What you see below is a workbench. Weird, huh? Well, this workbench has been so useful in my classes. From transporting equipment to working on projects, it has been so useful in my classes. As you can see, it holds a ton but is so easy to move around. The best part is that it folds for easy storage. Go to the link above to see the exact one that I bought off Amazon.
ALL AROUND GOAL SOLUTION
(ADDED 7/10/22)
I've had these All Around Goals from GOPHER for a number of years now. When I got them, I found it a pain to get the balls out of the bottom every time. My solution was to cut a 12-14 inch diameter hole in the bottom. That way, all I had to do was lift the goal and the balls would pour out the bottom.
Taking it a step further, I figured out a way to play the game of "Oscar's Trashcan" using them. I propped the goals up on either side with a couple of gymnastics mats. I then slid a laundry basket underneath to catch all the balls. That way, when it came time to count the number of balls, all I had to do was slide the basket out and count. The canvas on the bottom of the goal has not ripped or frayed at all. Maybe GOPHER can make them this way in the future? If they did, they could also provide a circular insert just in case you wanted the hole covered. Of course, A big piece of cardboard would do the trick too. ;)
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CASH BOX FOR YOUR "CASH"
(ADDED 7/10/22)
By no means is this an original idea for using play money in P.E. for a variety of games. Others and myself have been using items like this for a long time. I finally got organized and found something I could keep all my play money in. For less than $25 I now have a place to keep it all. Bought all items you see below including the "cash" from Amazon and eBay.
GRILL COVER FOR POLYSPOT/CONE CART
(ADDED 7/5/22)
It's actually an old book cart that wasn't being used. I measured and found a grill cover that fit the cart perfectly. Helps with the whole "out of sight, out of mind" issue. ;)
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CLOTHESPIN CREATIONS
(ADDED 7/5/22)
One thing I love to use in my Physical Education classes is clothespins (See video below on "SCOREKEEPING OPTIONS" to learn how). After students collect a bunch, I have them sit in their own space on the floor and create something with their clothespins. Why? Two Reasons...One, it's a nice cool down. Two...It takes the whole "Who had the most" problem right out of the conversation. In fact, after the students finish their creation, they are allowed to walk around and see what other have made. You can even have students combine to create larger creations thus promoting cooperation. Here are some examples. Kids are SOOOO creative.
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Telescoping Paint Pole
(added 1/15/22)
Scale Scoring
(added 12/13/21)
Scorekeeping Options
(Added 10/8/21)
PEZ FITNESS
(ADDED 2/24/21)
My growing collection...
How To Make A Pencil Dice
(added 9/16/20)
Floor Decal Placement
(added 9/1/20)
Collapsable Wagon
(added 11/18/19)
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I have to say, this thing in an absolute life safer for me. From time to time I have to vacate my teaching space and travel to either outside or other parts of the school. Having this has made it so much easier to carry equipment around. The fact that it collapses and I can store it away makes it perfect for my small storage room. I bought mine at Walmart for $50. The link below takes you to Amazon where you can see many other buying options.
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Can Lid Mini Frisbee
(added 6/29/19)
So, one day after finishing a can of these I wondered if the lid could be used as a mini frisbee. Well, it can. Amazed at how straight it flew. Been collecting them every since. Have around 12 after collecting for months. A good washing is important too due to allergies.
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Card Holders
(Added 6/24/19)
I bought these card holders a couple of years ago to protect some cards that I created that helped to organize students into various teams. After seeing how durable they were I decided to get some more. So much faster than laminating and then having to cut them out. The thickness of 9 MIL to very sturdy and long lasting. I bought mine at a comic book / baseball card shop. Go to the link below to buy them off Amazon...
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In addition to the ones above, badge card holders are also great. The ones below have a close tab that keeps the cards in place.
New Station Sign Set Up
(added 3/9/19)
The Dice Will Decide
(Added 3/8/18)
Watch the video first, then read below on how to make them...
Other variations...
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Homemade Balance Beam
(added 12/29/17)
About 20 years ago I made my first balance beam. To make it space saving I used hinges to make it fold in half. Using the same idea I created this 24 foot long by 1 1/2 inch wide collapsable balance beam. I used the following materials...
