Physical Education (PE) has been one of the most challenging subjects to teach online during the pandemic. Not to mention, it is the teaching job that has—arguably—also changed the most as a result of it. Prior to March 2020, playing, giggling and competing at sports, kids were a constant reality for PE teachers in Washington. Right now? Not so much anymore.
At present, PE classes are delivered in an asynchronous environment in the Shoreline School District, where kids can access the educational curriculum and complete assessments at their own time. “This makes it challenging because you don’t have the direct interaction with students now,” says Pat Broderhausen, PE teacher at Syre Elementary School. “There are about 10 or 11 elementary teachers in our district who meet regularly each week to share ideas, discuss what is working and come up with engaging content,” he adds, which has been extremely beneficial to teachers and students alike.
With growing concerns over children’s screen time, PE has not always made it to the priority list of students and parents during distance learning. Although, that is not to say that it is not important. The irony is that physical activity is needed more than ever. According to CDC, regular physical activity strengthens a child’s muscles and bones, prevents excessive weight gain and reduces the risk of diabetes, cancer and other conditions. Exercise also helps with stress and anxiety relief and can contribute to children’s better outlook on life by building confidence.
“These days, there are so many ways that kids cannot move and still be entertained, either by using phones, playing video games or watching TV, that it is especially important to find ways to move for their mental, physical, emotional and social health,” says Broderhausen. “Exercise can be really fun and educational for kids in teaching them how to follow directions and get along with others,” he adds.
Pat admits that—in this environment—his primary goal is for his students to be healthy and happy. If riding a bike or playing with a dog creates more joy than additional screen time, he is supportive of other means of incorporating movement into their days. His colleagues and him have remained committed to inspiring kids to move, even from a distance, by adding turkey and chicken dances to their regular curriculum to keep things “light and fresh.”
“I have been fortunate to have had amazing teachers growing up—including my mom who was also a teacher—who left a positive mark on me,” says Broderhausen. In turn, he is determined to ensure his students also feel successful and cared for in his own class.
“I want to instill the love of movement and being active in my students even if PE is not something they feel very comfortable with at first,” he says. “I love watching kids achieve things they didn’t think they could do and seeing a spark in them.” In Pat’s class, the goal is not to be the best athlete, but rather appreciating where everybody is in their journey with movement and being able to grow together instead. “I want my students to be able to get along with each other and, if things don’t go their way, to be able to handle them in a positive way.”
All in all, one of the hardest parts about teaching during the pandemic has been lack of in person interactions with the kids. We truly hope that Pat and his colleagues are reunited with their students in person very soon.
This story was published in February 2021 issue of Richmond Beach Community News