DDR in School
We have all played Konami’s Dance Dance Revolution game. Even if not all gamers are great dancers, they still have a blast coordinating every single arrow to the rhythm of Japanese pop hits. The 7th grade Physical Education program’s syllabus at South Middle School in Morgantow, West Virginia, actually contains students playing the bemani game.
“The new physical education is moving away from competitive team sports and is more about encouraging lifetime fitness, and D.D.R. is a part of that. They can do it on their own, and they don’t have to compete with anyone else.”
It’s no surprise that it would be a good choice for any physical educator, since the game is obviously fun but also allows players to get their heart rate pumping and get active. So far, eight schools in that district now use the game. It’s important to find as many ways as possible to get kids involved in physical activity as the obesity epidemic is striking the United States at record numbers.
Read (NY Times)