by Ryan Hahn
Students and teachers across the globe have moved to online learning to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Some courses may be easier than others to teach online. That’s not stopping teachers from finding different ways to do it, though.
Roxanne Curtis is the head of physical education at Sinclair Secondary School in Whitby, Ont., and has some answers to how a regular gym class can be taught online.
What are the students missing out on by not having physical education?
Phys-ed is a very social course. Part of our sort of philosophy is that we encourage the kids to get to know everyone in the class to interact. It is an opportunity, obviously, to move. So, I know that the students are missing that sort of social closeness in a time of social distancing.
What do the online classes consist of?
What we've done is sent some suggestions for home workouts, things that don't require any equipment. Things they can do on their own. A list of activity suggestions, you know, throw a ball against a wall, get out a skipping rope, go for a walk where it's safe and you can social distance.
Is this a challenge for students to stay motivated to exercise?
It is a bit of a challenge but at the same time we're trying to just motivate them to get up and move because, you know, most teenagers, they'll sit and play video games all day. So, we just want to give them some kind of motivation to get them up out of their chair off their bed and move a little bit.
Are these exercises open for everyone? What about people that live in apartments with no access to a backyard?
We've certainly considered all of those obstacles and challenges in trying to develop some materials. And you know, we have tried to implement small spaces workouts. For example, one of my favourites is a battle workout where all they need is a little bit of space, some music that's going to motivate them, and three or four exercises that they can repeat during the timeframe of the workout…We're trying to do the best we can do with what is available at the moment.
What exact work is being sent to the students?
Part of our scheme of things that we've sent for the week is a mindfulness exercise. So, a little bit of reading or a short video that describes the mindfulness exercise and then asking them to do that. Anything that we can find to increase motivation, to be healthy, to move a little bit, is our main focus right now.
How are you keeping track of what students are doing?
In the Durham District School Board, we have a Google Classroom platform that we are using. So, with our students, specifically in phys-ed, what we have asked for is a personal reflection which they're filling out each day, but we've asked that they submit it on Friday. So, that will give us a little bit of feedback. They also have an option if there’s something they don't understand that they could message us directly via the Google Classroom.
What about the students who choose not to be active?
We know we have students who, you know, some are not as motivated to move as others. We will continue to encourage them, you know, at least get outside and get some fresh air whether you just stand there and text on your phone. It's a very challenging time.
What is the benefit of students being active while they’re stuck at home?
I mean, we know that when we move, we feel better. And if we feel better, then we're going to look at things with a much more positive attitude. And I think especially during these times, we need something to keep us going and we're just hoping that what we're providing gives the kids a little bit of motivation.
If you’re looking for a bit of at-home motivation, follow this link for 12 equipment-free workouts!
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