Excuses, Excuses

Welcoming back guest blogger: Tim McCord, PE4life Academy Director, Titusville Area School District, Titusville, PA

In the last ten years our school district has hosted numerous teachers, administrators, and parents all looking for ways to take PE4life's Core Principles integrated into our physical education program in Titusville, PA and implement them into their existing program. It has been an interesting experience and one in which many new friends and networking buddies have been made.

As I conduct the PE4life workshops I am often taken aback by the “excuse making” that I meet. Trust me when I say the excuses are many and usually universal in nature. Here are just a few.

“We can’t do that at our school.”
“We don’t have the money for those types of things.”
“My principal would never support that.”

Sound familiar? In addition to the excuses I would be remiss if I did not mention how often I hear the phrase “what if…” usually followed by something along the line of “the students refuse to do that.”

Up to this point you may have thought I was going to throw these “excuse makers” and “what if” people under the bus. Not so. Instead I am going to give them a little McCord family advice.

You see, from the time I was a little tot (for those that know me, some will say I am still a little tot in stature…just a lot older), my dear mother would frequently offer her musings when I met with frustration. Mom would tell me, “Can’t never did anything until Try showed him how.” If I only had a nickel for every time I have heard that phrase from Mom. And now, I would like to pass it along to every teacher who tries to improve the physical education program in their school.

Sure, you are going to meet roadblocks and stumble along the way. But, how much progress would you have made if you had never tried at all?

There is no better time than the present to be a physical educator. The spotlight is shining upon us. Research has shown the importance of our profession. Children suffering from obesity need our help. Our First Lady has jumped on board to offer her help.

If you are a physical educator looking to make changes in your program, take advantage of everything available to you and make the first step toward a quality PE program. Network with your colleagues. Investigate the latest research as to the connection of fitness and academics. Get involved with PE4life through their newsletter, attend an event or sign up for Program Support Services to learn the latest trends in PE.

And most of all, heed the advice of Mother McCord. Don’t let the “I Can’t” creep into your thinking. Take the first step towards quality physical education in your school district. Just give it a TRY.

"Can't never did anything until TRY showed him how." -- Mother McCord

Heads Up Iowa!

A funding opportunity is coming your way!! And no better time than now with the budget cutbacks schools are facing.

Through our partnership with the Iowa Business Council (IBC), we are offering scholarships to Iowa schools for professional development, program development and equipment. These scholarships will be provided to schools who are ready and willing to make a commitment to the health of Iowa youth by integrating PE4life’s Core Principles. These scholarships may value up to $45,000 for your program (this includes up to $10,000 for equipment!).

The IBC is made up of executives from 20 of the state’s largest business,  university and banking association leaders. They are committed to making Iowa the healthiest state in the country, and by providing funding to schools to implement PE4life’s proven methods of enhancing physical education, it sounds like they are well on their way!  Read Press Release from the IBC.

Learn about the Adopt-A-School Challenge and how to apply for a scholarship by attending the PE4life / IBC Adopt-A-School Challenge Summit on Monday, April 12th at Drake University in Des Moines.

This FREE educational opportunity is open to all Iowa schools and was made possible through funding from the US Department of Education.

Take a brain break!

Thanks to Rachelle Gardner, PE4life Program Support Coordinator, for submitting this blog post.

More and more educators are turning to break breaks. It's important that students have an opportunity throughout a class period to move around to take "brain breaks" to refocus their attention so they can learn new material. Brain research suggests that physical activity prior to class (in PE for example) and during class, increases students' ability to process and retain new material.

Here is a great blog that not only details step-by-step instructions for a ton of brain breaks, but also includes videos of students performing them in class to make brain breaks even easier to learn!

So, now the only question is, which one will be your / your students' favorite?

www.brainbreaks.blogspot.com