PE2020 Is About Building a Shared Vision for Physical Education in the Year 2020 and Beyond
PE2020 Submission Details
| Date: | 04/13/2010 |
| First Name: | Mary |
| State: | Maryland |
| Age: | 31-50 |
| Submission Title: | Elementary Education: a moving curriculum |
| Submission Theme: | Interdisciplinary Education |
| Submission Entry: | If I only had one phrase to explain my vision of Physical Education in the year 2020 it would be “Elementary education: a moving curriculum.” My vision is based on research that links movement to anchoring learning. In my vision, all elementary schools will have daily recess with outdoor environments suited to creative play and movement. Teachers and supervisors will participate in movement activities during recess time as well. All elementary schools will have daily physical education focused on the sequential development of skill acquisition. Appropriate scaffolding of skill progression will be embedded in each activity, providing opportunities for individualized progress. Every morning students will begin their day with at least five minutes of guided exercises. The classroom teacher and Physical Education specialist will work together to develop movement opportunities in the classroom that support curriculum lessons. For example, math class might be used to build equations for push-up challenges. Science can use a variety of long handled implements and different size balls to explore force and levers. Language Arts can employ stories about healthy living, nutrition and athletics. Additional “brain breaks” will be scheduled into the curriculum day to refocus and re-energize students. Cooperative planning between classroom teachers and the Physical Education specialist will establish targeted academic needs for each grade to be embedded in the Physical Education classroom. Each intervention will be aligned with the NASPE guidelines. Themes for Physical Education shows will be of an interdisciplinary nature, and activities will demonstrate not only movement proficiency but also academic achievement. Classroom projects and field trips will include movement, or be activity based. Students and staff will be immersed in movement throughout the day and the importance of daily activity will be a part of the school culture. Before and after school activity and fitness clubs will be available for all students. Every student will have a heart rate monitor during Physical Education and will be able to track their energy expenditure levels. Students will journal their exercise and fitness goals (pre-writing will use pictures). Every student will wear a pedometer and be encouraged to become a member of the “daily 10,000 steps club.” The Physical Education classroom will be dynamic, fun and energy-packed. A typical lesson will include cardiovascular activity, skill acquisition and a game of low-organization. The lesson will explore the links between effort and achievement, part-to-whole skill development, the importance of daily activity in every day live and the academic concept for that grade. Every school will have a climbing wall. Students will have opportunities to experience life-long activities such as kayaking and canoeing, fly fishing, rock climbing and orienteering. Nutrition education will be included in every curriculum and supported by the school culture that includes providing healthy snacks and limiting the reward of junk food. The cafeteria will serve as the link between nutrition, exercise and health, serving a choice of fresh, wholesome foods focused on a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables. |