Learn the Key Components of a Quality PE Curriculum

Learn the Key Components of a Quality PE Curriculum

A curriculum provides direction, ensures thoughtful content, serves as a liability, and is vital for a quality physical education experience. Yet, it can be overwhelming to begin creating a quality curriculum. Aaron Beighle offers steps to follow while creating your curriculum.

1. Build a Philosophy

Your philosophy of physical education is going to be your guide. Write it down. Start by defining physical education, setting goals, and connecting it to your school.

2. Generate a Conceptual Framework

Create goals and plans that are appropriate for every student.

3. Identify Environmental Factors

Think about where you teach and how the climate can influence your activities. Some regions have hot summers or freezing winters.

Take inventory of your resources. What equipment do you have? What is your budget?

Next, look at your school’s schedule. How regularly do you teach each student?

4. Determine Standards And Objects

Your curriculum must meet SHAPE America Standards.

5. Select Activities

Focus on your students and keep your class activity based!

6. Organize the Activities

Sequencing your lessons from easy to difficult allows your students to build on their skills. Plan your lesson plans and how you will assess each unit.

7. Reflect, Evaluate, and Modify

Keep notes so you can reflect on successful and unsuccessful activities. Beighle records himself teaching, so he can evaluate his teaching methods. Make changes as you go, and never stop learning. Social Media is a great outlet to communicate with physical educators globally and discover new activities!

Remember that a quality physical education curriculum is written, thoughtful and appropriate, and always evolving.  The most important task educators have is to shape students into better human beings. It’s up to you to make your program great, not merely your curriculum.

Webinar Presenter: Aaron Beighle works in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at the University of Kentucky. He received his Ph.D. from Arizona State University specializing in physical education and physical activity for youth. He is the author and co-author of more than 80 research-based and practical articles, and is the co-author of six books. Dr. Beighle serves as the lead advocate for Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs.