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Print2010 District Teacher of the Year
Elementary School
- Northwest District -
 |
Name: Peggy Chappuis |
Describe one or two of the newest and/or most innovative activities that you do with your students in physical education?
Morning Moves is now in its fourth year at Eastgate School. Twice a week students and teachers enter the gym first thing in the morning to begin the day with physical activity. Music is always involved as we warm up and then the students are involved in a more vigorous activity or dance. The students then cool down using yoga and brain gym. We end with a positive affirmation as the students return to their classrooms quietly ready to learn. I include health concepts from Kindergarten through third grade using active health lessons. These include activities such as a circulatory system obstacle course, nutrition games, and skeleton relay. The alphabet is reinforced in Kindergarten PE class.
What is your particular expertise in regard to teaching physical education – what is the focus of your teaching?
I have been teaching PE in the primary grades for the last ten years. I have recently added the Headstart classes to my schedule. I teach movement education and fundamental movement skills to my primary students. My instruction is focused on competency in motor skills, movement patterns, and manipulative skills. As students become confident and competent in their movement skills, they will continue to value physical activity outside the school environment.
What is your philosophy for physical education – what do you believe in?
Physical Education has a special and important role in our children's education. I have the unique opportunity to affect a child's physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth. I believe that all children can and must be successful in Physical Education class. I believe that children will continue a healthy and active life if I provide a sequential and developmentally appropriate Physical Education curriculum. The activities and lessons that I offer will help children to appreciate a wide variety of activities. I believe that because my students see physical education class as a positive experience, they will continue to lead a healthy, active life.
What does being a NASPE physical education Teacher of the Year mean to you?
I am honored to have been selected as the Northwest District Elementary Teacher of the Year. The Northwest District has had outstanding candidates for the Teacher of the Year, and I feel very humbled and fortunate to be among them. MTAAHPERD and AAHPERD have allowed me many opportunities for growth both personally and professionally. I hope that I can give back to these organizations and all the many people who have mentored me through the opportunities that being a District TOY will give me.
What do you do to help other physical education teachers plan and implement exemplary programs?
I have helped to mentor my colleagues as I became the PE teacher with the most experience in the last 15 years. I advocated that they become members of MTAHPERD and become active in the organization. We exchange new lesson ideas. We work together through the Health Enhancement Curriculum committee.
Any quotes from students about you as a physical education teacher, or the classes taught by you?
A first grade student: "I like gym because Mrs. Chappuis teaches us fun things about how our bodies work."
Becky in 3rd grade writes: "Mrs. C is a great PE teacher. You can count on her to be fit and happy. I love the games."
Zach in 3rd grade writes: "Mrs. Chappuis is a good PE teacher. She likes the Broncos. She is nice."
Cody: "Mrs. C helps me stay healthy and have fun."
Rachael: "Mrs. C is the best PE teacher I ever had in my life."
Blake: "We do so many new things you can't believe it."
What are three of your "favorite" conference session titles that you have presented?
Morning Moves: An activity based session that described what Morning Moves is all about at Eastgate School and the dance activities that I use with my students.
Lewis and Clark in the Gym: While 4th grade students studied the Lewis and Clark Expedition in their Montana History unit, they learned about Lewis and Clark through physical challenges and tracked the Lewis and Clark trail on a map as they finished each challenge.
Mind and Body: A professional development session for classroom teachers in our school district that showed how to incorporate movement into their classrooms by integrating movement with academic subjects.
Additional major teaching awards Peggy has received:
- MTAAHPERD Striving For Excellence Award
- MTAAHPERD HEROES Award
- Action For Healthy Kids Healthy Schools Hero Award
- MTAAHPERD Teacher of the Year