I taught a P.E. class! In my public education, I hated gym, everything about it was those who could and those who could not. My goal as a beginning educator is to break those feelings surrounding P.E. down for every child. My CT asked if I would want to try a lesson, and she would stand beside me and give me tips throughout – as P.E. is safety based rather than skill-based in grade 4/5. I evidently said yes! I am thankful to have tried this in my first teaching practicum, to gain confidence in this curricular area.

I had one student lead their six lap run, and another lead stretches, warming them up for a game of Allies and Backboard Dodgeball.

Allies

This game is set up similarly to benchball, where students work to throw balls and hit their opponents. If hit, they take a seat on the bench. Allies works where students are in partners, everyone else is their opponent, and the benches are placed in a “+” formation surrounding the centre of the gymnasium. Students worked together to get their partners off the bench, and their partner is the only “safe” classmate – everyone else can get them out.

Backboard Dodgeball

This is a regular game of dodgeball, except when a student is hit, they sit down where they are and can only rejoin the game if anyone on their team hits the backboard (basketball net) on the opposite side of the gym.

Core Competency: Communicating

Facet: Connecting and engaging with others

Profile: I communicate purposefully, using forms and strategies I have practiced.

First Peoples Principles of Learning: Learning is holistic, reflexive, reflective, experiential, and relational (focused on connectedness, on reciprocal relationships, and a sense of place). 

Big Ideas:

  • Daily participation in physical activity at moderate to vigorous intensity levels benefits all aspects of our well-being. (4)
  • Daily physical activity enables us to practice skillful movement and helps us develop personal fitness. (5)

Curricular Competencies:

  • Develop and demonstrate safety, fair play, and leadership in physical activities (4&5)

Content:

  • benefits of physical activity and exercise (4&5)