Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Thursday, April 15, 2010

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P.E. teacher Daniel Hill secured a grant for a Wii Fitness Plus system at Tates Creek Elementary. The kids can use it in P.E. and in the regular classroom on rainy days.

Kids at Tates Creek Elementary have found a way to combine two of their favorite things: video games and P.E. class.

With a brand-new Wii Fit Plus system, students can test their coordination while exercising their bodies.

Physical education teacher Daniel Hill secured grant money for the Wii equipment, which is not only for his class but also for fellow teachers to use on cold, rainy days when outdoor recess is impossible or when the children just want to stand up and stretch.

“I need them active as much as possible, but I only see them once every five days,” he said.

While Tates Creek has only had the Wii since early March – coincidentally when outdoor temperatures started to rise – Hill has already incorporated it as an “instant activity” to jumpstart P.E. class.

Fourth-grader Melanie Vesey said Wii games provide a good warm-up drill.

“You can get to do activities you don’t normally do in gym class, and nobody gets left out,” she said after a brief session of hula hoop, boxing and kung fu.

Though the Wii system comes equipped with a just one balance board and hand-held controller, all the students participate by using practice mats that Hill found through an online company. 

“Every kid can have one, and every kid can be involved at the same time,” he said as students mimicked the motions projected on the gym wall.

Last fall, 13 schools were awarded a total of $9,200 from the Blue Grass Community Foundation, which provides mini grants for teachers who develop innovative, interesting classroom programs or projects. The grant money enables teachers to buy special materials and resources that aren’t covered in school budgets.

Tates Creek Elementary received $750 to purchase Wii gaming software to help increase physical activity throughout the school day.

“It’s very motivating, and it’s in their world,” Hill said. “They’re used to it.”

The system includes balance games and sports simulators like water skiing as well as strength, conditioning, stretching and flexibility exercises. Active games, such as jogging and step aerobics, really get the heart pumping.

Fourth-grader Alex Lozano, who likes trying push-ups and squats in P.E., was familiar with the Wii because he has one at home.

“You can do active things and be inside without running into furniture,” he said, adding, “It does wear you down!”