I agree there are a lot of opportunities to earn a grant that can help purchase equipment for your department. I have also used some free websites that have been fun for my students. Such a GoNoodle.com.

Lisa,

Money is extremely tight these days. Sometimes the BOE is two busy and closed minded to realize how important the physical health of our students are. I was able to put a couple of presentations together to convince the BOE and Administration. I put together videos of the Adapted PE class using the Wii that I borrowed from a friend and was able to show the Principal and Special ED. Director how the device could be an asset to the program. I did a similar presentation for iPads and few years later and showed it to the Athletic Director using a borrowed iPad. You just have to try to convince one influential person.

Alissa had good suggestion about the Dance Dance Revolution. Video taping instead of purchasing the overpriced platforms.

Good Luck!

Frank Heitman %20void(0);

I agree anytime you can show the BOE or any administrative resource the positive fitness benefits of your idea in action will increase your chances of receiving money. Another cheaper way to provide an interactive experience for your students is You Tube. I have a laptop hooked up to our schools internet connection. I connected the laptop to a projector and displayed the image on the screen. This allowed for quick access to all the dancing games and fitness games for free. The only draw back is that the students have to be sold in participating without "playing" the real game for points. I like the idea of borrowing devices before making the financially decision.

I also use YouTube as a way for the students to learn. I have embedded videos from YouTube into my website for the children to refer to when they are away from my class. They watch the videos at home with their parents to show them what they have learned that day or week. For example, our unit on cup stacking utilizes the instructional videos from speed stacks. The students follow along at school when I project the image on the wall and then they can practice at home while looking at my website.

Hi
I recently started using Xbox kinect with my classes. I was able to have my athletic director purchase it as a package tht included the Xbox, kinect, and 4 games for $239.00. There are a lot of interactive games that can be used with large size classes. I use Just Dance with my double classes. This game allows all of my 45 students to be active the entire time.

My PE program went through a PE curriculum revision. Within the revision we looked at our dance unit. We decided to add exergaming aspect to involve our 21st century learners in a PE setting. We decided to purchase XBOX with kinect, the wireless motion detected exergaming system. In addition we researched the both dance and fitness games that would allow the whole class to participate in an interactive way. If you could add a revision to your curriculum the funds can be paid for. The PTA also funded additional games for the students to participate in along with a projector and big screen. There are also grants out there you might be eligible especially in you work in a lower-income district or you work with a large number of students.

Have you tried to go to the PTA and see if they have any funding for the material that you would like to purchase. Also, have you tried fundraising such as a hot-shot contest, a dance, or a 5k race. I think their are many different ways that you can raise money for a Wii. You could find a Wii for a decent price so you will not have to raise that much money for it. Also, you will be surprised if you let the kids or parents know you need a Wii for PE lessons that there might be someone who donates one to the school for a Tax Write-off.

Hi Lisa,

I totally understand that your district is in a bit of a bind when it comes to shelling out money for P.E. equipment. I have used the Dance Dance Revolution game before and it definitely burns calories and gets your blood pumping. You can find used Playstation/Xbox/Wii systems on amazon or on websites such as Gamestop.com. On the gamestop website the bundle (game and dance mat) is only $29.99. The game itself is as low as $0.99. The dance mat can be found for $13.00 on amazon as well. The used XBOX 360 console and controller set is $70.00 on amazon too.
If you cant come up with the money for these, you can do fundraisers such as the Y-Tie shoelaces. I did this fundraiser with my school and you pay NOTHING to participate in the fundraiser. The Y-Tie company sends you all the supplies and instructions and it is a great deal. These are shoelaces that dont need to be tied in order to tighten, just pull on them to tighten. We sold each pair of laces for $5.00 and kept $2.50 from each pair! Hope this information helps.

The district I work for is also low on funds but the PTO does have money and has helped buy objects in the past. So maybe check with them. Also the PTO did a fundraiser that involved walking around the track, while a live band played. The students raised money by just asking for donations. They were able to raise a few thousand dollars this way but didn't meet the school goal. This year I was asked to help boost donations and will get a few dollars to spend on equipment. So maybe try fundraising with the help of the PTO

I am in a district with 90% poverty rate. In the past couple years we had new superintendent and administration. Luckily they did upgrade the districts technology. We were way behind. We have had discussions in our department and PLC's about Title 1 funds to update equipment. We have just gotten used to the upgrades so far but we are looking into those funds too. We are fortunately next to a hospital. WE have thought about asking them for equipment or money to help. Any suggestions for my school would be greatly appreciated. Thanks