Hall of Shame Games...Can They Be Saved?

Recently in class we discussed The Hall of Shame in Physical Education, and why certain games are not appropriate for quality Physical Education programs. Just to name a few games; Duck Duck Goose, Kickball, Dodge ball, Tag, Red Rover, Musical Chairs, and Tag. Even though I have had a positive experience with all these games, it doesn't mean every kid has. In fact, I remember a lot of the same kids being out on the sidelines and grumbling about playing these games.

Why are these games Hall of Shame worthy you ask? Most of these games focus on eliminating players and targeting certain students. Overall, I think the biggest concern with these games is low participation. There is so much down time during some of these games, but I also feel that games like Dodge ball and Tag can be modified to be more effective in student interest and participation. A couple of weeks ago in my Adventure Activities class, we played a couple games that were similar to dodge ball with modifications. I volunteered to be a guinea pig with one of the games. I was supposed to run across the baseline without getting pegged by the dodge balls (which were not the classic red rubbery dodge balls) but softer ones, thankfully :) The game was called "Asteroids", if that's not intimidating. I was the target, and even though I am an extremely competitive person, I felt a little embarrassed. That's coming from me, a physical education major, and I can't imagine an insecure kid who isn't as developmentally coordinated as his classmates. It's so intimidating. After attempting to dodge all the balls flying at me, we talked about the importance of eliminating bullying in our classes. It was a good transition to discussing something like bullying, because it is such a huge problem in schools around America. As a physical education teacher, I want to create an atmosphere that revolves around respect. I will demand it from all my students. It won't even be a question. Hopefully I can encourage my students to value every one's differences and to be open to communicating with kids they wouldn't normally talk to. Wouldn't that be great?

With all that said, I think some of these Hall of Shame games could be effective developmentally with some modifications. Dodge ball contains keys loco motor skills and movements that are crucial to being a good mover. Normal dodge ball allows for a build-up of kids on the sideline doing nothing.