MY P.E. PHILOSOPHY
I believe that Physical/Health Education is an essential component in any child’s education. Learning, understanding, appreciating, and applying wellness related concepts into one’s lifestyle can set a foundation for a healthy, productive life. Not only does living a physically active lifestyle help prevent illness and improve quality of life, but it also opens doors to many social opportunities, improves self-esteem, and builds confidence. Many of “life’s lessons and truths” are reinforced in physical activity settings, and PE classes offer students occasions to manage themselves in a respectful and responsible manner while participating in competition. As a PE teacher, I aspire to provide students with a variety of competitive, non-competitive, and cooperative activities in which to take part in.
I feel that Physical Education should include components such as fitness, skill acquisition, participation/appreciation, athletic responsibility, and lifestyle commitment. I aim to include fitness building activity into each PE class. My goal is that all of our students will progress toward and reach health enhancing physical fitness levels. I also feel strongly that appreciating the importance of physical activity and making a “lifestyle commitment” to physical activity are crucial to achieving this. I encourage students that find ways to stay physically active outside of school.
In PE classes I also attempt to teach each student proper technique in performing common sports skills (throwing, catching, moving, etc.). I also stress important strategies that transfer well from sport to sport (e.g. creating passing lanes, defending an opposing player by keeping between him/her and the goal, etc.). I feel that when people are successful in performing activities they are more likely to enjoy them and continue participating. My hope is to teach students athletic techniques that will increase success.
Finally, I believe it is important for students to learn and utilize “athletic responsibility”. At the secondary level, this includes wearing attire that will help their athletic performance and reduce the chance of injury. It also includes competing with integrity and respect towards opponents and teammates. By blending these components I hope that students will learn to enjoy physical activity and choose to make it an important part of their lifestyle as they gain independence.
