This article outlines the risks to teachers and principals when classroom teachers, who are not certified to teach physical education, are assigned to do so. Suggestions are made for reducing the risks of teachers and principals being charged with negligence. (IAH)

Physical educators can teach students basic geography by hanging maps in the gymnasium and using them for physical education activities. The article describes what teachers need to create wall-size maps, how to choose maps, and how to fund and implement map projects. Suggestions for various map projects are included. (SM)

In today's society, teachers are more apt to be sued than ever before; it is important, therefore, that they know exactly what negligence means to themselves and their students. The framework of a negligence case (duty, breach, cause, and harm) is explained, and a teacher self-test is provided. (SM)

Some physical educators see hundreds of students each day and must learn all of their names. After describing the traditional method of learning names, the article presents detailed descriptions of how to learn student names, including using two-sided photo flashcards, one-sided photo flashcards, and videotaped cards. (SM)

Elementary school physical educators must translate their awareness of the importance of physical fitness to their students. The paper explains how they can get classroom teachers involved in incorporating daily fitness into their classrooms by working to generate interest, support the teachers, stay motivated, measure success, and make a…

Middle school physical education changes frequently. The article describes a fitness circuit that physical educators can adapt for large or small classes or for specific skill or general fitness work, noting the benefit of using music to facilitate periodic station changes. A list of 72 possible fitness stations is included. (SM)

Portfolios help with the collection, organization, and storage of information by incorporating digital pictures, digitized videl, rubrics, text, and fitness scores into an electronic file. This article discusses electronic portfolios, hypercard stacks formatted as electronic portfolios, and typical student use of programs. Various portfolio…

All students benefit from physical education, but equipment used in mainstream programs often is not appropriate for students with special needs. Equipment adaptation is necessary to improve students' opportunities for successful participation in class. The article describes how to create and finance adapted equipment and offers a resource list.…

Presents a checklist for evaluating physical education settings which include students with special needs. The checklist has questions about facilities, equipment, class organization, content, and teacher behavior. "Yes" answers indicate factors contributing to a safe environment; "no" answers indicate the potential to cause physical,…

Lists several common physical fitness exercises that may cause more harm than good (both physically and emotionally). Physical educators must be aware of the dangers of certain exercises and activities. The article examines problems with inappropriate warmups, peer team selection, exercise as punishment, elimination games, and standing in line.…

Assessment can help middle and high school physical educators better understand how individual students perform throughout class. By sharing assessment with students, teachers can monitor student performance, keep track of their progress, and determine where they are having difficulty. The article explains the assessment process. (SM)

Provides guidelines for physical educators who handle blood and body fluid spills, clean contaminated surfaces and equipment, and clean body fluids from students. The guidelines establish good health practices that can protect teachers and students against various infections and contagious diseases. (SM)

One challenging part of being a middle school physical education teacher is maintaining student behavior while promoting a productive learning environment. The article explains how to use positive discipline to manage student misbehavior and help students see gymnasium participation as a reward. (SM)

Developmentally appropriate games in physical education provide ample learning time for all students, not just highly skilled students. The paper explains how to modify activities to be developmentally appropriate so students at all skill levels can succeed. (SM)

An academician and a physical education teacher present a guide for controlling elementary students. They identify the need for established structure in the gymnasium and offer exercises to achieve it, noting the key is planning and practicing of rules, behaviors, and procedures with active monitoring and early teacher intervention. (SM)