A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after a success.
Physical education is for everyone!
In a society that thrives on competition, it is easy to get sucked into focusing on keeping score, winners and losers, and the "best" and the "worst." However, PE is not the place for this frame of mind. Students already know which of their peers are the most and least athletically skilled in their class because they see it every day. They already know this, so they don't need to be reminded of it by teachers or students emphasizing the score of their games in class. The purpose of PE is to produce students who know how to keep themselves physically fit, value the importance of proper health and nutrition, and have the skills and confidence to participate in physical activity of their choice in their free time. If physical educators keep these thoughts in mind, then we, as professionals, can focus on a positive, productive and safe learning environment for all students, not just the athletes of the school. As a teacher, I focus on the positive things my students are doing. I use positive reinforcement of good student behavior and correct skill demonstration before resorting to corrective feedback. I give high-fives, compliments, and encouragements to show I am proud and impressed when my students work hard. By modeling the behaviors I expect from my students, they will see my enthusiasm and passion for physical activity and teaching and hopefully follow my lead. |