Ever wonder why PE is so hard for some students? Think that including a student in PE for general ed is the best time to include them? Think about these “invisible skills” that are needed for success in the PE environment.
Knowing WHEN to move
- Your turn versus someone else’s turn
- Moving in relation to opponent (don’t get caught; score)
- Move with a teammate or on your own
- Defensive movements / offensive movements
- Anticipation – when and where to move (around bases; across field)
- Adjusting position in unpredictable moments during game
Knowing WHEN to wait
- For a turn
- For an opportunity to pass an opponent
- To protect your goal
Knowing HOW to move
- Amount of speed
- How much force to use
- Movement required in the game
- Moving cooperatively with a teammate
- Knowing where to move (boundaries, direction – especially for flee / chase games, sequence of movements across play area)
Knowing WHAT task to accomplish
- Defensive task vs. offensive task
- Changing player roles and task to complete for the game
- Get an object (retrieval, exchange with teammate)
- Propel an object (direction of trajectory)
Knowing what direct SOCIAL SKILLS are needed to participate
- Communicating to help your team (warning of opponent coming, gesturing “I’m open”, asking for a turn, asking for help, responding to a request for help, sharing equipment)
- Contributing to team function
- Encouraging (cheering, words of encouragement, making an effort)
- Congratulating (thumbs up, high five, “good game”, hand shake)
- Accepting a loss or winning with dignity and fairness to others
- Commenting respectfully to opponents and / or teammates
Thank you to our APES Carolyn Hitzler for submitting this information!