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UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS
LAWRENCE

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION November By i 9396

Dre Forrest Ce. Allen,
Department of Physical Education,
University of Kansas.

Dear Dr. Allen:

During the short time I have had charge of the prac-
tice teachers this school year, I have noticed several deficiencies
which appear to be common to all of theme The addition of certain
required courses, and possible changes within some of the courses
already offered,might alleviate these conditions in future classes
of practice teacherse

The inclusion of rhythmics as an integral part of a bale
anced physical education program is now nationally recommended. 7
Personally, I feel that the teaching and use of rhythmics has been ©
neglected from an athletic coaching standpoint, The importance of
proper rhythm in running, in hurdling and in weight events is well
known by all track coaches. Boyd Comstock set a classic (and
practical) example for all coaches when, after the usual methods
failed to develop his Italian discus throwers, he had them practice
to the music of phonograph records with miraculous resultss But
rhythmics are not only useful as an aid in coaching; they lend grace
and carriage to the individual, aid coordination,and afford pleasure
as a leisure time recreation. Rhythmics are not required for men
physical education majors, and apparently men do not elect such
CourseSe

May I suggest that social dancing with a strong emphasis
on methods of teaching,be required as part of our 31M to 34M courses?
Folk dancing and tap dancing might also be offered either as required
or elective coursese len teachers as well as women teachers graduate
ing from Kansas University should have the ability to teach either
recreational groups or high school classes in social dancing and
other rhythmicse

The second glaring deficiency of this year's group of prac-
tice teachers is their inability to plan a course of instruction in
an activitye They apparently have no conception or vision of a
systematic, connected plan of teaching an entire unit in an activity.
They apparently understand the daily lesson plan, but there is no
continuity or orderly progression from day to day throughout the
seasone To alleviate this condition in our senior students, I be=