The Wall Of Shame Summary

Some of the standards of physical education are to provide a safe environment, physical fitness programs that should guarantee the inclusion of every student, and an environment that promotes cognitive and social growth. In the article "The Wall of Shame," by Neil F. William, he names games and sports that have been utilized for a long time in the -education programs of physical education. According to his point of view, games like the musical chairs, kickball, dodgeball, steal the bacon, and duck, duck, goose are not inclusive, but dangerous and unbeneficial. I do not share his point of view, in my opinion; the games mentioned are games that can be inclusive, with minimum risk, and enjoyable and beneficial to all students. A good lesson

of physical education depends mainly on the instructor being effective and competent and not so much on the type of game.
A competent physical education teacher will always ensure that all students participate in daily physical education activities.

If the students want to play Duck, Duck, Goose, this can be achieved as long as it is clear that you cannot choose the same partners without first choosing those who have not yet participated. The musical chair’s game is fun. I think that if most all the students are in agreement, they should play it; however a second choice for those that don’t want to participate in it should be available. I agree with Neil F. William, on the fact that no one likes to lose or be mocked; however, it is important students to learn to play as a team, value the effort of their peers, and help those who are in disadvantage. The games can also be divided according to the capacity of each student, in this way; the teacher can focus more on instructing the students that occupy more instruction. It is important for students to understand that there is always going to be winners and losers; never the less, it is the effort that matters, not the

outcome.
Mr.

William alleges that the games mentioned are dangerous. All physical education games run the risk of someone getting hurt or even injured. I would like to see the data or proof that the games mentioned by Mr. William have caused severe injuries in the past; without facts, it sounds more like personal opinion. It is common sense that if our bodies are being physical active, there would always be a possibility of getting hurt. If there are some games that can be criticized with freedom are soccer, baseball, and football among others. While they do promote physical fitness, sportsmanship, teamwork, these games do cause serious injuries and yet they are among people's favorites. But of course these games are valid for many reasons, including school prestige, fame, scholarships, and a lot of money.

Most of the games mentioned can be beneficial and fun; even if they do not require as much activity as other, they can still benefit cognitively, socially, and emotionally. However, I think these games are more like “Fun Friday games” where the children get to pick their favorite games and just have fun with it. Students can play the same game or different ones in groups. This would give the students the opportunity to pick an activity. It also gives the students the opportunity to take leadership in a group. Students can be picked randomly, that way, some students can get to play with different

peers.
There will always be people trying to find loopholes in the academic environment, so they can write a journal or a book about it then get recognition. The games are not the problem; the problem is the society in which we live. We are raising a generation that complains about everything and does not tolerate anything. Unfortunately, our judicial system has been infected by incompetent law makers who support stupid lawsuits: This is why the education system is in decline. Quality physical education can be possible as far as we have competent and efficient physical education instructors who care to give the best of their time. The games like musical chairs, kickball, dodgeball, relay games, steal the bacon, etc. shouldn’t be taken out of the physical education activities. They are fun, and should be part of “Fun Fridays” or any other special occasion.