(3) 2"x3" long boards
(2) 1 1/2" hinges
(1) 8' long strapping wood
I cut the strapping into 9 inch segments for the feet of the beam making sure that when I folded it everything fit and that it was it was compact. I also cut the strapping into 1 inch pieces to place under each beam for stability. After putting it all together it was time to test it, on myself. The thing didn't move. If it can support me, it can support any of my students. I plan to have my students use plastic wands (one in each hand) to help them make it across the first few times gradually progressing to just walking across it with no assistance.
(3) 2"x3" long boards
(2) 1 1/2" hinges
(1) 8' long strapping wood
I cut the strapping into 9 inch segments for the feet of the beam making sure that when I folded it everything fit and that it was it was compact. I also cut the strapping into 1 inch pieces to place under each beam for stability. After putting it all together it was time to test it, on myself. The thing didn't move. If it can support me, it can support any of my students. I plan to have my students use plastic wands (one in each hand) to help them make it across the first few times gradually progressing to just walking across it with no assistance.
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Homemade Tchoukball Nets
(added 10/14/17)
Using Google Keep To Save Twitter Finds
(added 9/4/17)
DIY Rear Projection Screen
(added 12/26/16)
The first person (to my knowledge) to use this idea in Physical Education was Mark Jungmann from Iowa. It solves a HUGE problem for those who use a projector in class and have it out on the floor. Basically, you use a frosted shower curtain and project the image from BEHIND the screen. The shower curtain picks up the light and reflects it on the screen. Here is a look at how Mark made it...
Here is a video of how it looks courtesy of Mike Graham from Illinois...
pedometer docking station repair
(added 5/21/16)
Gopher's Fitstep Pro Pedometers are incredible. If you go to the "Tech Devices" tab on this site you will see a review. That being said, nothing lasts forever, and sometimes things break. When they do break, I try to fix them. Sometimes the docking station has a small pin break off which renders the docking station unusable. Well, I fixed that problem...
Laudry Basket Storage Solution
(added 5/8/16)
On the bottom of this page you will see how I had previously store equipment for distribution and collection. After using them for a couple of years I realized they were too small for larger pieces of equipment like basketballs and soccer balls. Enter Erik Myer from New Jersey. In watching one of his lessons I noticed he stored some things in laundry baskets. I then realized this would be perfect for my 6 color groupings in my classes. I color coded the baskets by taping some floor tape around the edges of each basket.
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HOW I ORGANIZE MY TECH
(ADDED 5/23/16)
PLASTIC BOX FOR DICE ROLLING
(ADDED 2/19/16)
I saw this idea on Pinterest and thought to myself: Brilliant!!! Suggestion: Get a lid that locks on like the one below.
updated pedometer shoe organizer
(added 10/4/15)
This is an updated organizational idea on how to store and distribute pedometers that I originally posted below.
Gear ties
(added 4/14/15)
I bought these at Hope Depot. Basically they are big (8 inches long straightened out) twist ties that have a rubberized coating to prevent slippage. Great for hanging station signs using the pockets you see below (and further on down this page) as well as keeping things like hula hoops together.
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carpet tubes
(added 3/28/15)
Carpet tubes can be used in a variety of ways. First, you can use them as inexpensive balance beams. Just cut a notch in one end and place a 2"x4" piece of wood on each end. Second, they can be used to block hockey pucks and balls from going under bleachers. Third, they can be used for what you see below. The kids absolutely loved this station! Call your local carpet store. I bet they would LOVE to donate some to you. That's what I did!!!
pedometer organization via shoe organizer
(added 2/16/15)
When looking for pedometer organization ideas I thought about a couple of options. One, plastic boxes that are mainly used for nuts and bolts ($25). Two, a wall hanging pocket organizer ($60). I didn't like either. Walking through a local Walmart I saw what you see below. I bought two of them, bought some sticky numbers and produced what you see ($20). I think it came out pretty good!
REUSABLE dry erase pockets
(added 12/12/14)
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Click below to see a video on how I use these in my Physical Education classes.
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hidden flat screen tv case with bulletin board
(added 9/21/14)
Below are pictures of a flat screen TV case I made for my gym. I've attached it to the wall on one side so all students can see it from anywhere in the gym. I use it primarily for Class Dojo points (which is everyday) or when I show Health videos (I teach Health too). Basically it's 2x4s. The front bulletin board goes over it and it locks on the bottom when not in use.
