Adaptive PE

I've found over the years, that the classroom teacher is usually responsible for creating and implementing all aspects of an adaptive PE program. So, when these opportunities come along, it's a great time to start thinking creatively. In my hopes to create a fun, stimulating program, I bought my classroom a Wii. There are endless possibilities for physical education (as well as just plain fun). For anyone familar with WiiFit, you can instantly see adaptive PE applications. Each student can keep their own profile with weight, body mass index, as well as their "Wii Fit Age". They can play exciting balance games, run with friends on-screen, do ski-jumps, along with dozens of other fun activities. Each month it seems they come out with a new fitness game geared at getting people healthy through gameplay. The kiddos enjoy it, it creates an awareness of overall healthy, and it's such a hoot! And when the kids aren't doing PE, the other games increase hand-eye coordination, help with fine and gross motor movements, and increase balance.. My students' favorite is Wii Bowling. Everyone can participate and have a wonderful time. If you're thinking that this sounds all to expensive, you're right. A new Wii console costs between $150-200, with games extra. In our class, we sell Otis Spunkmeyer cookies to buy classroom items (but that's a blog post for another time). Some schools will allow you to take this expense from your classroom budget, if you present a valid argument. If not, throw a fundraiser. I assure you it's worth it.