Students participate in swimming
at the Bruyette Natatorium in the
Saint Joseph College O'Connell Center
for PE classes during the months of
January and February.

Description

The area of physical education and interscholastic athletics is one where an exceptional child could have a greater chance of achieving on a normal developmental level than in academic areas. An increase in a student's self- image and confidence from these experiences can carry over to other areas of his / her life. It is a goal of The Gengras Center 's physical education and interscholastic athletic program to help students generate those self concepts that assist with daily living activities. In Physical Education class, students will demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to participate in a variety of lifetime physical activities so that students maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout their lives. We strive for students to understand the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. It is The Gengras Center's goal that our students develop the interpersonal skills and positive character traits to participate in physical activities with others in a mutually beneficial manner.

Expected Outcomes

Through participation in The Gengras Center physical education/adventure education program, students will experience a variety of physical activities. Students will apply the principles of physical fitness to maintain health-enhancing levels of personal fitness. Students will exhibit accountability for their social behaviors during group play. Students will exhibit an understanding of and respect for differences among people among various physical activity settings. Students will share how physical activity helps them in their daily living activities.

Instructional Methods

Classes receive instruction in various team sports, individual lifetime activities, playground ettiquette and some classes receive team building through adventure education. During team sports such as soccer, basketball, softball, dance and volleyball, teacher led demonstration and skill stations are used. Individual attention is given to students during skill practice. During lifetime sports activities, such as swimming, racquet sports, rhythmic activities and fitness, play begins as a whole group, but quickly changes to individualized instruction as activity is ongoing. During adventure education, a team building environment of trust is the goal. The team advances together through a progression of activities designed to elicit responses that lead to mutual accountability and the respect of each others ideas and feelings, as well as the identifying the team's strengths and weaknesses. Methods of instruction for all classes often have to vary according to the space available for activity that day.

Assessment / Teacher Reflection

Assessment is ongoing and flexible, according to the student's individual learning styles. Teacher observation, both formal and informal, and peer feedback are the primary methods used to determine success, adjust teaching styles and modify activities for individual outcomes. Student's personal goals and needs are always taken into account when determining the best path for learning.