Putting Together A P.E. Demonstration

It is not necessary that a great deal of extraThe art department can assist with the
work be done in putting on a gym demonstrationadvertising by making posters, which can be
as almost all the numbers are regular parts of theplaced throughout the school, and surrounding
school's physical education program.locality. Printed announcements may be taken
The one main thing that contributes more to thehome by the students informing the parents of
success of the demonstration is in thethe demonstration. Programs printed in advance
organization of it and in the ease and smoothnessmay be also taken home. This will give the parent
in which it goes along. The numbers should not bean idea of what the demonstration is like.
too long or dragged out so as to tire theA great deal can be said about the value of a
audience. This may occur in marching very easily.physical education demonstration. We know that
The numbers should be well rehearsed so thatphysical education is an integral part of our
there is no delay and no waiting. This can bepresent educational setup. We can serve as a
accomplished only by practice and insistence onmeans of stimulating a greater desire among the
perfect execution and cooperation fromstudents for a more active program of physical
participants.education. It can serve as an incentive to the
If the school is large enough so that there iscommunity, and do much toward developing an
more than one physical education teacher theninterest in physical education within the student
the director should take full charge and designatebody. It can also afford an opportunity for
the duties for all helpers.students to appear before an audience where
If there is a need for music accompanimentotherwise these students might not have this
contact the music instructor and ask forchance. The demonstration is always good
suggestions and help. It adds a great deal to theentertainment.
program if the school band furnishes the musicAllow the students to run the program
providing of course the school is large enough.themselves as much as possible with the director
Arrangements will of necessity be worked out byof physical education remaining in the background.
the bandmaster. The band should play slow musicManagers, costume designers, program directors,
while such activities as pyramid building are beingpublicity chairmen, etc., may be appointed. Every
done; a fast foxtrot should be played while theboy and girl should participate.
tumbling is being done. The piano should be usedThe demonstration should not last more than two
for novelty dances.hours. Keep the program moving, do not let it
Every student in the physical education classesdrag. Absolute quiet is essential. The program
should take an active part in the demonstration ifshould begin slowly, gradually working up to a
it is to become successful over a period of years.climax, with the more spectacular activities
Many schools charge a small admission fee to thecoming toward the close of the program. This will
demonstration but if it is at all possible no chargekeep the kids interested for the duration of the
should be made.demonstration.
The demonstration should be given wide publicity.