It’s a crisp, spring day at Plankwood Elementary School. The students are bustling about and getting excited for the summer days that appear to be just around the corner. Looking out to the schoolyard, children are scattered about the playground taking in the pleasant afternoon weather. However, these students are not playing traditional childhood games like hopscotch or “punch the fat kid in his idiot face”. No, they’re enjoying the newest titles in the wildly popular Pokémon videogame series.

Some members of the school faculty have expressed concern over what they consider to be a “non-academic” activity. One man, Physical Education teacher Ralph Neal, is taking a drastically different approach.

“This game is for children. Also, it features balls,” Neal tells Hardcasual, “Wherever you find children and balls – you’ll find Ralph Neal.”

Neal is part of a growing community of educators who see an opportunity in using videogames in schools. Much like Oregon Trail enlightened children to the fatal diarrhea of western exploration, newer videogame titles can instill important life traits in today’s students. Supporting the use of Pokémon in physical fitness training, Neal refers to the new Pokéwalker.

“This new game comes packed with the Pokéwalker,” states a short-shorts wearing Neal, “Unlike other videogames — which can promote laziness and a lack of group showers – the Pokéwalker gets kids active and walking. You can use this fun pedometer anywhere, and frankly, I’m a fan of just about anything pedo-related.”

After performing a number of push-ups, Neal demonstrates proper stretching. Awkwardly placing one leg atop a high bench, the gym teacher places his hands upon his hips and begins thrusting his pelvis forward.

“Remember, boys, it’s important to wear a jock-strap when you’re stretching. We don’t want any Bulbasaurs getting loose, especially when I’m training my Lickilicky.”

While children appear to be swept up in another Pokémon craze, many adults are enjoying the game as well. Every day, people who are clearly old enough to buy alcohol are seen wearing the little round pedometers on their waistbands. However, Ralph Neal seems perplexed by grown men and women who feel the need to “catch ‘em all.”

“I use the Pokéwalker to educate these students, but everyday people, over the age of 12, playing this game?” Neal laughs, “Well, they must be a bunch of friggin’ weirdos who shouldn’t be allowed around children.”