Would you be angry if you learned your kids were playing video games while at school?
This school has changed its PE lesson into a Wii class. The staff selected overweight children or those who don’t enjoy physical activity and sending them on six-week ‘Wii courses’.
I use my Wii fit too for exercise sometimes too, but aren’t we supposed to be paying the gym teacher to keep our kids fit? And what about the other kids who don’t get to participate in the class because they are deemed “fit”?
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1225478/School-PE-lesson-turned-Wii-class.html#ixzz0XEiukZVl
That is ridiculous.
PE is not just for fitness. It is to teach sports that kids can use throughout their entire lives as well as allowing them organized time for releasing excess energy and SOCIALIZATION during the school day. PE, especially for grades 6 and younger, is supposed to teach kids how to play fairly together and to appreciate the rules of the game.
This school is failing in that objective, as Wii isolates kids and limits their experiences. Sure, it may LOOK like you’re playing baseball, but unless you feel the ball on the bat and know what it’s like to run for the base, you haven’t played baseball.
This school is not exposing children to sports they may develop a love for, robbing these children of possible future endeavors.
Plus, I’ve played Wii and I’ve played sports, and trust me, real sports is WAY more fun, whether you’re competing for real or just playing wiffleball or frisbee with friends.
The way to get kids to enjoy PE is to do what my high school now does – allow students to self-select themselves into classes that will be taught at their ability level and interest. So, don’t make the kids who hate sports play football – let them play badminton or tennis baseball, or do a weight room unit instead. It’s still a workout, but it’s not as intimidating, and it’s a lot more fun to a not serious athlete.
Schools need to learn to teach.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre – Angry Video Game Nerd