Many students will let out a chorus of groaning when you tell them that PE is the next lesson on the timetable. Most of them do not look forward to it, and quite a few are not particularly athletic.
For these students, PE is not a fun time, after all it’s filled with games like basketball, netball, rounder’s, and hockey – all games that require athleticism and that they are likely picked last for.
However, there are ways that you can get these students more engaged and enjoying PE, and that’s with some sports that might seem a little unconventional when compared to the traditional ones.
Rock Climbing
This is probably one of the most popular alternative sports, and they do not cost a great deal to install in school gymnasiums. It provides fantastic exercise for children, working their arm and legs muscles simultaneously as they climb the wall. It keeps them fit, but also helps boost their self-esteem and overcome fears such as heights or falling.
Plus, it promotes trust as they rely on the person at the bottom to keep them safely in the air. It helps to build up athletic growth and every student can take part – even those who don’t feel as though they are particularly athletic.
Skateboarding
Most schools have an indoor gymnasium for the kids to engage in sports during the winter or wet weather. This makes it the perfect location for activities like skateboarding or rollerblading. After all, these are sports that don’t feel like sports and can help to engage the less active students in PE and fitness.
Of course, they should always be wearing full protection, but it is a great way to promote fitness and flexibility. It could also encourage them to go to the local skate park with friends and get fit in their free time as well as having fun performing tricks. It is an activity that will really get every kid excited to test the board out and get involved.
Martial Arts
Most children have heard of or want to be a ninja, and for the older children it is something different and exciting. There are loads of different types of martial arts that schools can take up, with the most popular being judo or karate. It can help to teach children self-discipline, respect, and socialisation skills. Plus, it improves flexibility, balance, and increases their muscle strength over time.
Fencing
An age old sport, fencing is the art of sword fighting, but this form is not dangerous when taught in schools because there is a ball on the end of each sword.
A polite art that develops flexibility and balance along with muscle strength, it is something different and fun that does not require any form of athleticism to take part in. Plus, it is great for the kids who want to be like the heroes in their books and television shows.
To Conclude
There are so many sports that kids can take part in that don’t require athleticism, so next time you are trying to motivate the less athletic students, think about implementing some of these sports.
