Today, was week 2 of my placement in Stirling at Raploch Primary School. As I arrived my mentor asked – do you have any suggestions of stations that I could use for this session? Yes, of course, I felt under pressure as I was put on the spot but I had a perfect idea! The aim of the session was to incorporate Shapes and Mathematics into Physical Education for a primary 1/2 class and I believe myself and Natalie did just that! The pupils where split into 4 stations however, at each station there was a shape such as; triangle, circle, rectangle, and square. Within each station, the participants had to perform a particular exercise. For example, triangle = star jumps, circle = running on the spot with your knees up, rectangle = skipping, followed by a square which required the children to reach up to the sky and touch their toes. Once the children where set and in their stations the coach threw a dice and depending on the number it landed on, the child would go on to complete the exercise the amount of times that was shown on the rolled dice.
For the duration of this session, I ensured that I got involved by joining in during the exercises, shouting out the numbers and shapes while encouraging the children. I was ecstatic as all of the children were participating with huge smiles on their faces! However, I noticed that some children where disobeying instructions by standing on the cones that were located at their stations. One strategy that I used to overcome this was I stated to the children that the cones where hot lava, therefore, if they stood on a cone, this meant they had to fix it and stand still for 5 seconds.
Overall, I believe that I have developed a strong relationship with both the participants and my mentor as they listened and valued any ideas or opinions that I shared. Furthermore, I have learned a new skill by incorporating other subjects into Physical Education classes providing a platform to support and develop the children! For next week’s session, I would like to support an external football coach and potentially referee competitive games.
Lauren
This sounds like a fantastic session. It’s great you were able to think on your feet and come out with a great session. I too have been finding the younger children are inclined not to listen at times and I think your solution for this was perfect.
Christina
This sounds like an interesting session which I’m sure primary school children would very much enjoy. Its good to hear that you were able to think of the top of your head and even join in with activities. Its also good to hear that you have a pro active way of disciplining children which they would be more likely to listen to.
Chloe
This sounds like a really fun lesson! Its great that you were able to incorporate your own ideas into the lessons and share your experience. That’s a really good idea with the maths activity sounds like the children really enjoyed it. – Rebecca
Hi Lauren, Sounds fantastic! Very well done! You must be very proud of yourself 🙂 The activities seem very fun and it was good to hear that you overcame some barriers during the session. I am sure you have developed a strong bond with them which is very important. I look forward to your next post! -Romie