The goal this evening is for us to identify our greatest PE STORMS and examine some ways to “CRASH” through these WAVES and become STRONGER teachers on the other side!! #espechat
There is no doubt that we all face adversity throughout our careers! The strategies and solutions we gather for conquering these “OBSTACLES” will help us be more resilient and in turn benefit us as we move along our career path #espechat
Crew… Let’s work together tonight to help each other come up with ways to battle these PE issues!! Don’t forget to use the hashtag- #espechat in all of your responses, for everyone to see, and also identify the question number by answering with an A1: or A2:, etc.
Intro Question: Please tell us your name, the state you teach and let us know if you successfully “BLASTED” your way through a difficult issue sometime this school year. Briefly id the issue and use a GIF to tell us how you felt before, during or after the incident #espechat
Matt from So. Cal checking into #espechat. Always trying to find ways to motivate students. Never a year that I can get everyone participating as much as I'd like.
Intro Question: Please tell us your name, the state you teach and let us know if you successfully “BLASTED” your way through a difficult issue sometime this school year. Briefly id the issue and use a GIF to tell us how you felt before, during or after the incident #espechat
Q1: What are the biggest obstacles and challenges you have in conducting your #physed yearly, unit and lesson planning? What holds you back in the planning process? #espechat
Becky here from Illinois. I've had many challenges this year. Not sure I've really BLASTED through but might be starting to chip away! Sometimes it still feels like it's building back up! #espechat
Intro: We had construction over the summer and my storage space was in shambles, moved out of my office of 20 yrs and black top covered in construction debris for over two months. #espechat
A1) Hard to plan when the department doesn't plan. Also difficult to tell our weather patterns. We have to retreat inside frequently during parts of the year. #espechat
Matt from So. Cal checking into #espechat. Always trying to find ways to motivate students. Never a year that I can get everyone participating as much as I'd like.
A1) We are moving into standards-based grading. I’m excited, but nervous because I feel it could change how I have always used sport-based units. #espechat
A1: Lack of time. I get most of my Ss 30min./wk. I have to plan lessons for paras to do with them 3 days/wk. The way the program set up is not for quality Phys Ed. #espechat
Hey hey hey #espechat 🤙🏼!! It’s Stephanie Sandino, checking in from Southern California. A ss falling in with a crowd that wasn’t the best of influences, that began effecting her attitude/grade/motivation. Email home became a huge eye opener on fam history #espechat
A1: Biggest challenge this year is planning for middle school and learning to plan with another teacher when previously I did all planning by myself #espechat
Q1: What are the biggest obstacles and challenges you have in conducting your #physed yearly, unit and lesson planning? What holds you back in the planning process? #espechat
April, @dc_linn#physed, Dodge City,KS Figuring out how to manage time! To say I am busy is an understatement! But, I *think* I am doing a decent job! 😉#espechat
A1: the biggest obstacle is the unknown...how kids will progress, what is going to constrain your teaching, what else will be added to your schedule #espechat
A1: Not having a gym and multiple spaces that I get booted from. Hard to plan units and yearly plans when your not sure where you will be that week due to rain and assemblies. #espechat
A1) when everyone wants to use your gym in the month of May and nobody likes to communicate with you. In a K-12 building, Elementary is the bottom of the barrel, and always get the short straw. Basically lose a month of good lessons because of changing locations! #espechat
A1) No where near enough time in my contract time at work to plan. I can't plan in half hour blocks...I need to sit down at hours at a time to plan #espechat
A1: trying to organize Ts district wide so MS has an idea of what ES Ss are coming in with, HS knows what MS are coming in with, etc. trying to motivate others is a challenge sometimes. #espechat
A1 I have a hard time sticking to my lesson plans. I write things beforehand but always end up changing them in the moment. Things organically lead to other learning opportunities, usually inspired by the kids. #espechat
A1: Building a new school, gym, new state standards mentoring a rookie elementary teacher who now feeds my program, middle school bodies in a small elementary sized classroom. The usual. #espechat
A1: The schedule you have and how many times you see the students. I only get to see them twice a week. Thankful for that but hard students enough opportunity to develop and improve their skill level. #espechat
