Sometimes the subtlest of changes in your language can have an effect on your teaching, the classroom environment and the eventual outcomes. I used to ask "Any questions?" and now I ask "What questions do you have?". A simple change from a closed question to one that, sometimes with 'wait time', can elicit a more …
When Joey Feith asked me to write a guest blog post for his awesome site http://www.ThePhysicalEducator.com he suggested that I might like to consider writing about my teaching philosophy. I have to admit, I hadn't really taken much time to sit down and reflect on the related beliefs that shape the way that plan my …
This week's blog post presents you with 5 reasons to attend your state AHPERD convention. Although I have used my state of Illinois as the subject of the post, feel free to copy, paste and adapt it to suit the needs of teachers in your state. It's conference season, so let's encourage as many of …
I recently discovered Podcast Brunch Club, which is like a book club but for podcasts. Each month they collate a themed playlist of podcasts and provide discussion questions to help you discuss your thoughts. Some recent themes of note have included: Representations & Stereotypes in Pop Culture The Future of the Human Body Climate Change …
Health Literacy Month is a time for organizations and individuals to promote the importance of understandable health information and this week, SHAPE America introduced its first ever Health Education Youth Empowerment Series to help students develop the skills they need to make decisions and implement change in their own lives and the lives of others. The first unit, …
Fall sees a drop in temperatures, baseball playoffs, the return of ice hockey (Go Blackhawks!) the chance to wear the latest #sendateacher hoodie and also a glut of #physed conferences! And for many #physed and #healthed teachers it's time to renew membership of your state organization because, well, you have to be a member to …
I've been back to school for a few weeks now and am already celebrating the small victories that I'm experiencing on a daily basis. These have included: Seeing 3 girls, in Mexico soccer jerseys taking a selfie with a Mexican flag celebrating Mexican Independence Day. A great way to kick off #HispanicHeritageMonth Playing whole body …
I want you to close your eyes for a minute and think back to your high school or junior high health education experience. What do you remember?...if anything? More importantly, what “Letter Grade” would you give yourself today, right now, if we did an accurate assessment of your health and well-being? Anyone not get …
Continue reading Helping Students Improve Their Health Literacy
With increased pressure on academic scheduling it's important that health educators get the most out of their time in the classroom and these 5 steps should have your students running to your class, eager to learn.
This week's blog post comes from an anonymous author writing about an anonymous club that is working to empower students and spread positivity around the building. You'll see why the author chooses to remain anonymous and there is an opportunity for you to reach out and collaborate with them at the end of the post! …
With one eye reluctantly on the return to school, no doubt you are looking for some great ideas to start the year off with a bang. Well, have I got some ideas for you! Courtesy of the good people at Sanford Health I'm going to share with you a great interactive idea that can be …
This week's blog post is an update of what you might have missed over the summer. It has recommendations for podcasts to check out, blog posts you might have missed, and some great links for professional development opportunities....and it's available in magazine format. Download this week's #slowchathealth blog post in interactive digital magazine format here. …
The #PhysEdSummit is back! August 26th sees the return of one of the most amazing examples of the #physed and #healthed community coming together as a global community to give back to their own. This free online conference, led by the amazing Physedagogy team, provides a world class digital professional learning opportunity for health and …
One thing that helps me deal with the political climate today is music, and protest music has always played a prominent role among my playlists. Before I introduce the 9 protest songs that have been on rotation in my house this summer, (and the collaborative Spotify playlist!) let's consider two ways in which I use …
The longer I teach, the more layers I add to my teaching, and this year I intend to add role play and also opportunities for my students to blog or journal. In my #healthed class my students choose a health topic about which to advocate, and this is based on our school YRBS data (I …
This week's blog is a collaborative effort between myself and my good friend Justin Schleider. We both watched the same movie this week which led to some great conversation. Read Justin's #slowchatpe blog post and join in the conversation on social media this week. Having finally found the time to watch I Am Not Your …
Regular visitors to the #slowchathealth blog will know that I'm a big fan of free professional development and if you are looking for some great documentaries to watch over the summer then you must check out what Netflix has to offer. Here's a list of 9 documentaries that have a #healthed slant to them that …
Continue reading 9 Netflix Documentaries to Watch This Summer
Incorporating technology in the health education classroom can be simple or sophisticated. SHAPE America's June Twitter chat focused on infusing both high and low technology to teach and assess students and available resources to increase student engagement. Plus, gave expert tips on classroom management strategies to consider specifically when using technology. If you missed the …
This week's guest blog post comes from my good friend, and fellow National Health Teacher of the Year, Andy Horne, aka The Scholarly Rapper. Working along side Andy gives me the opportunity to see a passionate and innovative educator at first hand. His drive to be awesome on a daily basis motivates me to continue …
Looking ahead to the summer, and keeping in the tradition of educators sharing their essential reading, I thought I would join in the fun, sharing the 9 books that I'll be reading this summer, and those recommended to me by my PLN. There will be something for everyone in this weeks blog. My inspiration for …
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