Adapted Physical Education – Karine Scott, W.B. Simpson Elem School/Kent ILC
I believe that as a teacher, I am responsible for providing the roadmap, tools, and motivation that guides a student in the right direction for a promising future. As a Physical Education teacher, I have the privilege to work with every student in the school and see them grow within a five-year timeframe. My vision as a teacher is for all students to have the opportunity to become physically literate, further helping them to grow their psychomotor, cognitive, and affective skills. Physical literacy is defined as, “the ability to move with competence and confidence in a wide variety of physical activities in multiple environments that benefit the healthy development of the whole person.” I take pride each day in recognizing the diversity among 600+ students in the W.B. Simpson Elementary school, provide a classroom environment that is relative to all abilities, and outlining how all skills and functions can be used by students on a daily basis outside the classroom for ideal healthy living. Not only does physical education help build a healthy individual in and outside the classroom, but also teaches students lifelong skills such as teambuilding, problem solving, good sportsmanship and fair play, and overcoming obstacles. I have developed a curriculum that not only incorporates skills, but also builds cognitive, intellectual, and emotional abilities; overall building a well-rounded and balanced classroom of students. It does not stop just in elementary physical education. As a teacher involved in several afterschool activities, I have the opportunity to see students blossom into mature young adults and incorporate the skills they have learned in my classes to excel in the future.</p> <p>Lastly, a term that can describe my overall philosophy and approach as a physical educator is PURPOSE. Activities can take place, students can have fun and stay active, but learning may truly get lost without a purposeful meaning behind each daily lesson. At the beginning of class I make sure to explain why a lesson or action takes place, and also make sure to reiterate this concluding an activity at the end of all classes. In the words of John F. Kennedy, “Intelligence and skill can only function at the peak of their capacity when the body is healthy and strong.” In my position as a physical educator, I serve as a role model by demonstrating and teaching the fundamentals of healthy living to very young individuals. My ultimate goal is to empower them to seek and implement physical and intellectual activities into their daily routine to build powerful individuals.