I’m sure many of you have heard about or even played striker ball with your classes. My students enjoy playing paddle striker ball with a couple of modifications.

How we play PADLLE STRIKER BALL

Setup:

For 20 students I set up two neighboring octagons with cones. Cones are spaced out about 8 paces. I also set up 4 cones between both games for students who are waiting to enter one of the octagons, much like 4-square. I place each paddle handle first inside of each cone, including the four cones for the students waiting their turn.

• Send eight players to each octagon.
• Each player is responsible for guarding a side of the octagon, much like a goalie in soccer.
• Extra players go to the four cones to wait for an opportunity to enter the game.

Now that the setup is complete, allow me to explain the game.

The object of the game:

The object of the game is to strike a gator ball through another player’s goal using a foam paddle. At the same time, players are trying to block any ball shot at their goal.

Round 1:

• Players must kneel or sit between their goals. This prevents them from entering the center of the octagon. All shots must be taken from between the cones (each goal) from the sitting/kneeling position.
• When a goal is scored upon a player, that player exits the game and goes to the back of the line of players waiting to enter the game. The first player in that line takes the place of the player who just exited.
• The player who just entered the game always takes the first shot. We refer to this as the serve.

Round 2:

• Instead of sitting/kneeling, I allow players to stand. Prior to the round, we discuss why standing might be easier or more difficult than sitting.
• After a few minutes of round two, you may notice players who decide to sit back down. I allow this to happen since it’s part of their personal strategy.

Scoring a goal:

• A goal can not be scored in either of the goals to the immediate left or right of the shooter. We called this neighboring.
• Height limit – all goals must be below the height of the cone. Any shot that goes above the cones is NOT a goal.

Players waiting in line:

• Players standing in line may enter either game.
• The first player in line takes the place of the next player who is out in either game. I like this because it naturally mixes up the groups.

Paddle striker ball is a fast-paced, action-packed game. My students love it! BTW – if you don’t have paddles, students can use their open hand to strike the ball instead.

Check out my TPT page for more 30-day Challenges!

Follow me on Twitter!

Check out my Facebook group called Keeping Kids in Motion!

Subscribe to my Youtube Channel for over 100 useful games for physical education!

Thank you aging.com for writing the following article for KeepingKidsInMotion.com this week. Be sure to check out their website for an abundance of helpful information.

Benefits of Games for Children with Depression

Playing games can be a great way to help children dealing with depression. Games, such as board games, video games, and card games, provide an opportunity for children to have fun and interact with others in a safe environment. Not only do these activities provide physical exercise, but they also offer psychological benefits.

Games can give children an escape from their depression and provide them with an outlet for stress relief. They help children stay engaged in positive activities that keep them away from negative thoughts and feelings associated with depression. Playing board games or card games also offers social interaction opportunities that can build social skills and confidence. Furthermore, playing video games can improve cognitive functioning while providing a distraction from depressive thoughts and feelings.

Finally, engaging in regular gameplay can increase the amount of dopamine released into the brain which helps relieve stress and reduce symptoms of depression. In addition, playing games provides a sense of accomplishment and boosts self-esteem when goals are achieved or levels completed.

Overall, there are many benefits to playing different types of games for children dealing with depression. Games not only provide physical activity but also promote mental well-being as well as improved cognitive abilities and social interaction opportunities

Game 1: Video Games

Video games can be a great way to help children deal with depression. Playing video games can provide children with an escape from their depressive thoughts and allow them to focus on the game itself, providing a distraction from negative emotions. Additionally, playing video games can increase cognitive functioning and improve hand-eye coordination, reaction time, memory, and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, many video games also require players to work together in order to complete levels or achieve goals. This cooperative gameplay helps build social skills as well as friendships which are important for children suffering from depression. Finally, playing video games releases dopamine into the brain which helps reduce stress and symptoms of depression while boosting self-esteem when goals are achieved or levels completed. Overall, video games have many psychological benefits for children dealing with depression.

Types of Video Games Beneficial for Kids with Depression

Video games have been found to have a number of psychological benefits for children dealing with depression, making them an excellent form of therapy. There are many different types of video games that can be beneficial for kids with depression.

Role-playing or adventure games, such as The Legend of Zelda or Final Fantasy, require players to explore and solve puzzles. These types of games can help improve problem-solving skills and provide an escape from depressive thoughts.

Strategy or simulation games, such as Civilization V or SimCity, require players to think ahead and plan out their moves in order to achieve victory. These types of games can help improve cognitive functioning and hand-eye coordination while providing a sense of accomplishment upon completion.

Multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games, such as League of Legends or Heroes Of The Storm, require teamwork and cooperation in order to succeed. Playing these types of games helps build social skills while providing the opportunity to make friends which is important for children suffering from depression.

Finally, sports-based video games, such as FIFA or Madden NFL provide an outlet for physical activity without having to leave the house. Playing these types of games helps release dopamine into the brain which can reduce stress and symptoms of depression while boosting self-esteem when goals are achieved or levels completed.

Overall, there are many different types of video games that can be beneficial for children dealing with depression. Each type provides its own unique set of psychological benefits that can help reduce symptoms while improving cognitive functioning and social skills.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Playing Video Games with a Depressed Child

Playing video games with a depressed child can have both advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, playing video games can be a great way to engage with and provide a distraction for a depressed child. Role-playing, strategy, MOBA, and sports-based games all help build problem-solving skills, reduce stress, and increase social skills when played with others. Additionally, these types of games can provide an outlet for physical activity without having to leave the house while releasing dopamine into the brain which can reduce symptoms of depression.

However, it is important to note that there may also be some potential drawbacks. For instance, too much time spent on video games can lead to further isolation from friends and family or from outdoor activities. Additionally, some video games contain violent content which could potentially cause more anxiety in some children. It is therefore recommended that parents closely monitor their child’s gaming habits and ensure they are playing age-appropriate titles before allowing them to play unsupervised.

Game 2: Board Games

Board games are an excellent way to help children deal with depression. They provide an opportunity for social interaction and friendly competition, helping to reduce stress while building skills such as problem-solving, communication, and strategy. Board games can also help distract from depressive thoughts and encourage positive thinking. Additionally, some board games even promote physical activity if the game requires moving pieces around the board or on a mat.

However, there are a few things that parents should be aware of when playing board games with a child dealing with depression. Firstly, it is important to make sure the game has been age-appropriate for the child in order to avoid any frustration or negative feelings during playtime. Additionally, it is important to create a safe environment where mistakes can be made without fear of judgment or reprimand.

Types of Board Games Well-Suited to Kids with Depression

Board games can be an excellent way to help children who are dealing with depression. Not only do they provide an opportunity for social interaction and friendly competition, but they also offer a distraction from depressive thoughts and encourage positive thinking. When selecting board games for kids with depression, it is important to consider the type of game that will be the most beneficial.

Strategy board games such as chess or checkers can be beneficial in helping children develop problem-solving skills while still providing an enjoyable activity. Games that promote physical activity such as Twister or Jenga can also help boost energy levels and improve moods. Additionally, cooperative board games like Pandemic or Forbidden Island can help foster teamwork and collaboration without placing any pressure on individual players.

Finally, trivia-style board games such as Trivial Pursuit or Scene It? can help build knowledge and confidence, boosting self-esteem in children with depression. While some board games may require more focus than others, all have the potential to reduce stress and create a sense of accomplishment when played properly. With careful consideration of the type of game chosen, parents can ensure their child has a positive experience while playing board games during times of depression.

No matter the type of game chosen, all have the potential to reduce stress and create a sense of accomplishment when played properly. With careful consideration of the game selected, parents can ensure their child has a positive experience while playing board games during times of depression.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Playing Board Games With a Depressed Child

Board games can be an effective way to help children who are dealing with depression. Board games offer an opportunity for social interaction, friendly competition, a distraction from depressive thoughts, and the potential to encourage positive thinking. However, there are some potential drawbacks to playing board games with a depressed child.

One of the main disadvantages is that board games require focus and concentration. This can be difficult for a child who is feeling overwhelmed by depression. Additionally, due to a limited attention span or difficulty concentrating on the game itself, it can be difficult for a depressed child to invest in the game and stay engaged throughout playtime. Furthermore, if the game chosen requires competition among players, it could lead to feelings of defeat and frustration if the child loses or does not perform as well as others.

Despite these possible drawbacks, when used properly board games can still provide meaningful benefits for children dealing with depression. With careful consideration of the type of game chosen and allowing modifications such as taking breaks or engaging in other activities during playtime, parents can ensure their child has a positive experience while playing board games during times of depression.

Game 3: Outdoor Activities and Sports

Outdoor activities and sports can be a great way to help children deal with depression. Engaging in physical activity has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress, and boost self-esteem. Additionally, participating in outdoor activities encourages socialization as well as positive thinking.

Parents should ensure that their child is aware of the benefits of outdoor activities and sports but also be mindful not to push them too hard or too fast. It’s important for parents to recognize signs of fatigue or discomfort and adjust accordingly. Also, it’s important for parents to make sure the activity is age appropriate and safe for their child’s particular skill level.

