By Steve Jefferies (Admin) on Thursday, June 14, 2001 - 09:11 am: Edit

This week I read an article by Thom McKenzie and Jim Sallis that addressed the time challenge physical educators face. Here's what they suggested:

"To better serve elementary school pupils, schools might consider modifying the role of specialists to take on new duties - as consultants."

They then described how PE teachers could help structure the entire school environment to encourage all students to find ways to stay sufficiently physically active on a daily basis.

Should future PE teachers be trained to be both instructors and consultants? Should we be concerned less with conducting lessons ourselves and more with training other teachers in our schools to integrate movement into their lessons?

This is a role we have been considering adding to our professional preparation program. I am interested in readers' thoughts and especially any personal experiences others might have acting as "consultants" within the school setting.

By Peggy Hutter on Thursday, June 28, 2001 - 07:57 am: Edit

Coincidentally, as I was looking for material on integrating activity into the core classes, I saw your article. I am presenting a session entitled "Weaving Wellness Through the Curriculum" at a Team Nutrition Summer Institute at the Univ of NH in mid-July. My theory is as yours, more people in the child's life need to take responsibility for the wellness of "our" children. I try to encourage teachers in various disciplines to, periodically, try to teach their lessons incorporating wellness activities as a tool. Thanks, I will reference your message.

By Steve Jefferies (Admin) on Thursday, June 28, 2001 - 09:40 am: Edit

This sounds an interesting topic. Please consider sharing with PELINKS4U readers either through posting your presentation to this forum or emailing us a copy so that we can include it on the Interdisciplinary PE section. Thanks.