent with Play Station. It is imperative that you keep up to date on all technological advances to give the students a chance to keep up with the global community.

ZOHO WRITER

Check out this alternative to Microsoft Office .It is a great way to use as a processor , Excel
program for spread sheets and power point presentations. It is ease to use and the programs can be saved to pdf , published or remote sharing:
http://www.zoho.com

SIZE DOES MATTER

Any time you want to involve the class in activities that are more meaningful and guarantees maximum participation,then arrange them in small sided games/activities.This means that it can be one on one or up to six on six. Also, divide the area with traffic cones to ensure safety and more touch time. As an example in a volleyball game attach two more nets at the center to have two games at once or by using simple "police" tape you can have 10 games at once. That is, two students hold the tape at varying angles and play two on two. OR divide the area into three cones off areas for a wiffleball game,which will be five on five game with adapted rules.
In practice time, it is recommended that you have at least one ball between two people or bettter yet,one ball for one person .

MORE CLASS MANAGEMENT

Use Hellison's Model of Social Responsibility to keep track of the classes behavior.Make a task sheet/board on the bulletin board that pertains to the four levels.As an example(LEVEL 1) is stays on task , follows directions, respects others, helps others. On the other end of the task is(LEVEL4), which is always off task, doesn't listen, bothers others,shows little or no respect.Each week ,post the levels and chose a class of the month that best maintains (LEVEL 1). Each class gets a certificate and their class photo posted for on the bulletin board.

CLASS MANAGEMENT

Try this tip /technique to settle petty arguments like "who was there first" at the door to lineup.Engage the culprits in a game of ROCK,PAPER,SCISSORS. That should finalize the problem and add a positive no frill solution. If not, put them in the Mayan "Temple of Doom"

CLIPBOARD ORGANIZER

If you need a more organized clipboard that will maintain up to 100 clips,then try this new concept to save images and text with an easily edited clipboard.Click on over to http://www.101Clips.com . There you can also change the colors and size of text.Also, you will see the saved clips in an Excel =type menu .

WEBPAGE/PODCAST

If you want an easier way to obtain the podcasts,then check out two avenues
that will take you to the same place.You may click on the icon at my homepage:
http://igreen.tripod.com/gerpe or you can access the Talkshoe link at:
http://www.talkshoe.com/ and then browse the left pane and find the Health
link directory.Look for my picture and PE TALK.
In each case, this will direct you to information about technology,fitness,
nutrition , health and brain gym topics along with tips and techniques for
teachers at all levels.

SONY READER

Want a better way to read books , then try the Sony Reader.It can be used to download ebooks, store files(word,pdf) and music.It comes with the Connect reader to help with organization.There is a slot for a memory stick or SD card.
For more information check out the website at:
http://www.sony101.com

SITE ADVISOR

Try this new plug in that sits on your toolbar to advise you which Internet sites are safe.It will warn you by colors(gree,red,yellow) and direct you to comments about the site.
http://www.siteadvisor.com

AUDACITY

Here is a great software prgram that you can use to make your own podcasts.It is easily edited and the directions are clear and concise.Here you can export files to MP3 format with one easy click.
http://www.sourceforge.net

Podcast/Education News

Please check my podcasts that are delivered each week and can either be downloaded or listened to in real time.
Included are teaching techniques and resources to direct you to establish a viable way to enrich the learning process.
http://www.talkshoe.com