PE at an Inner City School?

Question

I work at an inner city school where there is no gym to have PE in. What are some ideas I could use for PE for kids in preK-8 that can be done outside? I need something that all the kids would want to do b/c when it comes to the 7th and 8th graders, some of them just dont want to participate and do nothing. What are some things that I could do? It is very frustrating as this is my first year of coaching and I really want to do this, but working at a school like this is hard.

Answer 1

First, you need to separate the grade levels. You can't have K's with 2cd and higher grades, or 8th with 5th graders, the motor skill level is too wide.
Your program has to be motor skill appropriate too.
K's, just getting them to line up, and remember their lines can take weeks. Then games teaching them not to bumped, touch each other can take even longer. Jump rope, bouncing or catching different sized balls, small, simple obstacle courses, duck duck goose are great.

The older kids are wide open. Basketball, soccer, etc...
And yes, they have attitudes. Just keep reminding them P.E. comes with a grade also.

Be patient, get to know your kids. Don't expect a studious child to be your next All American athlete. Girls do come with cramps, and uncomfortable days, but exercise helps relieve those symptoms.

Best of luck, I know you can do it!!

Answer 2

Is there a local competition the kids could prepare for? A charity walk/run or something similar. That might give the kids a goal to shoot for rather than exercise for the sake of it. Maybe they could raise money or awareness for a local cause. Good luck. Your work is worthwhile and very needed in our cities!