Matt from Atlanta. Got a job in late February. Didn’t have a lot of time to get to know the students, do fitnessgram, jump rope for heart, plan field day. Don’t know if I have blasted my way through but I have tried my best #espechat
#ESPEChat A1 Being a first year my obstacle is making sure my ss are engaged as well teaching them the standards since I'm trying to figure them out too
Q2: What are some of your strategies and/or solutions to help deal with your #physed planning issues? How do you try to overcome the obstacles in your path? #espechat
A1 I feel like everything disjointed this year as I continuously try to “sew” it back together! I do see learning so that’s a good sign my sewing is holding 🙃 #espechat
I do mine on the weekends for the most part. I create my plans, powerpoints to go worth every lesson for visuals, creating student resources/assessments...my district has some stuff that is quality, but I find myself making most of my own #espechat
A1: Not enough time to see my students. Once every 6 days. Not enough time to get through everything. I feel like I have to just scratch the surface of each element. #espechat
Q2- I come early before school and try to plan and prepare for each day, even mentally. Also I think flexibility is key in PE. We need to be able to modify or adjust activities so they work. #espechat
A2: I like to have yearly plans, but stay flexible. If things are going well, then I only have to make small changes to my plans. It really helps put my mind at ease when I know what I'm going to be doing next. #espechat
Sorry for my tardiness! A1 - Definitely testing and seminars for yearly. Also student progress. Wont progress if I do not think they had enough skill time #espechat
A2: I also designed some easy to fill in yearly, unit and 1 page lesson plan templates in the summer that help me plan quicker when it came time to do it during the school year #espechat
A2) Still trying to figure that out lol...I like planning by myself to be honest. I find I need to do the planning myself to have a solid idea going into each lesson. I've always been driven by the research that says master teachers plan up to 60% more than novices #espechat
A2 - as @bdevore7 noted flexibility helps me through the tough times. Ultimately I do what’s best for everyone. Students included because the alternative is unproductive and would make me look bad. #espechat
A2: I make plans by the week, and tweak on a daily basis. I have learned to keep records of what I actually teach compared to what I planned on teaching. #espechat
Q2 - ask administrators for the bests schedule they can give me -skill time comes down to behavior management which is a struggle with 60 plus kids. Today I had a class do 0 activity bc They would not let me explain directions/rules. Wanted to just talk the whole period #espechat
A2. Asking our principal and secretaries a month or two ahead of time about events not scheduled on the calendar especially in April and May. If the gym will be needed #espechat
A1 Unexpected construction definitely changes the course in planning, extra school events or to-dos (ie passing out pictures today) sets us back a little and the hesitation towards change as well. Don’t always see eye to eye when it comes to assessment and 1/2 #espechat
Q3: What are the biggest physical challenges you face as a #physed teacher (i.e. equipment concerns, facilities, space, storage, personal fatigue, etc.)? #espechat
A2) I try to map everything out on a rough monthly plan for the year and then adjust weekly based on what gets in the way/needs a bit more time. #ESPEchat
We just lost our field for the rest of the year (and maybe the start of next year). Makes it challenging to have to share blacktop space with other teachers WHILE lunch is going on... #espechat
#espechat A2 I make the plans over the summer and move forward. If it is a returning teacher, try to meet with them. Past colleagues don't want to hear from me, they just roll out the ball.
Had a great colleague for 5 yrs. We had a blast, believed in QPE & had a great program
A3: For me, throughout most of my career, it was the number of students I had to teach at a time. It ranged from 40 to 120 (at one school). Hard to plan for and exhausting work by the end of the day!! #espechat
Through my entire career, I never was any good at determining timing. Even when I was doing something I had previously done, a different group of students resulted in different amounts of time needed for each aspect of the learning. #espechat
A3 I think physical space for class and fatigue are the two big ones. Teaching PE is hard work mentally and physically when done right. You can take a day off to get yourself right for you and your Ss. #espechat
A1b revamping from a more traditional out look on our program to a more updated appropriate practice if that makes sense. I almost feel like I’m running in circles but also hitting a wall 2/2 #espechat
#espechat Q3: having a killer schedule going from K to 3rd - 1st - 4th etc.. Transitions are very difficult to deal with. I see so many lessons on T and I feel I cannot try them based on the layout of my schedule:/ Flow is so important for a phys. ed. schedule.
