If you agree that physical education should be fun, instructive, and a place where students acquire physical and life skills, then you'll love PE2theMax: Maximize Skills, Participation, Teamwork, and Fun. J.D. Hughes, author of the popular No Standing Around in My Gym, has created 30 never-been-done-before games, tried and tested in the gymnasiums and on the fields and courts of Villa Rica, Georgia, where he teaches elementary school. These games are designed for large groups—anywhere from 30 to 75 students—but can be scaled back easily for smaller class sizes. Each game provides students of all athletic abilities the opportunity to have fun, be active, and acquire movement and sport skills. Here's what you will discover about the games in PE2theMax: - No down time. The games are quick and easy to get going, and they'll keep students active for the entire class period. - Essentially no prep time. These games are ready to use, simple to understand, and supplemented with clear illustrations, diagrams, and a game finder to help you readily find the game you want. - Plenty of skill-building time. Students acquire not only movement and sport skills but life skills as well. The games emphasize cooperation, communication, personal responsibility, respect for others, positive competition, critical thinking, and problem solving. - Fun participation. If PE is fun, kids will want to participate. If they participate, they will experience the joy of being active. If they experience that joy, they just might move toward remaining active throughout their lives. The games in PE2theMax are student centered, not teacher centered. As such, students are motivated to challenge themselves to succeed. The games are inclusive and developmentally appropriate. They define what a quality PE program and the New PE philosophy are all about: promoting participation and lifelong fitness as well as self-esteem and initiative. Most important, from the kids' perspective, “these games rock.” J.D. Hughes has taught elementary physical education since 1995 in Douglas County, GA. His previous experiences and superior program proved invaluable experience in setting up exemplary programs at various new schools. J.D. provides a challenging yet developmentally appropriate physical learning environment striving for motor skill development, physical fitness and cognitive awareness as recognized by SHAPE America National PE Standards. He goes beyond the call of duty by working with students and families to promote physical fitness before and after school hours through F.I.T.T. Club and Roadrunner's Club. He promotes a healthy lifestyle by serving as a model and talking to students and parents, also serving as a cooperating teacher and mentor for local colleges. He is a National Board Certified Teacher (2001), holds a Master's and Education Specialist's degree. He was recognized as the 2004-2005 and 2014-2015 Georgia Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year and was also awarded the 2014-2015 Southern District Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year. J.D. also provides staff development to local school districts, conducts conference presentations and workshops all over the nation. He is passionate, constantly striving to look for new ways to improve his teaching, to share his practice, and strengthen the teaching profession. J.D. is on the advisory board for the Best Practices and the 3-5 Lesson Plans area of P.E. Central. Author(s): J.D. Hughes Published: 7-13-2005 SHK00803