Re: playing Wii in gym class...acceptable or not IYO?

My concern was more of WHY they need these gaming devices with all of the budgets cuts? It seems like such a waste and although we're not talking hundreds of thousands of dollars, still a waste!

Re: playing Wii in gym class...acceptable or not IYO?

I am a huge advocate of technology in the classroom, and even *I* would be completely annoyed about this! I want my kid running around and interacting with peers for her PE class. I feel like utilizing this in class minimizes the importance of physical education. I get why they're doing it and pushing it, as we're in a new age of learning and teaching, but this is just not ok. I draw the line here. I want my kid learning real physical education skills. Her PE time isn't just about playing games.

Re: playing Wii in gym class...acceptable or not IYO?

THANK YOU for this. I feel like I am the only one who thinks that it is completely unnecessary. DS is in K, and they don't have it but I had heard about other schools that do. IMO there is NO need for video games in school...I don't care HOW active it is. I see it as $ that can be used towards OTHER more important things, new books, supplies. Teachers are getting laid off left and right because the districts don't have the money to keep them and then they spend $$ on this???

Someone could give me a million reasons why it is a good program, I am sorry, there is no reason to have it when you have qualified P.E. teachers who can teach children about exercise without the use of a video game.

Re: playing Wii in gym class...acceptable or not IYO?

I'd need to know more about it but my take on it is the teachers are adapting to technology to inspire the kids more.

If that means the obese child learns that he/she loves racketball, golf, or yoga & will do it more in their home, then more power to the gym teachers.

Re: playing Wii in gym class...acceptable or not IYO?

what????

No game systems for us until at the youngest 10.

It is out of hand.
What's next, instead of little league they just sit in the dugout with controllers??

There is just no reason. A ball and bases make a kickball game.

Re: playing Wii in gym class...acceptable or not IYO?

Re: playing Wii in gym class...acceptable or not IYO?

I remember when they introduced the Jane Fonda workout videotape in gym class. Totally kicked out butt & got me into great shape.

I wonder if my parents thought the same thing about them introducing a videotape?

Re: playing Wii in gym class...acceptable or not IYO?

I think this falls into an area of different expectations out of gym class.
Is it to burn calories?
have a child experience physical activity?

or is it to get kids running and playing outside in the air...
I am also not one for the smart cycle or whatever it is...we go out daily on walks/bike rides.
It is a way we build community...get Vitamin D into their bodies.

When parents tell me that their child is so into Wii Tennis and getting a workout...I can't help but wonder why they aren't actually hitting a tennis ball to their kid...

And if the argument is that they are never home...well then shouldn't the hour gym class be the time when a kid is outside then?

Re: playing Wii in gym class...acceptable or not IYO?

Re: playing Wii in gym class...acceptable or not IYO?

Re: playing Wii in gym class...acceptable or not IYO?

I think if it is 40 degrees or above, it is fine for outside play.

dodeball...understandable...but what about indoor volleyball clinics? basketball clinics? bowling clinics? dance?

As far as tag, well that is life. We can't take physical activity and human contact, competition out of their lives.
I wasn't the fastest, but never was bothered by that. It was being out and having fun with classmates.
I can say, my child is the SLOWEST on his baseball and soccer team. The kid LOVES playing sports though. It is drilled that playing his hardest and having fun is what it is all about.

There are always going to be better looking, wealthier, healthier, people with more love in their life then others, faster...it is life. Gym class should be there to put healthy competition into place. To be teaching that physical activity is fun and something our bodies need

Re: playing Wii in gym class...acceptable or not IYO?

Re: playing Wii in gym class...acceptable or not IYO?

Without knowing all the facts, I say absolutely not. I mean if it was twice a year or something, I guess...but my gut reaction is still no.

I have Wii at home and aside from the WiiFit, I've never felt like I was getting a workout with ANY of the games we have.

I feel this is ONE area technology doesn't need to invade.

Re: playing Wii in gym class...acceptable or not IYO?

Re: playing Wii in gym class...acceptable or not IYO?

Re: playing Wii in gym class...acceptable or not IYO?

I would not be happy about that at all. A week unit, , not as bad but I'm still not thrilled.

Re: playing Wii in gym class...acceptable or not IYO?

I got absolutely nothing out of childhood gym class and I would be all for anything that is different from my experience. I had one great gym teacher for one year and the rest was terrible. I got into fitness in my early 20s but I was only interested after my memories of gym class faded. I think that the Wii can have some very good active games and that if a teacher is good they will incorporate it in ways that only encourage children to enjoy the activities. I would like to see it in action. My son will always be enrolled in outside activities that he gets to pick.

Re: playing Wii in gym class...acceptable or not IYO?

It depends....
In our school, the kids are not allowed to run in gym class. No running. Period.
I wouldn't mind if they played the Wii as long as they were active.

Re: playing Wii in gym class...acceptable or not IYO?

why are they not allowed to run ?!?!

Re: playing Wii in gym class...acceptable or not IYO?

Crashing as a teacher. I think some parents aren't fully aware of the program so I will try to explain what my school did. Of course, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

It's a program called iGame4. The PTA funded it for ONE week. The iGame4 people bring all of the equipment to use during that ONE week. The schools are not purchasing the equipment (Wii consoles, big screens, controls, whatever else they need). My students absolutely LOVED this week of gym. They also played Fruit Ninja (as PP mentioned) and it was their fav. game. They were sweaty messes when I picked them up lol, physically exhausted. During the one week program, we had a Family Fitness Night where teachers, students, and their families all played the games and it was a huge success. It was one week out of the entire school year...not something the kids were doing every day. My kids have gym twice a week so they only played Wii in gym 2 times.

I know my school does own a couple of Wii consoles but they are only used for Adaptive PE classes for students who are not physically capable of participating in general PE classes.

Re: playing Wii in gym class...acceptable or not IYO?

NOT acceptable