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I've bundled 4 of my latest and greatest games that have not made their way to a future book just yet. They are fitness-based games that will teach and reinforce money concepts in a fun and energetic way. Cold Hard Cash (2-8) OBJECTIVE: The game of Cold Hard Cash is a cooperative challenge that provides a great way to introduce counting money, while integrating multiple fitness activities in the attempt to enhance persistence, teamwork, and comradery. Risky Business (2-8) OBJECTIVE: It’s sometimes “Risky Business” trying to make money in today’s society, but with some hard work and some potential low or high risk investments, you can really make it big! The game of Risky Business is a cooperative challenge that provides a great way to introduce money recognition and counting money, while integrating running and fitness in the attempt to enhance persistence, teamwork, and comradery. What’s in Your Piggy Bank? (K-5) OBJECTIVE: What’s in Your Piggy Bank? is a great prerequisite to all of the money-based games in this book. The game was basically designed to reinforce fitness while introducing and/or reinforcing money recognition and money values. What’s in Your Wallet? (3-8) OBJECTIVE: What’s in Your Wallet? will reinforce and provide multiple practice opportunities to deepen student comprehension of basic mathematical and money concepts. The combination of money and math fundamentals, fitness, and teamwork forces teammates to strategize and think while constantly exercising to solve 10 money word problems quicker than the opposing teams. -
OBJECTIVE: Adapted from the game Hula Hut Throw Down (PE2theMax II, 2011), Volleyblaster is an awesome follow up game to reinforce the skills of volleyball. Volleyblaster combines the art of hula hut building, the tactics incorporated in offense and defense, the serving skills of volleyball and hitting various targets, along with the “never give up” attitude it takes to be successful. -
Watch student teams “Launch It” in a cooperative game that will allow students the opportunity to explore various ways to develop and improve ball manipulation, and slingshot skills of trajectory, force, and accuracy. The game of Launch It is a great prerequisite to the games of Slingshot and Slingshot Golf. -
All students will form groups of at least 4-8. Explain that each group will be allowed 1-2 days to create their own dance routine. Each routine must include combinations of at least six different skills/moves learned during the dance unit. Skills can be chosen from the previously learned line dances and/or freestyle dances. Students will be given additional time to practice the day of the dance routine performances. Each group will perform their routine for the class during the last half of class. -
OBJECTIVE: Jenga-Janga is a great lead up activity for the FITNESSGRAM PACER test. Adapted from the game of Jenga, the fast-paced, jogging and counting game of Jenga-Janga will definitely captivate your students. Teams will compete against each other by jogging to collect noodle pieces in order to build towers, being careful not to be the one to cause a tower to fall. -
Objective: Students will explore various ways to develop and improve ball manipulation skills such as visual tracking, accuracy, control, throwing, catching, and socializational skills through the use of Super 70 Gatorskin balls or tennis balls. The game of Bucket Bash will also test each child’s patience, demanding perseverance in order to succeed. -
Here is an idea that the children will love (and don’t be surprised if some of your students make up a game that you want to try in class!). Let students select their own groups, which must have at least four to eight members. Inform each group that they must think of and agree on a unique game (never been done before in class) and that they must come up with a name, a set of rules, safety guidelines, instructions on how to play, and possible variations. Only one member for each group may go into the equipment room to get equipment for their game. If equipment is not being used, students must return it to its proper place before being issued any more equipment. Introduce each group’s game at the end of class or at the end of the week. Inform each group that their ideas may be graded and that the teacher may use some games in a future physical education class. At end of the week, each group demonstrates their game in front of the class. Be sure to take a picture of each champion group and post outside the gym to advocate and promote this unit to the other students. Gymnastics, Dance, and Games creations are a BIG DEAL at my school and the students really look forward to these units!