Yard Games in PE: Fun Physical Activity for Everyone John G. Helion, Ed.D. Stan Cramer, Ph.D. Matthew Cummiskey, Ph.D. West Chester University of PA 2014AAHPERD National Conference, St. Louis, MO

Rationale The purpose of a quality PE program is to guide youngsters in the process of becoming physically active for a lifetime – Graham 2007 Physical educators endeavor to teach students a variety of activities that can be enjoyed for a lifetime – Leiberman 2012 Yard games fulfill this goal

Why Yard Games? The ratio of health and fitness benefits is highest for light to moderate PA (most benefits for just getting off the couch) ▫Garber and colleagues (2011): “reducing total time spent in sedentary pursuits and interspersing short bouts of physical activity and standing between periods of sedentary activity should be a goal for all adults, irrespective of their exercise habits. Exercise performed in this manner improves physical and mental health and/or fitness” ▫What matters most in improving fitness is the total energy expended in metabolic equivalents (METs) (Pollard & Rice, 2007). Therefore, duration and frequency can be used to offset the lower intensity of yard games. ▫Dunstan and colleagues (2012) found that simply walking for two minutes following 20 minutes of sitting significantly reduce glucose levels in the blood. Overall the researchers found that any interruption of sedentary periods was enough to improve several indicators of health.

Why Yard Games? Ideally suited for obese, persons with disabilities and the elderly Easy to organize (right out back door, requires few others) Startup costs are low (some equipment can be made at home) Rules are relatively simple and easy to implement

Why Yard Games Proximity Cognitively Engaging Different Activity Levels Welcomes Different Ability Levels (Not Just Biggest, Fastest or Strongest) Multi- Generational Highly Social

Some May Not Agree Not Moderate to Vigorous Activity They marginalize us Associated with alcoholic consumption We teach the whole child – Fortune 500 skills I see all kinds of people playing these games at a variety of venues Opens the conversation regarding responsible behavior

Ladder Golf

Kubb

KanJam

Washers

Bocce

Sample Assessment Rubric CriteriaExcellent (4)OK (3) Needs Improvement (2) Below Basic (1) Adherence to rules Students follow all rules without exception One or two minor errors that do not signifi- cantly impact the course of play or the outcome Several minor errors or one major error, disrupts play, need intervention on part of teacher Fails to follow several major rules, cannot describe proper rule(s) when asked Keeping scoreAble to keep score accurately, no errors Some confusion as to the score or how points are earned Inconsistently keeps score and /or consistently makes mistakes Does not know the score, has not been attempting to keep score EtiquetteBrings positive energy, cares about group success, respects other participants Maintains self- control, minor lapse in sports- personship Not a distraction but not helping one’s team Lacks self- control, verbally or nonverbally inappropriate EngagementFocused, on task whole class, seeks to improve performance, tries hard Works independently, can keep activity going Shows some effort, does not extend self fully, somewhat dis- attached “Just there”, does bare minimum

Thank you for attending! Dr. Helion Dr. Cramer Dr. Cummiskey Enjoy the remainder of the convention Additional materials available on