This year gym teachers in Hopedale, Massachusetts introduced non-conventional ways for students to improve their physical and psychological health, according to Milford Daily News. Thanks to a $40,000 two-year federal grant, local teachers already started using unorthodox fitness activities like rock climbing, stability balls, riding fitness bikes, and dancing to the trendy video game “Dance, Dance, Revolution.” Next year, they plan to introduce the Nintendo Wii game system, which was created to let gamers physically move by playing tennis, bowling, or boxing against a computer simulator.
The fitness program promotes physical health and focuses on the “intangibles” of school life. Students are encouraged to show positive behaviors through role-playing and visual lessons, according to Memorial Park Elementary School teacher Christine Cappbianca. Teachers seem enthusiastic about the new changes and hope that “this system will decrease discipline referrals,” said Patty Armour, high school math teacher.