Although PE class is a good chance for teachers to get kids to release some of their energy and hopefully, in turn, help them concentrate, it can also be a great opportunity to teach life skills if the time is taken.
When teaching this class, I believe the Teacher should take the time to incorporate tasks and skill sets that the child will be able to take and use outside of class as well, such as teamwork, respect, participation and leadership. Because the kids will have the opportunity to not just listen but to actually experience and perform these tasks, they will learn faster and hopefully keep it in their memory for a longer period, if not for life! Simple actions, such as putting the shy kid in a leadership position or creating a game where everyone has to participate in order to score, has the potential to entice confidence and good relations between the students and prepare them for harder situations they will face in their lives ahead.
With the threat of obesity and unhealthy lifestyles a very real and common problem in today's society, it is important to teach students the importance of staying healthy early on. Physical Education provides a fantastic opportunity for this, where the Teacher can give the student a chance to exercise each week in a fun environment so that they can come to enjoy it. Teacher's also have the opportunity during this time to promote other healthy habits in relation to how it will improve or affect their abilities in class!
Melissa Voth
Well done Melissa! Exactly what I am looking for. As you say teaching Phys. Ed. is so much more than just physical skills but social skills as well.
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