003 The Physed Q&A Show - How to Teach Kindergarten PE
Oct 18, 2018
auto_awesome
Teaching kindergarten PE can be a challenge, but fun strategies make it easier! Discover effective tips for creating a welcoming environment and engaging students from day one. Learn about the power of repetition and station-based activities to build skills. Find out how empathy and strong relationships enhance the learning experience. Plus, explore community support and reflection techniques to elevate teaching practices. Get ready to make PE enjoyable and educational for your little ones!
Creating a calm environment with basic routines and engaging activities helps kindergarten students transition smoothly into physical education.
Using stations for skill progression allows teachers to provide dynamic, individualized feedback while keeping students actively engaged in learning.
Deep dives
Starting Off with Kindergarten
The beginning of the school year is crucial for teaching kindergarteners in physical education, as many of the children are experiencing school for the first time. Teachers emphasize the importance of creating a calm and welcoming environment, introducing basic routines and interactive activities to ease the children into their new setting. Establishing a stopping signal and practicing movement in a structured yet low-pressure manner helps children feel comfortable. Addressing how to maintain personal space during activities also lays the groundwork for positive behavior in the gym.
Building Connections and Classroom Management
Learning students' names quickly fosters better classroom management and builds rapport with the children. One effective strategy is to take pictures of the students on the first day wearing name tags, which allows teachers to create a personalized memory game for quick recall of names. Establishing consistent rules and procedures from the start is essential; daily reviews help reinforce these expectations. Teachers encourage a mindset of patience, understanding that kindergarteners are still learning how to navigate social interactions and classroom dynamics.
Utilizing Stations for Skill Development
Using stations in physical education for kindergarteners is an effective method for engaging students while allowing for skill progression. Each station can focus on different fundamental skills, providing children with the opportunity to practice and enhance their abilities in a structured format. Teachers take advantage of the rotational aspect of stations, as it keeps activities dynamic and allows for individualized feedback during lessons. Incorporating various equipment and adapting lessons for age-appropriate challenges ensures that children remain engaged and learn foundational skills effectively.
Creating a Fun and Educational Environment
To keep the energy high and foster engagement, teachers often use fun songs and games that involve movement, such as follow-the-leader activities that teach locomotor skills. Simple games that encourage imaginative play also help kindergarteners learn to navigate their space and practice control. Closing classes with brief discussions allows students to reflect on what they learned, reinforcing the day’s activities while also preparing them for the next session. Overall, building a supportive and playful atmosphere encourages a love for physical activity and promotes ongoing skill development.
Kindergarten students can be difficult! We can help! In this episode, we give tips and ideas for what we do to handle Kindergarten students. We share our personal stories, management tips, and activities we use to provide high-level Physical Education to our students.
For full show notes and links click here (ThePEspecialist.com/Podcast) !
Want to connect with us? Follow us on Social Media @thePEspecialist!