Title: 100 Physical Education Activities
Author: Denis O’Driscoll
Publisher: PageTurner Press and Media
ISBN: 978-1-64908-733-1
Genre: Education / Physical
Pages: 40
Reviewed by: Barbara Miller
Pacific Book Review
Neatly arranged and listed in alphabetical order based on their title, 100 Physical Education Activities by author Denis O’Driscoll brings to light creative ways for groups of elementary school students to learn fun and healthy ways to exercise. The importance of being active is known to many, and Denis O’Driscoll emphasizes the facts that active children do better in their scholastic achievements. Therefore, the result of these exercises is not only to improve youngsters’ physical strength and stamina, but also to enhance their cognitive learning.
I found the listing of the exercises by having a clever title and a brief description sufficient in allowing a PE instructor the necessary concepts to begin and supervise the activities, although in some cases I feel a drawing or illustration would have enhanced the book’s impact. In particular, I found the methods of stating the rules and objectives in some cases to be inherent with some degree of risk of injury. One called “Roman Wrestle” instructs one child to be a horse, on hands and knees, as another rider tries to dismount each other. In “Chinese Boxing” participants face each other grasping the opponent’s left wrist with their right hand, as they try to hit the other with their left hand. Many are more calisthenic in nature, such as the “Crab Walk” where kids walk on their hands and feet with their stomachs as high as possible. There is the “Sore Toe Hop” where each person hops holding one foot in both hands.
Many obviously enhance balance, coordination and stamina while providing good aerobics and stretching of the body. All in all, the activities are clever and do not require any equipment – just the willingness to get active. The book ends with many teaching aids; instructions as to how best implement the earlier listing of activities. Denis O’Driscoll humbly credits the sources of the book in the introduction.
100 Physical Education Activities is a book which will inspire groups of children and young adults to take a healthy break from sitting, and move around in a fun and orderly way. Aside from specialized sports, these activities are capable of being performed by all individuals. It is best thought of as an instructional handbook for teachers and group activity leaders to use as a source of challenging and fun exercises.
