​THE GYM

In modern times, research has shown that it can take many different strategies and ideas to effectively meet the needs of students who have cultural and linguistic differences that ultimately set them apart from the rest of the student population. When working with students who present these differences, it is important for the educator to understand that there are many resources and strategies available, and that it is possible to use not just one method, but a variety of methods and strategies to meet those needs for the students.  

As an educator, one of the most difficult aspects of the teaching profession is making sure you actively engage the students during the whole lesson, this is especially challanging  when dealing with a diverse classroom setting and enviornment.  When dealing with a diverse classroom, which is what I will expect in whatever setting that I am in, it is important to keep a level head, be patience and be understanding of each students differences in the gym room. 

Promoting family involvement is key from the Physical Education standpoint. By generating many after school activities such as open gym, family fitness nights, and sponsored fundraising events like a 5K run will entice families of the community and make them feel more comfortable and welcomed to the district. When members of the community such as students and their familiy come to these events, they essentially build relationships with schools and districts that can sereve as a strong base for the generations to come.

In the gymnasium, it is vital to have resources or tools throughout the room that will better establish concepts for the students who have linguistic differences. Billingual diagrams with pictures, billingual work walls, and instant access to technology are a few ways to assist students with linguistic differences in the gym room.

Cooperative learning and background knowledge also play a role in Physical education. Students with varying strengths and weeknesses, when working together through physical activity, can challange eachother in a positive way to build skills and ultimately make them more well rounded physically, When students have prior knowledge that is different than other students in the class, those students who possess the prior knowledge of the activity serve as a great demonstrator or "example" to his or her other peers in the gym. When students see someone (other than the instructor) demonstrate and model a desired skill or activity, they inturn feel more comfortable in his or her abilitites to carry out the desired task or to aquire a new skill.