Traditional gym classes may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but at Dubuque’s Alternative Learning Center in Iowa, 11th and 12th graders have the opportunity to turn their physical education into an exciting adventure. Say goodbye to the treadmill and hello to canoeing, hiking, and even yardwork.
This innovative program was the brainchild of Tim Hitzler, a dedicated social studies teacher. It all began with students tending to a school garden for credit, but it soon blossomed into something much greater. Today, students roll up their sleeves to help elderly and disabled community members with yard maintenance, from mowing lawns to planting trees.
The beauty of this program lies in its simplicity. All you need are basic garden tools, yet the impact is profound. Not only are students gaining physical education credits, but they’re also forging connections with their neighbors and acquiring practical life skills.
The success of the program is undeniable, prompting plans for expansion into the fall. Dubuque’s Alternative Learning Center has truly redefined physical education, showing that sometimes the simplest ideas can have the most significant impact.
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