Now Playing: Anybody who will listen?
FALL ACTIVITIES
The entire premise of fall activities is to get outside and just do something, whether it be
the neighborhood or any place that has proper facilities. All of this is inherent upon the
carryover from the gymnasium and school grounds. The P.E. teacher should teach the
information and skills through developmentally appropriate activities, which will serve as
an impetus to get the students excited and interested in P.E. class.
At this time of year across the country , the Fall has a myriad of different
seasonal changes. Of course , the temperature throughout each state will vary , but the
opportunities to experience the environment offer a vast array of challenges . In all cases ,
there should be an incentive to be involved in a lifetime of fitness that can excite the
students to a comfortable level , which will be a valuable asset in the learning process.
This will give them the prospect to find something they can enjoy the rest of their
lives well beyond the school years .
There are many agencies on the national , state and local level to peek the interest of
not only the students , but the entire family unit . The hardest part is setting out to do it .
This task is a vital part the physical educator will have to combine what is learned in P.E.
class , and then carry over to the family in activities that can be utilized at home .
A first step may be a fitness calendar , which the students take home and complete each
day and then returned to the PE instructor. This involves the family in activities using
either original or makeshift / home made equipment. The monthly calendar serves as an
impetus to be life long learners in all health and fitness pursuits.
Outdoor adventures in the Fall season with amazing color changes along with the various
activities can promote a wonderful experience for both the students and their family. A
visit to the national or state level parks offers a chance to engage in a host of activities
that includes hiking/walking , biking , canoeing, kayaking , caving , zip lining , and
photography . There are wonderful national parks with breath taking vistas that can
pump up the heart rate with exhilarating activities. Here is a cross section of those parks
that can be used within a moderate driving distance :
- Acadia – Maine
- Great Smoky – North Carolina and Tennessee
- Glacier – Montana
- Shenandoah – Virginia
- Yosemite – California
- Denali- Alaska
- Capital Reef- Utah
- Yellowstone – Wyoming , Montana , Idaho
- Big Bend – West Texas , Colorado
- Voyaguers – Minnesota
- Mount Rainier – Washington
- Cuyahoga – Ohio
- Guadalupe- west Texas
- Rocky Mountain- Colorado
In a national survey , the Grand Canyon was rated as the best national park for families
and the best hiking adventure was the Smoky Mountain range . There are many great
state level agencies / programs that can present activities for the students and their
families. An example , in Pennsylvania , there is Venture Outdoors , which has hiking ,
kayaking , biking , rock climbing , and walking tours throughout the city and diverse
neighborhoods .
Included in these activities are geocaching , cruiser bikes , fishing , climbing wall , and
adventures that include guide work , gear / equipment , scavenger hunts , orienteering ,
pedometers , GPS units , and compasses. This allows the students to learn about problem
solving , self esteem and teamwork .
On the local level , in Allegheny County , near Pittsburgh , there is a Wise Walk program
sponsored by the (28) libraries that involves walking groups under the auspices of AARP
and Highmark hospital in their People Able to Lend Support(PALS). It has been in the
fourth year geared to increase physical activity while providing a social outlet. The
Highmark PALS program ties in with the company for a mission to keep people healthy
through wellness and prevention. The participants are given pedometers to track their
steps . One walker noted ,“ The more steps we have , the farther we can go on the map .”
She pointed to the Grand Canyon , a journey of more than 4 million steps , and Disney
World , a journey of 2 million steps .( calculated)
There are charity walks and races that can provide a healthy and community service for
all the participants . Usually , these are sponsored by hospitals , banks , sporting goods
stores and radio /TV stations .
The environment and outdoor adventures are a vital component , not only for fitness , but
also a sense of pride in the school and community. By being actual participants , the P.E.
teacher , will provide the leadership needed to instill the motivation to participate .
Gerry Cernicky
https://igreen.tripod.com/gerpe