Parents should also give their children the freedom to choose which activities they would like to participate in order to increase motivation and enthusiasm. Furthermore, playing sports or engaging in outdoor activities as a family can create shared experiences that strengthen familial bonds while also providing an opportunity for healthy competition and fun!

Types of Outdoor Activities Beneficial for Kids With Depression

It is important for parents of children dealing with depression to engage in outdoor activities and sports. These activities can help reduce stress, improve mood, and boost self-esteem. The key is to choose activities that are age appropriate and safe for the child’s skill level. Additionally, it is important to give the child some freedom to choose what they would like to do so as to increase motivation and enthusiasm.

Some of the most beneficial types of outdoor activities include biking, running, swimming, hiking, rock climbing or simply playing at a nearby park. Biking can be especially helpful as it has a low impact on joints while also providing an opportunity for fresh air and exercise. Swimming is another excellent option that can be great for stress relief while still providing physical activity. Hiking is a great way for children to get out into nature, explore new places, and experience different terrains. Rock climbing can be beneficial for building strength, coordination, and confidence. Finally, simply visiting a local park can be fun and exciting with plenty of opportunities for socializing with friends or family members!

Overall, outdoor activities provide numerous benefits for children dealing with depression by helping them become more physically active while also improving their mental well-being.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Playing Outdoor Activities With a Depressed Child

Playing outdoor activities with a depressed child has both advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage is that it provides physical activity and fresh air, which helps reduce stress, boosts self-esteem, and improves mood. Outdoor activities such as biking, running, swimming, hiking, and rock climbing also build strength, coordination, and confidence. Additionally, visiting a local park can provide socializing opportunities with family members or friends.

On the other hand, children may not have the energy or focus to participate in physical activity or they might be overly anxious about participating in a group activity at a public park. Additionally, some children may become overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of nature when out in nature for an extended period of time. Finally, if the weather is too hot or cold it can make it difficult for them to participate in certain outdoor activities.

Playing outdoor activities with a depressed child can be beneficial but parents should consider their child’s individual needs before trying any new activity. It is important to start off slowly and watch for signs of distress so that you can adjust the activity accordingly.

Game 4: Social Interactions and Relationships

Social interactions and relationships are an important part of any child’s development. For children dealing with depression, building relationships and connecting with others can be particularly beneficial. Through social activities, children can learn how to express their feelings in a healthy way, build self-esteem, and feel supported by those around them.

One way to foster social connections is through board games or other activities that involve two or more people. These games provide an opportunity for children to practice communication skills such as active listening and cooperation while having fun at the same time. Additionally, playing together allows them to develop trust and understanding with each other while learning to control their emotions when they become overwhelmed or frustrated.

In addition to board games, playing sports together can also be a great way for children to build relationships. Through team sports like soccer or basketball, they can learn how to work together towards a common goal while developing skills such as leadership and problem-solving.

Finally, encouraging children to engage in creative activities such as art or music is another great way for them to connect with others in a safe environment. By learning these creative skills together, they can gain confidence in expressing themselves through their art which may help reduce feelings of depression over time.

Conclusion

Games can be a great way to reach out to depressed children and forge a connection. These activities can be beneficial for children dealing with depression as long as it is done thoughtfully and mindfully. It’s important to understand the child’s needs, provide adequate time and patience, and plan activities that won’t trigger any negative emotions. Games like board games or team sports can be great ways to help the child practice important skills like communication, problem-solving, and self-esteem while still having fun. Additionally, creative activities like art or music can provide an outlet for self-expression and coping mechanisms that they may not otherwise have access to. 

Transition time can be one of the trickiest parts of teaching physical education. There are the transitions between classes where one class leaves the gym while the next class is waiting at the door. Our goal is to get the incoming class moving as soon as possible. This can be difficult when it requires even the slightest setup. Then, there’s the transition between activities. It’s always good practice to give your students ownership of the setup and take down process between activities and at the end of class. Even with this, breakdown, setup, and explaining the activity while maintaining attention can still take a large chunk of valuable time, cutting into student movement. Seeking purposeful lessons with limited equipment and setup/breakdown will maximize efficiency and student engagement.

I thought I’d share a setup I used last week with my first-grade students. The equipment arrangement remained consistent throughout lesson. The first video below explains the setup and details each part of the lesson and how it utilizes the setup. The second video shows my first graders in action, efficiently transitioning from one activity to the next.

The SETUP in Action from start to finish!

Equipment used in the post:

Check out my TPT page for more 30-day Challenges!

Follow me on Twitter!

Check out my Facebook group called Keeping Kids in Motion!

Subscribe to my Youtube Channel for over 100 useful games for physical education!