It’s Not Just About Inspiring Them Today, It’s About Empowering Them For Life
I once heard University of Michigan Football Coach Jim Harbough tell someone that he wouldn’t know the impact of his work/program until he could see who his players would become later in life as husbands, fathers, community members, and friends.
The same is true of the students in your classes. You see them for a snapshot in time. What you do with them in that time has the opportunity to frame the mindsets, understanding, skills, and behaviors that will influence the choices they make throughout their lives.
To achieve the level of health and physical literacy to empower students for life, you need to engage students with opportunities that are relevant, meaningful, and that connect to their lives beyond school. Oh… and they should also be fun! So I ask you:
- How are you encouraging students to reflect on their learning and set goals for their health and fitness? How are they given the opportunity to personalize their experiences in class?
- How are you encouraging students to find fun and engaging ways to utilize their skills and knowledge outside of class?
- What would students say about the impact of your class on their health (physical and mental) and fitness? Are students getting what they need to influence their health and physical literacy for life?
Take a few minutes to reflect on these questions, and give students the opportunity to voice their own responses. Use your reflections and student input to evolve your work to capitalize on the snapshot of time that you have with them. Providing them with authentic experiences that are focused on their personal needs, you are more likely to empower them to attain and maintain a healthy lifestyle!
Looking for an example? Katie Frietas, a physical educator from Canyon Crest Academy, arranged for her class to go rock climbing as part of their Outdoor Adventure unit. Outdoor Adventure is a great activity to meet the Ed Code requirement for high school students to receive instruction and assessment in Individual and Dual Sports while also connecting to local resources/opportunities and student interest.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if there is anything I can do to support you, your site, or your district.
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