KINS 389: Methods of Teaching Health & PE for Elementary Classroom Teachers was designed to familiarize  liberal studies majors with content information and methods of instruction needed to teach health education and physical education in a K-6 school. Not only did I learn how to teach physical education in elementary school, I also learned how to incorporate movement into the classroom. Similar to MUSC 448, this course emphasized the importance of decreasing the distinction between the arts and the classroom. There’s a robust body of research that links physical movement with better learning outcomes. I was a Teacher Cadet in highschool for two years with a former P.E. teacher at an elementary school in my hometown. As I am writing this reflection, I am currently filling in as the long term substitute for that same position. Health education has always been something in the back of my mind to consider, but I struggled with the idea of not being able to teach academic concepts: the concepts I love so much. This course emphasized that I can do both by integrating movement into my future classroom. 

This course was also an Honors Enhancement. Dr. Lucas so graciously agreed to work with me to provide extra materials and resources to make this regular course count towards my cumulative number of honors classes. All semester long I worked alongside Dr. Lucas to co-write an article about accommodations for students with visual impairments during recess. It is very likely that classroom elementary teachers will have the opportunity to teach children with visual impairments (VI) at some point during their teaching career. It is the responsibility of the educators and administrators to provide students with services that will meet the needs of all of their disabilities. Accommodations are often made during class times including during the arts, but they are often neglected to be thought of during recess. I had the chance to present my work at Research Showcase Day. I loved the opportunity I was given to explore my own interests outside of the course syllabus. Through the enhancement I was able to form an everlasting relationship with a Longwood professor. Below is a copy of the enhancement poster I presented at Research Showcase Day.

(Fall 2021)

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/11CarQdGcQmR4d0z42CV1x61GeV2zAY6pjekOcQiK8fI/edit?usp=sharing

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