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Modern PE Classes A Real Balancing Act

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Jan 8, 2010 6:20 pm US/Mountain

Modern PE Classes A Real Balancing Act

Written for the Web by CBS4 Special Projects Producer Libby Smith

Reporting
Brooke Wagner
AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) ― The days of dodge ball are numbered in most schools. Physical education classes are getting much more sophisticated, the goal is to build skills that will turn children into life-long exercisers.

In the gym at Clyde Miller Elementary school, kindergartners spent class balancing on their hands, on their feet, and even on their bellies.

"With balance the students have to really focus. And in balancing you're using muscle strength and you're using both sides of the brain," said Chris Strater, a 23-year veteran P.E. teacher.

Strater says that physical education class has changed over the years. Instead of keep children busy with games like dodge ball or kickball, her lessons work on building specific skills and muscle groups.

The lesson on balance includes stations in which the students balance on BOSU exercise balls, or balance a feather on their finger, or climb a fidget ladder.

"We want to expose the kids to as many things as we can. We used leg strength and arm strength today," Strater explained.

Fifth graders get to walk a tight rope that spans the gym.

"It's about risk taking that is safe and controlled with their own destiny in mind," Strater said.

Building balancing skills is just one way P.E. classes are changing in order to make students more physically fit.

"We're just trying to create comfort in the movement at this age so that they're willing to continue it throughout their life."

The comfort and confidence the children learn now could translate into a lifetime of healthier habits.

(© MMX CBS Television Stations, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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