Elementary Physical Education Class Management Tips & Tricks
As a physical education teacher, you know that managing a classroom can be challenging. Unlike traditional classrooms, you have to deal with a lot of movement and space. In addition, we often have very large class sizes. However, with the right strategies in place, you can create a safe and fun learning environment for your students. In this blog post, we'll explore some effective classroom management strategies that you can use in your physical education class.
Set Clear Expectations:
The first step in managing your classroom is to set clear expectations for your students. Let them know what is expected of them in terms of behavior, participation, and safety. Be sure to explain your rules and consequences clearly and consistently, so everyone is on the same page. I post the expectations on the outside of my office door and remind students of them at the beginning of class. I also hold my students to very high expectations. Yes, ALL of my students. I find that this helps students feel valued and keeps them wanting to do their best in my class. Check out my expectations poster at the bottom of my post. Download it for free here.Get to know your students:
As a physical education teacher, getting to know your students can have numerous benefits for both you and your students. When you take the time to understand each student's interests, strengths, and weaknesses, you can tailor your lessons and activities to their individual needs and abilities. This can help create a more inclusive and engaging learning environment that promotes participation and helps students feel more connected to the class. Additionally, building positive relationships with your students can foster a sense of trust and respect, which can lead to better communication and behavior management in the classroom. Knowing your students can also help you identify any potential barriers to learning, such as physical limitations or health concerns, so that you can adapt your instruction accordingly. This getting to know you game called the “me too” exercise game to help get to know your students.
Assign Students Numbers:
Assigning students numbers in elementary physical education classes can have a number of benefits. First, it can help the teacher quickly and easily take attendance, which can be especially helpful in larger classes. Instead of calling out each student's name, the teacher can simply call out the numbers, making the process faster and more efficient. Additionally, using numbers can help create a more inclusive and fair environment, as it eliminates the need for the teacher to use the students' names when choosing teams or assigning tasks. This also helps me remember names if I forget a student’s name, I am able to look it up on my seating chart. This can help prevent biases or favoritism, and ensure that every student has an equal chance to participate and succeed. Finally, assigning numbers can also help the students learn to recognize and remember numbers, which can be a valuable skill in many areas of life.
Start Class With A Warm-Up or Routine:
Having students know what to expect at the beginning of each class helps them come to class ready every day. I have some of my higher grade levels walk & talk at the beginning of class to give them the opportunity to socialize with friends while they start to get their body moving. A good warm-up is not only important for preventing injuries, but it also helps to set the tone for the class. Use this time to build rapport with your students, get them engaged, and remind them of the expectations you set.
Use Positive Reinforcement:
Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool that can help to encourage good behavior and participation. Recognize and praise students who follow the rules, participate in activities, and show good sportsmanship. This can be as simple as a verbal compliment or a small reward like a sticker or high-five. I utilize something called Golden Sneakers in my class. I print my golden sneakers on carbon copy paper pads so students can take one copy hope to show there parents and the other copy goes in our raffle for prizes like bouncy balls, stickers, pencils, and other fun small prizes. I do the raffle every other week.
Utilize Stations or Centers:
Using stations can provide variety and diversity in the activities students participate in during class, which can help prevent boredom and maintain motivation. This keeps students on task. Using stations can also be an effective way to manage behavior and promote cooperation, as students are often working in small groups and taking turns at each station. In addition, stations can be a useful tool for assessing student progress, as teachers can observe and evaluate each student's performance at each station. I have created a variety of station bundles on my TPT that keep my students engaged while working on their skills. I love using these station task card holders from amazon for all of my station activities.
Grouping Strategies:
Grouping students strategically is a great way to manage your classroom. Mix up groups to prevent cliques from forming and make sure to balance skill levels to ensure that everyone is engaged and challenged. You can also use team-building activities to help students get to know each other and work together.
Time Management:
Managing time in a physical education class can be challenging, especially with limited time and resources. Make sure to plan your lessons ahead of time and keep a tight schedule. Set specific time limits for each activity and be prepared to make adjustments if necessary.
Musical Transitions:
Utilizing musical transitions in physical education classes can be an effective way to improve the flow and energy of the class. Using music can help signal to students that it is time to move on to the next activity, and can make transitions feel more seamless and natural. I cut music on Apple Music to signal my students to move to the next center when a certain song plays. This also makes sure that students are listening at all times. In addition, I teach my students that when the music is off they need to stop, look, and listen.
Safety First:
Finally, safety is of the utmost importance in a physical education class. Make sure that your students are aware of the risks involved in certain activities, and take steps to minimize those risks. Make sure students know to let the teacher know if another student is on the ground or hurt. Always have eyes on the students and have your phone in a fanny pack or pocket. I may create another blog post on this topic, but I have had to give CPR to a student and call 911, so safety is a huge deal. Always have a first aid kit on hand, and be prepared to respond to emergencies quickly and effectively.
