The sun is finally out, and I am getting to take my physical education classes outside for the first time this year. I take out my bat and my ball, and many students get hyped for the upcoming softball game on our school’s field. It is like the students find the sunshine! The day is just better because they get to breathe fresh air, compared to a stuffy school. I have also seen the other students lose the light in their eyes and gulp in fear of failure around their classmates as they know they will almost certainly let people down. I was one of “that” group of kids. Those kids that knew they would rarely succeed for their team and their classmates were always “bummed out” when they were up to bat, or the ball came near them for the play. As a PE teacher, I knew I had to do something different. I had to make sure all students had the opportunity to succeed. I knew my students should understand the joy of playing a game of softball or kickball with their friends and classmates and the way families get together to enjoy a game. It was time to change the game. So that is what I did.

This is how I “take all students to the ball game.” My students, beginners to advanced, enjoy the rules that we have created to make sure that all kids count and have the ability to succeed. These “rules” have helped students feel “normal” and “good enough” for their teams and classmates. The first concept I teach is that everyone is at different levels of skills. It is essential that I see what level is truly the beginner so that when I identify “level 1”, students feel that they are perfectly normal at “level 1” and can climb up the “ladder” as they grow in skill. Identifying levels of skills helps students feel that they count on their team, too.

Students only get one pitch, beginner to advanced. Every student must have a “real” attempt to hit the ball forward; however, there is no “one-purpose” bunting. Students have the option of saying “T-” me up for the level 1 hitters. This is when the catchers will put it on the “T” right away. Level 2 hitters are working to swing the bat to make contact with the ball. If they miss, no worries, they can contact the ball off the “T,” or they can throw it in the air to themselves so they can contact the ball. Level 3 hitters hit the ball on the pitch. If an advanced player swings and misses, they can choose the “T” or throw the ball in the air for themselves to make contact. Students learn that everyone misses once in a while. They learn to keep trying. Eventually, they will hear the crack of the bat (no matter their skill level). Remember, only one pitch!

There are no fouls. We have 2 catchers to help with any balls that may go backward. Remember that every student has to make a clear attempt to hit the ball forward. Students learn that no matter how small the contact may be, “the ball is rolling,” and their hit is making “the ball move.” Every movement counts.

There are outs, but everyone on the team hits before they switch to the inning. Students learn that even if they get out, they can still do good for their team by advancing runners to try to score. Students are taught that only some score points, but everyone can help points happen. The runners cannot steal but do not have to return to a caught ball. This keeps more students running longer. Everyone is important. Everyone counts. These concepts help me “take my students to the ball game,” teach social and emotional learning concepts, and show that all students’ abilities count. All students can play. Take your students out to the ball game. Help them all enjoy the sun!

This microblog post was a featured post in #slowchathealth’s #microblogmonth event. You can search for all of the featured posts here. Please do follow each of the outstanding contributors on social media (including Heather Burd, the author of this post) and consider writing a microblog post of your own to be shared with the global audience of slowchathealth.com

Pair this blog post with the following:

Meeting Them (Almost) Where They’re At by Michelle Ireland

Finding Their Swish by Judy LoBianco

Different Ways from a “Different” Teacher by Heather Burd

How Legends Are Made by Heather Burd

Have you read the latest Book of the Month recommendation?