A2: I make plans by the week, and tweak on a daily basis. I have learned to keep records of what I actually teach compared to what I planned on teaching. #espechat
A3: facilities. My gym is small. I feel I can do so much more in the spring when I take the kids outside and we have all this room for activities. #espechat#stepbrothersreference
A3: my physical challenge is not having a space that I can call mine. Ss needs to learn routines and be able to post stuff on walls. I can only wish for now! I do have a few sign boards that i post stuff no. But lots of step up break down each day. Gets old quick. #espechat
A2- Early and ongoing communication. PLC planning and organizing. Turn every situation to a positive, shows students how to make the best of any situation #espechat
A3) I think I have to go with storage. I'm a neat freak and my good sized equipment room doubles, triples, and quadruples as the sports closet, PTO closet, student council closet, you name it...and I learned quickly that not everyone is as organized as I like to be! #espechat
A3 all of the above. I don’t think there’s a perfect school and the negative perception the #physed T face contributes to less than stellar physical circumstances. #espechat
A3: I'm exhausted. This school yr.. had so much on my plate btwn being the prez of MAHPERD, being a team lead at my school & doing my admin cert. Lost my grandma in December & I became executor of her estate & that's a lot too. Ready for summer. #espechat
Q3: What are the biggest physical challenges you face as a #physed teacher (i.e. equipment concerns, facilities, space, storage, personal fatigue, etc.)? #espechat
A3. Would love to have more storage space. Would also like to be able to leave some equipment out at time but too many others using the gym after school #espechat
A3: Class size (40-120) for 2 teachers...plus a teaching size that is proportionate to the number of students. Getting a new gym by the end of the month!! #espechat
A3) Physical obstacle is just the sheer number of Ss in our school. gaining between 150-200 new Ss next year as a result of redistricting and new home construction. Enrollment over 900. More classes being fit into a schedule with the same amount of time as before... #espechat
Well, I say the EXACT THING! “Hey, im here all day.. you are here for 45 minutes..”. Time you listen relax and settle down.. its like 5 minutes - they havent realized. Its april now.. 4 min video on pickleball all I wanted to share.. is that too much #espechat..
A3: Budgets - always. Gym size. My gyms have historically been too small or crammed w/ other kitchen stuff. My higher ability students are tough to develop when they don't have room to move. #espechat
A3) Coming from the Midwest the unpredictable of the weather. Last year at this time we had been outside for a month. May is going to be a packed month! #espechat
A3) I always wish I had more space and more equipment. I also get really fatigued during the year especially during the warm/hot times. It's not fun teaching for 3 months in 90+ weather. #espechat
Thanks Becky! Wishing they could have done this during a break. They actually took over a big chuck of blacktop today to get the cement trucks in. Luckily, I have take the ONLY green space over for the next few weeks in the back of the school. #espechat
A3: Definitely equipment concerns. Today my 1st - 2nd graders worked with a partner using scoops and balls. I have to have 49 to accommodate partner work with a class of 98 2nd graders. It is always a struggle to have enough equipment. The struggle is real!#espechat
Q3 - Equipment- DEFEATED THAT @DonorsChoose thanks! BEHAVIOR .. ON GOING BATTLE! #Espechat once I see the light at the end of tunnel.. the next day comes and the hole is blocked again ! #Wontgiveupthough
A3: We have 60 kids in the gym at once & I asked to put the divider down so I could structure my class a certain way & get to know my kids but the divider doesn't block noise..so I'm talking over instruction on the other side. #espechat
Q3: What are the biggest physical challenges you face as a #physed teacher (i.e. equipment concerns, facilities, space, storage, personal fatigue, etc.)? #espechat
A3. Time and continuing to rehab and repair your body. The constant impact and wear affects life quality. More time with students and planning #espechat
Q4: How do you combat any of the physical issues you face as a #physed teacher? Are there steps you have taken or can take in the future to help in your personal situation. #espechat
After all, it's gotta be about student learning & while some of you have very difficult situations (large classes, lack of time, facilities, etc.) it's still about the kids. #espechat
Q3: What are the biggest physical challenges you face as a #physed teacher (i.e. equipment concerns, facilities, space, storage, personal fatigue, etc.)? #espechat
We are dealing with that too this year. To me, its still worth it to only have to worry about my one class. Can get to know Ss much better and so many less limitations to the types of things that can be done with one class compared to 2. #espechat
A2 I try to keep pitching my ideas while also pave my own path as well. I was observed by my admin last year and this year which means they got to see my style and my vision of what #physed can look like. I’ve definitely earned their support #espechat
A4) Fatigue: need to stay hydrated frequently. Need to get into the AC in between classes sometimes. I end up napping at home when necessary. #espechat
A4) I had a convo with my principal about my equipment room. He understood and helped me move some of the miscellaneous stuff while I have a student teacher. Problem is I'm sure this will continue as storage at our school is not adequate. #espechat
A3: Balancing my family and my job! I often feel like I have to do some kind of work every night, try my best to not interfere w/children’s activities, but.....8th grade son is at a track meet tonite, wasn’t possible for me to attend! #momguilt#espechat
A4: I would say getting enough sleep is a big one. If I don't but enough boundaries on my self at night and go to bed I am not ready for the next day. #espechat
Q4: How do you combat any of the physical issues you face as a #physed teacher? Are there steps you have taken or can take in the future to help in your personal situation. #espechat
A3 I am TIRED and behind and always thinking about what I have to do that I haven’t yet. A para today told me “you seem ‘different’” and I knew what she meant. Broke my heart but it was what I needed to hear. Just sad that it was so obvious to someone else. #espechat
A4: For me, taking the time to plan well ahead of time helped me overcome some of the issues that come with T’ing in a crowded gym situation. If you have multiple teachers, utilizing space around the school helps it seem less crowded and more tangible #espechat
#espechat A3 Biggest physical challenges? Ss safety. Which plays a role in how S will behave in school that day. Did they have anything to eat? Are their clothes clean? Do they have water for washing clothes? Survivial. School is so far down the list for Ss.
