Get Moving on Meeting Your Movement Standards...Creatively

Overview & Synopsis

The National Standards for Physical Education (National Association for Sport and Physical Education, 2004) and many state physical education standards include a standard that is focused on development of movement patterns, which includes rhythmic skills. The newly adopted Physical Education Model Content Standards for California Public Schools (2005), for example, includes the rhythmic component for all grades in Standard 1 (demonstrate motor skills and movement patterns needed to perform a variety of physical activities). While there are a variety of exciting and creative ways to address this standard, many physical education teachers (at all stages of their career) squirm at the idea of teaching rhythmic concepts. In this article, the author provides physical educators with activities that will ease their discomfort with rhythmic lessons and enhance student enjoyment. (Contains 2 figures and 2 tables.)