By Tom Hernandez Monday at 5:12 p.m.
Wesmere’s Physical Education classes are going high-tech.
Kindergarten through fifth grade students will be working out to a Wii video game during their regularly scheduled P.E. classes the week of January 24 through January 28, 2011.
The students have also invited their parents or grandparents to join them as they workout to one of the “Just Dance” video games projected on the wall of the gymnasium for their 35-minute P.E. period.
Fourth and fifth grade students will work out to “Just Dance 2,” third grade students will work out to “Just Dance,” and second grade and younger students will work out to “Just Dance Kids.” Classes meet Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Wesmere is located at 2001 Wesmere Parkway, Plainfield.
“It’s really about always moving and just exercising,” Wesmere P.E. and health teacher Tracy Bruinsma said.
During each period the classes are divided into two sides so the students can follow the dance moves of the character on their side. The students and parents who attend are encouraged to do their best and just keep moving while the P.E. teachers hold onto the Wii controllers.
“Don’t just focus on your feet,” Bruinsma instructed a fourth grade class. “Try to move your hands too, and if you can’t keep up, just focus on one or the other.”
As the music and dancing started, the students laughed and tried their best to emulate the person on the screen.
“This is about participation, exercise, heart rate, and fun,” Bruinsma said.
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