There are a variety of curricular approaches in physical education, any one of which can provide a framework and scheme that is the foundation of a physical education unit of study. This article will discuss the use of an adventure model to teach about diversity, multi-cultural understanding and tolerance. Teaching children diversity and tolerance…

Imagery is a powerful sport psychology tool easily accessible to coaches. These reminders can help coaches improve their athletes' images and performance: (1) Create vivid and controllable images; (2) Use polysensory images and instructional cues, delivered, ideally, in real time; (3) Use internal and external perspectives; (4) Use imagery during…

This article presents ideas and suggestions from various physical educators regarding how the National Standards for Physical Education play a role in their daily PE program. One educator shares that in her middle school's physical education program, students who demonstrate competency in many movement forms (and proficiency in a few movement…

Since the onset of No Child Left Behind (NCLB, 2002) schools have been focusing on raising test scores in reading and mathematics, while at the same time feeling pressured to reduce subjects such as physical education and health. It seems for many educators finding time in the school day for students' physical activity has become increasingly…

There are increasing demands and requirements in the coaching profession, and as a result, coaching education programs worldwide have seen an increase in overall participation. In addition, many schools and sport programs in the United States have begun to require a minimum standard of certification. This, in turn, has created sport-specific…

The majority of Americans identify with a religious faith, and the connection between religious beliefs/behaviors and health behaviors make it important to understand teachers' role and influence in this regard. The purpose of this article is to inform readers regarding (1) religious demographics in the United States; (2) the relationship between…

Physical Best and Fitnessgram have a 25-year history, yet many physical educators have yet to be exposed to their full potential. Exploring the Physical Best Activity Guide worksheets and the "Reports" section of Fitnessgram is like finding buried treasure in one's own back yard. These hidden treasures can help physical educators incorporate the…

There is a special relationship between a student teacher, the PK-12 teacher who serves as mentor, and the university/college supervisor. These three individuals, often called the triad, work together to transition the student from pre-service teacher to professional educator. This article focuses on the roles of mentor teachers and…

After years of working with athletes and coaches of all ages, the authors have come to the conclusion that young people need to be taught how to compete. Rather than assume students understand competition, it is vital that they are educated about it. Coaches and physical educators have both a unique opportunity and profound responsibility to teach…

When teaching individuals with autism it is important to pay particular attention to fitness and movement as these individuals are less likely than typical children to achieve the recommended level physical activity. Common characteristics of autism spectrum disorder can include deficits in communication and social behavior, which may limit…

Teaching and learning in physical education at the elementary level should be a time filled with excitement and fun for both teachers and students. Children by nature are inquisitive and bring an abundance of energy into the learning environment. Physical educators who are able to harness this student energy in positive ways are able to…

Historically, physical education has purported to promote student learning across the psychomotor, cognitive, and affective domains. Use of adventure-type activities within a physical education curriculum can provide a valuable tool for physical educators toward truly meeting the affective domain. Recently published works have provided physical…

This article summarizes the highlights of a one-day adapted physical education workshop, delivered to an audience of physical educators and undergraduate physical education students. Three experienced adapted physical educators and an individual who works full time for the Special Olympics shared their knowledge and expertise with the…

Teaching wellness principles in secondary physical education classes has become an important aspect of physical education as teachers work to help their students develop lifelong healthy lifestyle habits. Many schools now have a required wellness/fitness component as part of their state core requirements. Having developed their teaching skills by…

This article begins with a personal anecdote from the author, for whom childhood P.E. classes were exercises in frustration and humiliation largely because she could not master the coordination needed to catch, throw, or hit a ball. She could not keep her eye on the ball despite well-meaning instruction from coaches, friends, and family members.…