Do you remember the coach who only seemed to focus on the “star” athlete, making their contributions the only ones that truly counted? These coaches often, unintentionally, minimized the impact of everyone else on the team. But then, do you remember the coaches who saw every athlete—no matter their differences? The ones who invested in …
Continue reading Built to Belong: Why Every Student’s Difference Matters in Physical Education
Every semester, after introducing the content of my sexuality education unit, I conduct an anonymous question activity with my sophomore health class. I ask them to ask questions they have about any of the content, but I also take this a step further. I ask them to suggest content that they think their peers definitely …
Preface: Although we write this blog from a Canadian perspective, we know that this topic is relevant within the American landscape as well. We recognize the complexities that currently exist advocating for and implementing inclusive sexual health education. Teacher Educator Perspective (Alexandra Stoddart) While it has many names, sexual health education (also known as sexuality …
At the SHAPE America national convention in Seattle, I finally had the opportunity to meet, and participate in a session with Dr. Brian Culp. Alongside John Strong and Dr. Brandy Lynch, their presentation titled 'Keys to Unlocking a Diverse and Socially Just HPE Space' shared resources, provided space for deep self-reflection, and reminded attendees that …
Continue reading Physical Literacy, Inclusiveness, and The Spatial Imaginary: A Summer Challenge
Finding their Swish! I’ve been reflecting since the SHAPE America Convention on a speech I did at the Majors of the Year ceremony. I emphasized the role of the teacher in the success of every student in Physical Education. I also made a very bold statement. I said “No one ever said that PE had …
If there is one lesson I've learned as an Adapted Physical Education (APE) teacher, it is that Physical Education (P.E.) is one of the most powerful and essential tools for ALL kids to connect, belong and be brave. When I first started my career as an APE teacher, I, along with my colleagues who teach …
A few years ago, I was teaching my favorite reproduction activity to a class of middle school students. We walked through a “normal” 28 day menstrual cycle, showed ovulation happening around day 14 or 15, and talked about what might happen if sperm were present in the fallopian tubes at the same time as an …
In a recent assignment, my students identified the benefits of comprehensive sexuality education, and their research discovered this quote from Siecus, prompting us to have a conversation about the role of language in the #HealthEd classroom, how it has changed, and how it can make a classroom more inclusive. I asked my students to consider …
ALL teachers must strive to best serve their students. ALL students, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, political views, immigration status, ability, socioeconomic status, and other identities or characteristics. Every individual in our teaching space brings with them a unique set of strengths, experiences, and backgrounds that should be acknowledged and harnessed …
#slowchathealth 