Physical education, or PE, can help kids stay healthy and teach them about the fun and joy of movement, which may stay with them throughout their lives. PE doesn't have to be all exercise drills, however. Playing a few fun PE games can keep kids interested and motivated.
500
To play 500, you'll need a large ball, such as a kickball or soccer ball, and a play area. Choose one child to be the kicker and give this child the ball. The other kids should move about throwing distance away from the kicker. The kicker then kicks or throws the ball toward the group and the other kids attempt to catch it. If the ball is caught in the air, the catcher gets 100 points. If it is caught on the first bounce, it is worth 75 points; on the second bounce, 50 points; and on the third bounce, 25 points. The first child to win 500 points becomes the next kicker.
Don't Throw Your Garbage on My Side!
For this game, you'll need about 30 foam balls or blocks or other light throwing objects. Designate a playing area with a line down the middle to designate the "wall." Scatter the balls or blocks roughly equally on each side of the "wall." Divide the children into two teams, one on each side of the wall. When the signal is given to begin, each team starts picking up balls or blocks and throwing them over the wall to the other team's side. The game ends when one team has thrown all its balls or blocks into the other team's side, or when the PE period ends. A winner need not be chosen.
Red Light, Green Light
Red Light, Green Light is a childhood favorite that requires good muscle coordination and timing. Choose one child to be the "stoplight." This child stands at one end of the playing area, while everyone else lines up on the opposite end. The stoplight turns his or her back to the rest of the players and calls out "Green Light!" The players begin moving forward. At any time, the stoplight may yell "Red Light!" and turn around quickly. Any person who is still moving and gets caught by the stoplight must return to the start. The stoplight then turns around and calls "Green Light!" again. The first child to reach the stoplight becomes the new stoplight.
