Using Traditional Activities from Around the World in Physical Education

Abstract Omar Sánchez, Rio Watanabe, and Samuel R. Hodge In this article, five different traditional activities from Chile, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and South Korea will be shared. For each traditional activity, the following four questions will be addressed: (a) What is the culture and language background of the activity? (b) How is it played? (c) What modifications can be made to be inclusive of all learners? and (d) What are the main benefits of the activity for students’ holistic development? These traditional activities from around the world can be incorporated easily into any PE program. They all can be adapted according to students’ diverse abilities, and none require expensive materials or equipment. They each have relatively simple instructions, and the tasks can be made more challenging or simplified according to each student’s needs. Overall, they create opportunities for all students to experience new cultures together and learn from one another, while promoting physical activity. It is hoped that this article will lead to further investigation and inclusion of traditional activities from around the world.