Cheryl, Rob, Elizabeth and Mary did an amazing job creating physical literacy and holistic lesson plan to wrap up the semester. I enjoyed the variety of choices that were provided to the students. These stations incorporated physical, social and mental health activities to engage the students. Giving students options is a powerful tool for children to explore and learn.  The group was aware of students staying at an activity for an extensive amount of time and encouraged us to try new activities. I was very impressed with their energetic,  creative animal warm up and cool down (the special background sound effects were a nice touch).

Physical activity is an important aspect of our lives, however, it is often pushed aside. It is important to educate students on healthy living. Modeling active lifestyles  at school is a great way for kids to learn and implement into other areas of their life. Using physical education in cross- curriculum is a great way to make sure children are being physically active for minimum 30 minutes a day.

Learning about the Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) model has reinforced the importance of breaking down game fundamentals. Games are more than just skills and drills. Team work, decision making and game knowledge are key components for a child’s success with a game. These components are interchangeable between different sports as well as life skills. Making the game accessible for all students to be successful will make the game more enjoyable. 

As important as the TGfU model is, I think it is important to use it along side with others models depending on your students needs. Using the mix curriculum model is important to keep in mind to not became fixated on one type of curriculum. Each class will be different, therefore the teacher must modify the curricula to fit the students needs.

In what ways can educators provoke further questioning among learner?

The educator should resist helping the students at first. Giving the students space  furthers the students questioning and encourage them to make their own decisions about game play. Have the student engaged in active experiences, then inquire how these experiences can be implemented within the larger picture, for example, society, community, school. The fundamental component for provoking questioning among learns is give the students more control!

What are the conditions for including all learners in game playing?

The Teaching Game for Understanding (TGfU) approach is a model which is inclusive for all students regardless of ability and skill level. This approach focuses on giving students the opportunity to actively experience, enjoy and understand games. Having a learner centred approach put the needs and abilities of the participants first over the importance of the game. Modifying games to make sure they are inclusive for all students abilities is a the component of this approach.

Physical literacy is an important skill not only in P.E but in all classes and aspects of life. These movements will help the child in their future. Therefore it is important to implement physical literacy into your other lesson plans as well. I grew up playing many different sports. I found they each help my performance in other sports. It allowed me to bring other movements and abilities into other game play. For instance, I went to Cirkids (a circus program) which improved my balance, strength and flexibility for all other sports. Soccer improved my endurance for Cirkids. Steve Nash was a great example of this. I have never seen his soccer ability before. They blew me away! He did not just grow up playing basketball everyday. He skateboarded and played soccer as well (and who knows what else) but each of these sport movements helped the other sport This allowing him to be the best basketball player as well as a very skilled soccer player.

P.s I loved the tic tac toe game as a warm up. Very creative!