A3 all of the above. I don’t think there’s a perfect school and the negative perception the #physed T face contributes to less than stellar physical circumstances. #espechat
A4) Over development is a hot-button issue in my county right now. Developers just snatching up land right and left and building high density housing. It will come down to changing ordinances within our county at the political level to make a change #espechat
A4. Fatigue. I feel these days I do nothing but stand. I feel badly sitting but as I get older I have to accept it. Just try to vary the classes I do it in. #espechat
A4. I try to be proactive with my principal. I ask lots of questions about things that are placed on master school calendar so I can plan accordingly. Keeps me from being surprised and frustrated. #espechat
A4: My hearing was getting really bad, so I finally go hearing aids. Game changer! So nice to not to have students repeat themselves. Waited to long to get them. Wife super happy also. #espechat
Q4 - steps I have taken, I continue to take, some days the elevation is flat and I defeat it.. others its a hilly road and I stumble up it.. A SHOOT STAR happens once In a while and its DOWNHILL TO THE VICTORY LINE #Espechat - showing I care over and over. Wont give in
Fearing the same problem-- I'm getting a brand new HUGE (to me) gym...the storage room is roughly about the size of my current office. I have NO idea how I will fit my equipment. #espechat
Totally agree! Didn't like the quality of instruction w/60 kids. I like it so much more w/my 30-34 but then I get kids who want to be on the other side b/c they're having more fun & they don't like how I do the what, where, how & why of instruction #espechat
A4- communication w others teachers on scheduling, getting together w principal to get shelving to be more organized, and building relationships w those Ss that have a hard time in PE #espechat
A4 I like to call it “Tony time.” It’s those times both long and short where I ignore #physed and focus on myself. If I am not sharp mentally and emotionally and to a certain extent physically, I’m not doing right by my students. #espechat
I struggle with this too April! Someone once pointed out that its good for our kids to see us working hard. It helps to instill that work ethic inside of them. But, take time to be with them and put everything away from time to time. #espechat
This is something I need to do. I usually plan week to week. I have a yearly plan I follow but make adjustments. I alwayse feel like I am scrambling come Monday. #espechat
A4: I talked to my Admin at my end of year review about programs, etc.. and protecting PhysEd time. She is very supportive and made some changes. She also helps us find funds for different projects and needs. I’m fortunate in that way!#espechat
Good chance you might have some student challenges during a typical #physed day… Question 5 addresses that issue and is moving in like a storm! #espechat
Actually Think I bought your jump rope skill cards on TPT because I didn't realize that my gym was closed for art fair and needed something to be able to work on outside and in the cafe. #espechat
A3. #espechat My voice! My voice isnt used to talking and explaining everything for every class by myself yet. Sure that will come with time and experience
A3 I will say being out in the sun 95% of the school year can be a beating sometimes. It also makes us California teachers think a little differently with our classroom signs, boards, or any info we want to post #espechat
I'm right there with you. Never realized that I would have to advocate for #physed so much after I had been teaching for so long at the same place. #espechat
Surround yourself with the best like minded people. Makes the task that much more doable. Advocacy at every opportunity is also important take time to take to stakeholders about the importance of the subject when taught correctly. #espechat
A4) My biggest struggle, which isn’t as big as it once was, is the overuse of the gym. People used to DESTROY my equipment room, they never took care of the gym or picked anything up and moved my stuff all over. It has been better lately...but that was a process. #espechat
@MatthewBrooks_#espechat is a game changer. It saved me from PE burnout. The people I have connected w/on here have become mentors & friends. I'm grateful. @PhysEdApps I hit Matt Brooks about GA last wk from the the last chat. I love the connections we make
In reply to
@PhysEdApps, @MatthewBrooks_, @CapnPetesPE, @MatthewBrooks_, @PhysEdApps
A4: Not so many issues physically, just a mental game. So many Ss w/major trauma. Our relatively small community has had 4 suicides in two months. Last year had two former Ss lost to suicide. It’s tough! Self care has never been more important! #espechat
A4 I work with the admin to try to foresee obvious master calendar obstacles. Turned in my yearly special activity dates last week to get them on the calendar before it fills up! #espechat
I can attest to that. The affect of many years on a tile floor over concrete coaching volleyball? One toe surgery, one shoulder surgery, a bad ankle and a bad back. #espechat
A3 I get concerned with the physical challenge of when my PE teacher can’t get into the cafeteria that doubles as a gymnasium because the kids are just coming from lunch and custodians have to clean the floor. #espechat
#espechat A3 Biggest physical challenges? Ss safety. Which plays a role in how S will behave in school that day. Did they have anything to eat? Are their clothes clean? Do they have water for washing clothes? Survivial. School is so far down the list for Ss.
