This was a great example of how school can make sense! My experience as a child (and as an educator and parent) is that it is incredibly difficult to get schools make learning relevant to kids. Typical gym classes today are focused on competitive sports that for many kids, are not interesting. There are always too few winners and too many losers. This approach to gym class was wonderful to see - everyone wins. Kids get exercise, learn about their bodies, learn to cooperate and work in teams - all crucial for being a successful person in our society. Thank you for making this film!

I think that the article and video showing the new PE was fabulous. I teach at a small private school where issues such as space and funding would make the ropes course challenging if not impossible. One way we have changed our P.E is to start the year with a six week unit on stretching, yoga and pilates. This not only benefits the overall fitness level of all students, but it also gives the non-athletic students the feeling they can excell at a physical activity. It also provides the athletes with the stretching techniques to prevent injuries, as well as promoting balance and flexiblility. There are also cognitive benefits, stretching, yoga and pilates, calms the mind and if brain based moves and concepts of crossing the mid-line are also incorporated, can lead to accademic gains as well. We saw such an improvement in behavior, attention and mental attitiude, we incorporate some of the moves every morning during our circle time.

Not impressed. Low level activities do not promote average general cardio-muscular physical fitness. There is not enough movement.
There are some benefits, but they are minimal.

Dear 'Anonymous',
The video shows only one aspect of our program here at San Rafael High. In addition to the Adventure Program for Freshmen all students do a daily 12 minute warm-up which, among other activities includes 36 push-ups. Each day students participate in some form of cardiovascular activity (most commonly running on our track) EVERY DAY. As would be expected, a quality film such as this one can only do justice to a small section of what we have to offer. Did you catch the small piece on our use of Digital Heart Rate monitors or our Weights To Music classes? Before you pass judgement, make sure you have the whole picture!
CJ Healy
San Rafael High School Physical Education Teacher

There's more to be learned about physical activity than cardio fitness....for example stretching is important but it doesn't cause much movement...There's a need to learn to balance and leap off the wall etc.. All the components of the physical use of our bodies is important and teachers need to learn how to teach it in exciting new ways like this...

Way to Go Go!!!
An Exercise Physiologist in Seattle

I think introducing Aikido is a very positive thing. It's a defensive martial art (which means no risk of fights in the playground) and it instills a sense of discipline.

Great move!

I thought the heart rate monitor activities were very innovative in helping with the fitness curriculum. I would love to have a zip line in our gymnasium!

I enjoyed watching the video and seeing how technology was implemented into the PE program.

Integrating technology and PE doesn't always seem so transparent - this video shows it can be done and done well. This is also a great reminder for educators to engage learners holistically. Regardless of the environment, giving students opportunities to maintain focus and full engagement through physical activities that teach our bodies as well as our minds.

I think that the article and video is showing us an interesting way of teaching. I teach at a small private high school where issues such as space and funding would make the ropes course challenging if not impossible. people said that there is a way we have changed our P.E is to start the year with a six week unit on stretching, yoga and pilates. This not only benefits the overall fitness level of all students, but it also gives the non-athletic students the feeling they can excell at a physical activity. I think its an excellent talk. When I do this to my students, they feel such happy when tranning.