When I teach children the rules for Physical Education, I try to do it in a way that is fun and active. I have the rules posted on the wall but the explanation is not in writing. Instead, the rules are simple pictures that represent a rule. INSPECTOR RESPECT stands for listen and follow directions so everyone can learn, HAPPY HEARTS means treat each other with love and kindness, BEE A LEADER stands for setting a good example for others through hard work and appropriate behavior, SHOO FLY sends the message not to tattle on others. Use words to work out disagreements with others and apologize if necessary, HEALTHY HANDS stands for keeping hands as free from germs as possible by avoiding places like the nose and mouth, TOPSY TURTLE says try your best, PRIVATE SPACE is the personal space around each individual that allows room for work, and GENERAL SPACE is the large work area we use during activity. I place pictures on the gym floor and students travel around to music in various ways. When I stop the music, I call out the rule and students must circle around that picture. Sometimes I give the explanation of the rule and they must figure out which picture represents the rule. They like this challenge.
We also discuss appropriate voice levels for inside and the concept of Whole Body Listening, which has children focusing on the following: Eyes on the person talking, Ears hearing what the person is saying, Mouth quiet, Hands at sides or in lap, Feet still, Body facing the speaker, Brain engaged and focusing on what is being said, and Heart caring about the person who is speaking. Sometimes a simple reminder of "whole body listening" is all a child needs to adjust behavior.
Students are learning a lot of rules in the first two weeks of school. It will take some time to fully grasp everything but we'll keep working on it.
The pictures representing all the rules hang on the wall.
Students move around the hoops to music and wait to find out which rule they must find.
Inspector Respect has his spy glass and is looking for children
who listen and follow directions so everyone can learn.
Students gather around "Happy Hearts" who reminds
us to treat each other with love and kindness.
Healthy Hands encourages children to keep their hands clean so germs are not spread.
"Shoo Fly" sends the message not to tattle. Work out differences with friends in a kind way.
"Topsy Turtle" reminds students that activities and skills
will not always be easy so try your best and don't give up.
"Bee a Leader" tells students to set a good example for others so everyone can be successful.
