Medic

November 20, 2009
 
Earlier this year, PE teachers Tanna Hall and Jase Turner approached me about doing an interactive lesson with their colleagues, and last week they got their wish. We ended our Wednesday All Faculty/Staff meeting early and, much to the surprise of all in attendance, headed over to the gym. As I announced our destination, I also cautioned those furtively glancing at the back door that this meant everyone - it felt like I was at home announcing that we would all clean the kitchen!
 
A short while later, we reassembled in the gym, though truth be told, if one of our classes took this long to move from the library to the gym, the teacher in charge would be having a conversation with the class. We skipped over that conversation in favor of focusing on the task at hand - almost always the smart choice.
 
Coaches Hall and Turner met us with smiles and encouragement as they motioned us to have a seat on the bleachers. We were instantly transformed into attuned students as they described our activity: Medic.
 
For those of you not familiar with the game of Medic, it's a combination of team dodge ball and freeze tag - only wilder and more woolly than either. If you get hit by one of the many balls in play, you must drop to the ground until your team's medic touches you. There is only one medic per team so once that person is hit with a ball, and subsequently is out the remainder of the game, it's just a matter of time before the other players are eliminated, as well as any realistic chance of victory. For a more colorful description of this activity, ask any RDS student; it's one of their favorites.
 
Just about everyone participated, and those who did not shouted inspirational cheers to their colleagues, comments like: "Keep breathing!"  "Duck...  sooner!"  "I can't believe you missed!"  It took about 30 seconds for all of us to get what the students have been telling us all along: Medic is a cool game! It requires agility, communication, hand-eye-coordination, aerobic fitness, peripheral vision, quickness, strategy, teamwork, and a positive attitude. At the conclusion of our game, which took 10 - 15 minutes, Tanna and Jase left us with one simple observation: "Nice to see that everyone is breathing hard and sweating. This is what PE is all about at RDS."
 
Moments later, walking out of the gym and comparing notes, I couldn't help but notice the improved moods and outlooks across all our faces. It also made me again realize how important physical activity and PE are to our students. Recess is not a luxury for students, it's a necessity. And PE is one of the places where students get to explore a wide range of physical activities as they also experience the joy of movement and benevolent competition, especially under the tutelage of top-notch educators like Tanna and Jase.
 
Finally, since this is the last Friday Folder before Thanksgiving, hold on to the spirit of Medic - it might be a great family activity after dinner and before dessert. It's also important, throughout the upcoming break, to make sure your children have plenty of activity and outdoor time. If you're brave, you might even ask them to teach you a few of the other PE activities they have learned at RDS. Have a wonderful holiday!
 
Mike