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Here's what it looks like when the bulletin board is attached and locked:
How to repair a Gator skin ball
(added 5/18/14)
Please note: The "Down With Dodgeball" website mentioned in this video no longer exists. It's been assimilated into this website under the "Dodgeball Alternatives" tab.
from trash to treasure:
Balance ladder
(added 1/26/14)
The school that I work at is very old. In fact it is a historical landmark. So, as you can imagine, there has been many things collected over the years that have been put into storage closets never to see the light of day again. The thing is: I love to build things. When I needed a balance activity for my gymnastics unit that was challenging and unique, I built this. It was a four sided play structure with a removable slide. I attached all pieces together, put floor tape on the rungs, put floor tape on the sides, and decorated it with vinyl signs letters that I bought 10 years ago. I'm very proud of the results. How do I use this? Go from one end to the other only stepping on the yellow rungs. Try again only on the blue rungs. Try again only on the green rungs. Walk on the center white beam. Etc,…
Hook and basket organization
(added 9/20/13)
I figured after 20+ years of teaching I thought I'd finally get organized this year. I went out and bought 6 colored baskets (Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, And Purple) through a catalog company. I then built (with pvc pipe) six small "hooks" and screwed them to my gym wall. Our school's theme this year is "The Ocean". All the teachers pick an ocean creature for their classroom. I chose to be the great white shark. Because I see all students in the school, I organized my students into smaller shark group species. Each student is part of a shark group that uses only the equipment either in the basket or on the hook that is their color. For example, the red group is the leopard sharks. They use the equipment in the red basket or on the red hook that you see to the left. I also made a small poster for each shark group from a shark calendar I ordered online. Large items like hula hoops, jump ropes, and hippy hops go on the hook. Smaller items like bean bags, deck rings, and tennis balls go in the basket. It has been great for dispensing equipment and collecting it as well. Most of my shark groups have 3 or 4 students per group. Who gets to pick their equipment first? I'm an old fashioned kind of guy...ladies first. :)
dual stomp & catch board
(added 7/18/13)
Take a stomp and catch board and attach another piece of wood to make the shape of a "T". Place two beanbags on either end of the "T", stomp, and try to catch both beanbags. A great challenge!!! By the way, that's my son in the picture. Thanks Cam!!!
IPod Nano 7th Generation Watch Band
(added 4/25/13)
If there is one complaint I have about the new IPod Nano it's this: If you wear it on your arm, it's hard to control because it is horizontal. The last Ipod Nano you could wear like a watch but it didn't have bluetooth technology. So, to solve this problem, I went out and made myself a watch band that I could read vertically. I went to Amazon.com and purchased a $3 clear plastic case for the IPod. I then put soft velcro on the back of the case. I then put a piece of velcro that I could wrap around my wrist that was the sticky kind. Works wonderfully and hasn't fallen off yet. Kinda bulky but works great for me to stream music to my bluetooth receiver (See PE Tech Devices Tab). If Apple puts out an IWatch that will play music and has bluetooth, I'll be the first in line.
Home Made Hula Hoop / Jump Rope Holder
(added 2/20/13)
Got some spare wood hanging around? I did and built these for my gym. It will surprisingly hold 30 - 36" Hula Hoops without any sign of bending. Free is good...
Ipad Tripod
(added 8/31/12)
When looking for a tripod for my ipad I found almost all of them to be very expensive ($75-$200). Therefore I made my own. I went to Walmart and bought a tripod ($15) and to the Christmas Tree Shops and bought a box frame ($6). Glued a couple of pieces of wood to the frame and drilled a hole in the bottom to attach to the tripod. Works great. I even drilled some holes in the sides to connect to the power adapter and the headphone jack. I use this tripod when making videos in the IMovie program. Ipad slips out of the frame in 2 seconds. If you would like more information email me and I will send you step by step instructions.
Super Safe Portable Ball Carrier
(added 8/31/12)
Take that old, unused portable crib and use it for a ball carrier. Super safe and when not in use it can be folded up and stored away. Ask parents if they have one they could donate to the school. Free is good. Make sure you clean it first :)
PVC BALL CART
(ADDED 8/20/12)
This cart was made be me in the year 2000. All pieces bought at Home Depot.