Water bottles are a PE teachers best friend. Gum is my go to, even though the kids cant have it, always helps me keep my throat from going dry. #espechat
A5) Getting them all to see the value in what I am asking them to do, especially some of my older Ss towards end of year. Meaning is in the eye of the beholder...hard for me to tell them the "why" if it doesn't match up with theirs #espechat
A5: I taught K-2 for 16 years...last year our school transitioned to K-5. Its been bit of an adjustment for me teaching the 3-5th grade Ss. Not used to the "too cool for school" attitude. With larger class sizes, it's harder to build relationships. #espechat
A5 some are already showing signs of indifference and/or inability. Inability is something that with time can be fixed. But indifference is poisonous. #espechat
A5 My biggest challenge is the competitive young ones who struggle to control emotions. I always say sports are emotional. Grown men cry, yell, scream as fans and as players. #espechat
A4 Other than sunblock and water not much you can do. The #physed community in California is pretty awesome when it comes to sharing ideas, get some lightbulbs on how to work smarter for posting info (sometimes Velcro works) #calicrew#espechat
A4 getting back to staff yoga helped me a lot last week. Fell asleep during shavasana. Taking time to eat lunch helps, and trying to let little things go during class. #espechat
A5) I HATE repeating myself. Its the same reminders to the same students all the time. Still trying to find new/different strategies that work but seriously sometimes...other teachers have this too? Ever feel like Charlie Brown’s teacher? #espechat
What do other schools do when their is inclement weather at your school in regards to recess? Teachers at my school get upset if they can't use the gym #espechat
A5: For me, having direct one-on-one contact to address skill development and/or skill/cognitive assessment was always a HUGE challenge with the large numbers I taught #espechat
A4) Fatigue is huge. Monitoring our own physical fitness and nutrition can sometimes get lost in the craziness of the school year. Ever since I have been eating cleaner and exercising more frequently, I have seen dramatic changes in my energy levels. #espechat
Trying to catch up with the #espechat but this is it. I always feel so physically & mentally drained at the end of the day...& the end of the week i'm a zombie
A3 I think physical space for class and fatigue are the two big ones. Teaching PE is hard work mentally and physically when done right. You can take a day off to get yourself right for you and your Ss. #espechat
A5: Behaviour. Today I had to talk to a class about how embarrassed I was for our school and myself when they were very badly behaved and we had a guest teacher #ESPEchat
A5: Developing relationships in thirty minute periods. Trying to meet the needs of all my learners and give them feedback that they need to develop their skills and character. #espechat
A5. getting the student to understand the importance. Still get laughs from not only students but colleagues when correcting GYM to Physical Education. #espechat
Q6: What are some of your strategies and solutions to help with the student issues you face in #physed? Are there things you have implemented or can implement to help improve your situation? #espechat
A4: I look for evidence-based research that supports the best practices in assessment & evaluation. Ultimately I create my own tools which are both teacher/student friendly. #espechat
#espechat I have washed Ss clothes. I always have snacks available for hungry Ss. I always have supplies. I tell Ss to ask me if they need anything. Don't ever go to class unprepared, puts them in a jam with that T.
