Teaching Basics For Physical Education: Chapters 1,4 and 5

Reading chapters 1, 4 and 5 of the text was just a refresher of what i have already learned through trial, lecture and experience. The chapters highlight the qualities one needs to be a successful physical educator. From getting attention to keeping it. Having age and skill appropriate tasks that are challenging and rewarding. From reading the chapters you can see just how many different areas one must cover. It may seem overwhelming but it is what this profession does everyday.

The pedagogy is essentially a PE cheat sheet. Ways and methods to get attention and way to engage the students. Also almost a checklist if you will. There are certain proven methods that have been used time and again, but when i read these methods i think of ways i can make them my own, adapt them.

 All the information in the chapters and pedagogy are a foundation and building block for teaching. By learning these basics you can start to adapt and develop your own style of teaching. It is important though to always remember the basics because they allow you to have more flexibility in your teaching, but can never be left out or you can fall into a poor learnign enviroment.

There are many factors to consider when it comes to teaching and at times it may seem overwhelming, but eventually it becomes more natural. However it never becomes automatic because teaching is always evolving so the educators must as well.

Snow Days; Another blow to fitness

When there are snow days in school every kid is full of excitement. No dull classes orsame routine. They do not have to get up early or get on the bus. I think of another side when i put my physical educator hat on. As in most school districts like mine PE is an every other day class. So on a snow day half the students miss there PE class which could be 1 of 2 for that week. If that is the only time that student gets physical activity it really makes our job that much harder. Where am i going with all of this you ask? A snow day just brings to mind more reasons why PE should be an every day class.

Its always the first to be sacrificed and always last in importance.We need more activity time and snow days just give us more reasons to do nothing. A stretch, possibly, but sometimes you have to look at the big picture. We need to cut down on things we can control that limit our activity because when its a snow day most people wont go out of their way to get that heart rate up. Also we can make winter activities seem more exciting. Snow shoeing, cross country skiing, meaning incorporate more things into your program.

Thinking of different scenarios and settings that you can mold lessons to can be a powerful thing. Students may decide to do one of the cool activities they learned in class that they can do in the snow or rain etc.

Just food for thought.

PED 255 Teaching Blindside

Well on the first day of 255 we had to teach a 5 minute micro lesson. To see how i did before i critique myself watch the video shown above.

First thing i will discuss is the things i did well. I spoke to the students making sure they could hear what i was saying. I spoke clearly and demonstrated what i wanted them to do. For the 2 minutes i had to prepare i had a pretty clear idea of what i wanted to try to do in order.

Now some things i believe i need to work on. I could have spoken louder and checked for understanding a few more times. I spoke clearly, but if it were younger students it i may have spoken to fast. I also could have had a little more energy.

See some stills of me in action below. Also if you want to see my transcript click here.

Last adventures of St Mary's

                         It was all about the holidays at St Mary's for our last visit. Santa and all his helpers were there playing with the kids. Elves were playing games others doing crafts and drawing pictures.

In my last trip to St Mary's i worked with all the age groups. I played with dinosaurs in the pre k, played tag ball with some older kids and everyone played capture the presents. We even had the parachute out for our last time which the students love.

I have learned a lot from my time at St Mary's and i thank the whole school for allowing me to be part of their time.I enjoyed working with the kids and will always remember it. So i say good bye to St Mary's and look forward to my next teaching experience and will use what i have learned to make myself and excellent teacher. 


What have i learned you ask?

Turkey Time at St Mary's

It was turkey time at St Mary's this past week. All the pilgrims and turkey games were in full effect.

As our time at St Mary's is coming to  a close we came back and had a Thanksgiving theme. I played Turkey ball and soccer with the older students also some two hand touch football. The older kids are into classical competitive type sports and games much different than the younger students. We finished the day with the turkey hokey pokey and another fun day of St Mary's came to and end but this time we left in the dark thanks to day light savings.

Next time we go back it will be our final day but it will be one of the most fun times of the year it will be the holidays.

Observations

St Mary's SCARE

Our 4th trip to ST Mary's was the most exciting so far. Not only was there a giant whoopee cushion walking around but a clown, doctor, cowboy and a wild man.

Our 4th trip was for Halloween so of course we dressed up for the occasion. The kids loved the costume especially the whoopee cushion i might add (me). The response that i witnessed was the best so far, getting more comfortable with the kids helps but i think the costumes adds to it as well. Reading to the kids was a riot because you could only get a page our two without a comment coming up then its a chain reaction. Also be careful while asking a question because with the pre k it can lead to chaos with everyone trying to answer.Working with the pre k is a relief because they are always excited to play what ever game you can come up with which makes things a lot easier. This was my best week i believe to date and i hope to improve for the next lab.

See my observations of the festivities here.