Their inquiry led to an increased awareness of Korean road signs and I used this later in their unit to guide them through their gross motor circuits, something I offer them on a weekly basis.
Gross Motor Circuits:
Last year I changed my Physical Education curriculum for my early childhood classes. The nature of their development sees these children develop so quickly that I cannot offer a program based on units in 6 blocks, for example. To allow the program to suit the needs of the students and not push the students through the program, I needed to make this change. Monday is my games, dance and ind. pursuit day and Wednesday is my dance, movement comp & adventure day. Health is always covered and I use music in all my classes.
My students in Seoul have an enormous need for self directed play as well as gross motor development. Because of this, I have pushed for the purchase of specific Gymnastics equipment that is used to build gross motor circuits. These set ups change weekly and are offering movement opportunities at all levels. In these lessons, students explore, challenge themselves, make personal choices, socially interact without guidance from me and above all work continuously.
What do I do?
I admit, sometimes it feels weird and I know how hard it is for teachers to step back but I urge you to do this as well because...... you can observe and learn from the students, see who they are, what their fears are, their interest are, their challenges. This newly acquired information will help you to differentiate and support the whole child in their learning.
I just read Andy Vasily's blog about Personal and Intellectual Engagement in Your Program ,this set up for me has certainly helped me and my youngest students to fully engage. As said, it allows me to observe and give time and attention to each individual child.
As always, let me now what you think, Sharing is the key reason for starting this site. Contact me through this site, twitter or email.
Joost Langendonck
PYP Physical Education