A5: In my school setting I am no longer just dealing with behaviors. I am dealing with some kids that have had real trauma in their lives and I am learning new ways to handle situations I’ve never dealt with before. Studying, reading, collaborating, and learning daily. #espechat
A5: Giving each Ss the direct attention they need. Adjusting to different learning styles, understanding their needs, and reactions. Getting them to school on a consistent basis! #espechat
A5 they will not stop talking and are very silly. I feel like I have let a lot of behaviors build up to issues now. I am ready to reset for next year. #espechat
A6: To help in having direct contact with students, using a STATION format and small group breakout games helped me have more face-to-face time with my students and gave me the chance to assess in in a smaller group situation #espechat
Ugh even as I write this, I think “it’s not THAT bad.” I do have some incredible kids that are so patient and willing to learn. It is not all of them that stress me out. #espechat
A5 My biggest challenges are getting them use to my style (what are we learning vs what are we playing), how come they get to play dodgeball today, & the list goes on. I’m also just beginning to learn how to manage some grade 7/8 attitude as I close in my 2nd yr in ms #espechat
The (outside of my class) injuries and illnesses that cause my students to have to sit out! Sometimes they seem never ending. I just want my kids to be able to participate and learn. It stinks for them to have to sit. #espechat
Nothing is as important as developing those relationships though! I love that you acknowledge that! I see my kiddos for 25 min, try so hard to build relationships with all! #espechat
A5 some really strong willed behaviors beginning to creep up around this time of year. Have to revisit the PBIS rules daily and stay consistent. Reminder to them daily...School not over yet😉 #espechat
A6 feedback is paramount. Get the pulse of your classroom. This is essential the higher you go in grade level. If you don’t connect with the kids and what they are feeling, the disconnect will only grow from there. Makes secondary #physed T jobs more difficult. #espechat
I have two big tubs of tennis shoes, I have come to realize many students live in different places during the week and things may be left at moms house, grandmas house. It is not the child’s fault sometimes...
#espechat
#ESPEchat It’s tough!I’m trying to foster an environment focusing on teamwork and leadership where peers hold those students accountable and do what they can to motivate. Theres a lot of power in kids letting eachother know how they feel An uphill battle indeed bc...they’re kids!
I use @idoceo to make photo rosters that I can print. It has really helped me remember names when I do assessments. Maybe you can create them without that software too #espechat
Indoor recess when necessary in the classroom. My teachers are great. They respect me as a teacher and we work well together as a team. No one thinks what I do should be trumped by recess. #espechat
A6: continue learning as much as I can about students with trauma in their lives, communicate communicate communicate with my building coulleages have many back up plans #espechat
A6) I have done some station format type things in the past and decided to commit myself to going full on stations and tech next year to really focus on skills in a variety of ways. In hopes this will help everyone find something they enjoy and become more succesful. #espechat
Some things feel like they are totally out of our control… Question 7 will help us identify the external threats that attack us from all sides! Look over to your starboard side…here they come! #espechat
A5) Getting them all to see the value in what I am asking them to do, especially some of my older Ss towards end of year. Meaning is in the eye of the beholder...hard for me to tell them the "why" if it doesn't match up with theirs #espechat
A6: When I intentionally take the time to listen to students who are challenging at times. Letting them get a chance to speak helps us both out. #espechat
A6: I implemented a Cool Down Zone. It is an area where students can go and there is comfortable seating, stress balls, sensory items,and a poster to guide them through breathing and calming down. Then they can return when they are ready. It has helped tremendously! #espechat
A2: talk to everyone and advocate for my program and student for #AdaptedPE make sure everyone shares what holds them back because everyone deserves to be heard. I impact others space and schedule. #espechat
A6:If you are not familer w/trauma sensitive research, google it. ALL Ss can benefit from their T’s being aware of their needs. Requires a mindset change from T. Zones of Regulation are valuable too. #espechat
#espechat exactly.. We had park district B-ball afterschool.. I lost my mind one day coming in and most of my floor tape was ripped and balled up for me. AAAAAAAngry.
Q7: What are your biggest obstacles and challenges that you face from outside influences for your #physed program? Do things that seem out of your control hamper your ability to teach the way you really want to teach? #espechat
It's hard, but have to talk to kids and find out what's happening...why they don't want to try or don't care. Takes time, but rewards can be HUGE! #espechat
A6: I try to have enough equipment for each child or partners to have so that all students can be active. If my kids are actively engaged I have less discipline problems and happier kids. #espechat
I have found ways to say things that I don’t mind saying over and over. Drove me nuts to say “put your ball down” over and over. But now if I say “say ‘goodnight ball’” it doesn’t bother me nearly as much. #ESPEchat
A7: Administrators who don't understand the needs of specialists, and how important we are in the "well-rounded" child growth and development is a tough battle! Also, classroom teachers who don't understand us as well. I never let it stop my efforts though! #espechat
A7: This week it has felt like someone keeps looting my equipment. Monday I had no hula hoops (Back today). Today I had no cones (Found out that the 3rd grade teacher borrowing them for her Oregon Trail program). Have to learn to be creative in a pinch. #espechat
