Bad weather, lack of facilities, and scheduling conflicts are among the everyday challenges for physical activity providers who are striving to develop consistent daily lesson plans or activities in often-cramped quarters. No Gym? No Problem! gives physical educators, recreation leaders, and classroom teachers the tools to deal with—and thrive despite—issues surrounding limited space.
This resource contains nearly 100 activities that may be used individually to enhance existing curriculum or combined to create full-fledged lesson plans that meet specific skills, concepts, or fitness objectives. Whatever the purpose, these activities
-overcome space limitations, giving children a safe environment in which to learn and grow;
-use equipment effectively and efficiently in tight spaces; and
-are specifically designed to minimize prep time and budget demands.
Developed by an experienced physical educator and recreation specialist, No Gym? No Problem! complies with all of the latest NASPE (2004) national standards to meet the needs of a variety of programs. From warming up and cooling down to working out for fitness and developing sport-specific skills, this book offers both traditional and innovative physical activities:
-Activities based on popular dances, game shows, board games, action movies, the Olympics, and world cultures
-Fitness activities such as push-up hockey and walking the border of the United States
-Movement activities such as navigating a classroom highway and putting on a circus
-Rhythm activities such as dancing through the decades and keeping beats with lummi sticks
-Dribbling and kicking activities such as ball-handling tricks and virtual soccer
-Striking and volleying activities such as flipping flapjacks and pencil pool
No Gym? No Problem! is a must-have reference that physical activity providers will turn to any time they find themselves without access to a gym, rec center, or any other shared facility.
Charmain Sutherland is a physical education specialist at Severn Elementary School in Severn, Maryland, which is part of the Anne Arundel County Public School System. She has taught physical education in both private and public schools for more than 14 years—6 years of those without a gym. Sutherland has taught every type of student—at risk, disadvantaged, and privileged—and has coached a variety of sports. She was part of the curriculum writing team for a $1 million grant project with the University of Maryland, National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Prince George's County Public Schools. In 2001, Sutherland received a national teaching award presented by Coca-Cola and HealthSouth for developing a dynamic physical education program that exceeded the expectations of her city, state, and school. A member of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) and MAHPERD, Sutherland is a popular speaker at state conventions and countywide in-services. She is also a member of the Association for Active Lifestyles and Fitness (AALF) and National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE). Sutherland earned a master's degree in physical education, administration, and supervision from Old Dominion University. She previously coordinated activities as a recreation specialist for Norfolk Naval Station and Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation in Virginia. Currently, she owns and runs a physical activity camp, Physical Activity Central, for children in grades K to 5.