A7. People believing that we need to integrate all curriculum into our class. I like to integrate but I have too many standards teach and not enough time #espechat
A7: Unwillingness of colleagues to help with after-school sports. I’ve had many nights of an angry wife due to my principal being the only person who is willing to help coach our Ss after school - thus I devote more time to it than local PE teachers I coach against #espechat
A7: I had a few outside obstacles and challenges throughout my career. Sharing the gym with the After School Program, School Assemblies, and outside sport/activity groups always made for some difficult and frustrating situations #espechat
A7 a lot of times there is little no buy from parents and to a certain extent stakeholders. Misinformation and core subject competition take a lot of wind out of my sails. I have very little control outside my classroom but I make due with what I’m given. #espechat
A6 I have a Conflict/Work it out Center that helps a lot with Ss needing to talk things over. I also have a “hospital zone” with first aid and ice packs and a hospital chair to sit in til that can feel better to rejoin! They don’t stay at either very long! #espechat
A7) This year is the first year that I have taught how I really wanted to teach as the result of a new gym, separate teaching spaces and 1 class under my care at a time. Things that "hamper" now seem to pale in comparison to the issues of years past #grateful#espechat
A7: I think there's still a perception that more time in the classroom and on academic subjects is best for kids. Even with all of the research and programs we're seeing it can be a fight to get more movement added to a students day. #espechat
A7. Losing good pt teachers on a regular basis to full time jobs. It good for mentoring but emotionally draining to lose a good friend and colleague fairly consistently. Then there is the worry about whether their replacement can do well. Fortunate to have been lucky. #espechat
A7) Time is a struggle, but the biggest struggle I think most of us face is the stereotype of the GYM teacher. Most people don’t realize that our profession has changed drastically over the years. #espechat
I had to do something similar yesterday. Three that were not playing the game fairly so I said “would you rather just shoot over here” and off they went 🙃 #espechat
We are being bombarded from all sides…it’s true… Let’s look now at how we can survive the onslaught and perhaps befriend the enemy to claim the hidden treasure… Question 8 is upon us! #espechat
#espechat A7: Our schedules can always be more conducive to easier planning for us. I wish my school had more fun events, assemblies, things like that. Sometimes I think our school can be more fun for our Ss. Would certainly help with Ss happiness and motivation.
A7: I think it’s on us to SHOW them what we do and not wait for them to take notice. Not easy by ANY stretch, but if you reach the levels that @jimsgymtx has with his parent/family connections, you have more strength and momentum than you could ever imagine! #espechat
Good point Eric. Our part time position each year has been like a revolving door. Most someone ever seems to stay is 2 years. Makes continuity hard within program for sure and personalities/teaching styles don't always mix in the constant turnover #espechat
Q8: What do you do to help deal with the outside influences that affect your #physed teaching situation? Is there anything you can do to help change these negative outside influences you deal with in your teaching environment? #espechat
A6:If you are not familer w/trauma sensitive research, google it. ALL Ss can benefit from their T’s being aware of their needs. Requires a mindset change from T. Zones of Regulation are valuable too. #espechat
A6 my students have their own number to sit on and we also have a think tank In case you need to sit and THINK about your actions or reactions #espechat
A7. PE taking a back seat in the school day…. I am sure this is not intentional as something has to be last. With all the research showing how physical activity benefits academics, it’s time to stop saying “it may”. We know it does. #espechat
No split time. There are still 2 classes in the gym simultaneously, but one is on one side of the divider with one teacher, the other class on other side of divider with a different teacher #espechat
A7: I am blessed to have a great administrator at my school who believes in my #physed program! I would love a little more buy in from parents! #espechat
A5- Convincing the few haters of all the benefits. A huge struggle are the “athletes” who are too cool to try and bring others down with them #espechat
A7 I have those frustrations. My gym floor has been beaten up from outside groups. Mats moved and left out, trash left in the bleachers or on the floor. This is my room, where I work, a little respect Please! #espechat
A6 have a few classes starting to set intentions before class. Today I wrote them back on if they achieved or not. I think this could be huge for them. I hope they like it. #espechat
A8 Advocating for our programs and profession is the biggest thing. This helps people understand our value. Don't underestimate the power of a positive phone call/note home or speaking to admin or board members. #espechat
A8: Personally talking with the outside groups that used my gym and respectfully sharing my concerns always helped curb some of the the problems and holding those ind’s using destructive behaviors, accountable for their actions also helped #espechat
A4: i have started to be more confident and believe in myself. speak up for what i need. Maintain good relationships with admin and colleagues.##espechat
It’s definitely something that takes time. learned a lot of great things thru marine training that my football players go through each summer.Ive given the older grades a “teammate and leader” rating that’s a part of their fitness profile. Looking to add to it each yr #ESPEchat
A8: I do PD/PL presentations for classroom & support staff to show what we do, especially with tech and new ideas in education. I also do a lot for my PTA, so parents advocate for me a lot. And I invite the superintendent to everything, she even comes once in a while. #espechat
Hi! I apologize my for tardiness. I got a little carried away in my garden this evening. Looks like it’s been an awesome #espechat though! I can’t wait to go back and read everyone’s posts.
#espechat A5 Biggest challenges with my Ss trying to cope with all of their outside issues. As I mentioned earlier, this gets in the way of their learning. But if they don't have basic needs met then learning is not that important to them.
A8 at the risk of sounding defeated/unprofessional, if a problem is minor, I deal and move on. If it is major, then a more calculated response is necessary. Problem is your responses have to be very straight laced and pc b/c your job security depends on it. #espechat
A8) Advocate. Nobody will advocate for us. We need to be the voice for us. Our profession has changed and people should know how important physical EDUCATION is. #espechat
A7 I took on one too many after school activities. It didn’t get setup great and I am struggling to lead it now. Trying to do my best but my extra currics can weigh me down and can hamper time needed to plan. #espechat
A8 this goes from everyone from lazy co workers, to unsupportive admin, to unsupportive parents, to politicians who say they care but the reality is they don’t (cough Kentucky cough) #espechat
Can be loud for sure, but faced with the choice to double classes together or to have them separate, I'd take separate every time, even with the noise. Ways to mitigate that for sure. Can get to know Ss much better by only having 1 class in your care #espechat
Really like your conflict corner. like how you have spots for them to be. I went outside today for PE and my kids where asking where the conflict corner was. didn't need to use it but just wanted to know. #espechat
I think it's a bit "problematic" to focus too much on other subject areas. It can imply that #healthed & #physed teachers don't have important curriculum 2 teach students & therefore have time 2 focus on other subjects. Natural connections like science/pe etc, awesome! #espechat
A5: sometimes just not enough para support with my students in #AdaptedPE , more behaviors in the with some amazing students with ASD area so reorganized my whole classroom management this year. Way better now than beginning of the yr. #espechat
Bonus Ending Question: What quick advice would you give a 1st year #physed teacher about the obstacles and challenges they might face and what they can do to overcome them as they travel through their careers? #espechat
A8: Educate Parents and any other critical stakeholders. Continue to market the positives in your #physed programs. Provide multiple opportunities for them to participate and observe. #espechat
A7: This year, first in my career, but admin and parents that don't know and see the value of PE. Lots of advocating and networking, more than ever before! #espechat
Bonus: Stay connected with motivated #physed teachers. They like to #nudge you in the correct direction but they motivate you to become better... Every day. #espechat
A8: I’m sounding redundant, but I think it comes back to relationships. Good relationships= trust from Ss (and hopefully family) helps to get issues/problems resolved. Less negativity! #espechat
A8 Advocating for our programs and profession is the biggest thing. This helps people understand our value. Don't underestimate the power of a positive phone call/note home or speaking to admin or board members. #espechat
Bonus: Twitter and Voxer are your best friends for school trouble. Always someone willing to help out! Also, take care of yourself and your needs every day. If you don't, others will suffer. #espechat
Just like riding a roller coaster you will have ups and downs and crazy turns. Sometimes you will be upside down. But it will all end and you will be alright, just breathe! #espechat
A8) Roll with it +keep grinding! Learning from outstanding resources such as this chat and the networking that continues to grow.I believe it will all continue to validate what we do as we truly keep finding ways to reach + inspire Ss in extremely limited circumstances #ESPEchat
ABonus Plan ahead for the obstacles as best you can. Connect with as many fellow PE teachers as you can for support. Be flexible and be real with your Ss. #espechat
BA1: "Mai Bpen Ra". Its Thia for "it doesn't matter". This understanding about not worrying about what I can't control saved my sanity. When there was something that my Admin was driving me crazy I would just say "Mai Bpen Ra" #espechat
Bonus Ending Question: What quick advice would you give a 1st year #physed teacher about the obstacles and challenges they might face and what they can do to overcome them as they travel through their careers? #espechat
Bonus Q: An awesome, well though out curriculum will go no where without solid classroom and behavior management strategies in place!!!! #espechat#PhysEd
Bonus A - be the best you! Don’t get dragged down by veteran T who say things like “this is the way we’ve always do it around here.” Don’t be afraid to be different. Take calculated risks! #espechat
A8: I do PD/PL presentations for classroom & support staff to show what we do, especially with tech and new ideas in education. I also do a lot for my PTA, so parents advocate for me a lot. And I invite the superintendent to everything, she even comes once in a while. #espechat
Bonus, oh yeah, and try to become as student-centered as possible, even if it goes against your learned teaching. Relationships with kids makes it all happen! #espechat
