Physical education is a core component of the primary school curriculum. This title presents a comprehensive introduction to the teaching of PE in the primary school. It highlights the importance of PE in the primary curriculum and the key issues facing primary teachers today, such as inclusion, training needs, and creativity.

Now in a fully revised and fully updated new edition, this comprehensive introduction to the teaching of Physical Education in primary schools is still the only textbook to cover the full sweep of the subject, from policy and curriculum developments to best practice and current debates. Written exclusively by primary Physical Education specialists, with primary school teaching experience, the book highlights the importance of Physical Education in the primary curriculum and the key issues facing primary teachers today, such as inclusion, training needs and the development of creativity. Central to the book are core chapters that examine each functional area common to many primary Physical Education syllabi – including games, dance, gymnastics, athletics and outdoor learning – and give clear, practical guidance on how to teach each topic. This new edition includes three completely new chapters, covering leadership, stakeholder interest in Physical Education delivery, and how to manage transitions. Rooted throughout in sound theory and the latest evidence and research, this book is essential reading for all students, trainee teachers and qualified teachers looking to understand and develop their professional practice in primary Physical Education.

Physical education is a very critical subject in primary schools. The primary school age is the most crucial period in a child's life because it is the stage where motor development and basic movements start taking shape. Primary school curriculum should offer the best opportunity for children to learn while at the same time introducing them to physical activities as part of healthy living. This book introduces the training of physical education in primary schools. This book highlights the prevalence of a de-emphasis on physical education in the primary school curriculum, as well as the pertinent issues affecting the teaching of physical education in various school contexts and countries. Common challenges are inclusion, training resources, and creativity in developing the curriculum. The book details areas or disciplines that are common in all physical education classes such as games, gymnastics, athletics, and outdoor activities. All standard activities have a clear outline on how best to teach them to maximize student comprehension. This book is an essential read for post-primary students, teachers in pre-service training and specialized and general teachers who seek to understand and continue enriching their professional experience in primary physical education. Book jacket.

Physical Education is a core component of the primary school curriculum. The primary years are perhaps the most significant period for motor development in children, a time during which basic movement competencies are developed and which offers the first opportunity for embedding physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle. This is the first comprehensive introduction to the teaching of PE in the primary school to be written exclusively by primary PE specialists, with primary school teaching experience. The book highlights the importance of PE in the primary curriculum and the key issues facing primary teachers today, such as inclusion, training needs and the development of creativity. Central to the book are core chapters that examine each functional area common to many primary PE syllabi – including games, dance, gymnastics, athletics and outdoor learning – and give clear, practical guidance on how to teach each topic. Rooted throughout in sound theory and the latest evidence and research, this book is essential reading for all students, trainee teachers and qualified teachers looking to understand and develop their professional practice in primary Physical Education.

This book introduces Cooperative Learning as a research-informed, practical way of engaging children and young people in lifelong physical activity. Written by authors with over 40 years’ experience as teachers and researchers, it addresses the practicalities of using Cooperative Learning in the teaching of physical education and physical activity at any age range. Cooperative Learning in Physical Education and Physical Activity will help teachers and students of physical education to master research-informed strategies for teaching. By using school-based and real-world examples, it allows teachers to quickly understand the educational benefits of Cooperative Learning. Divided into four parts, this book provides insight into: Key aspects of Cooperative Learning as a pedagogical practice in physical education and physical activity Strategies for implementing Cooperative Learning at Elementary School level Approaches to using Cooperative Learning at Middle and High School level The challenges and advantages of practising Cooperative Learning Including lesson plans, activities and tasks, this is the first comprehensive guide to Cooperative Learning as a pedagogical practice for physical educators. It is essential reading for all students, teachers and trainee teachers of physical education and will also benefit coaches, outdoor educators and people who work with youth in the community.

Teaching Physical Education Creatively provides knowledge and understanding in order to engage creatively with the primary Physical Education curriculum for both trainee teachers and qualified teachers. It is full of ideas for developing the teaching of dance, games, gymnastics and outdoor and adventurous activities in an innovative and engaging manner. With an emphasis on developing creative teaching processes by building from children’s curiosity, imagination and need to explore and move, it forges clear links between research and practice, and offers suggestions for developing exciting, engaging new approaches to teaching physical education. Key topics explored include: Physical Competence and Physical Literacy Creative ways to develop the teaching of dance, games, gymnastics and outdoor and adventurous activities Developing understanding of space, speed and dynamics Creative lesson planning Inclusive approaches and aspects of differentiation Teaching Physical Education Creatively presents the theory and background necessary to develop a comprehensive understanding of creative teaching and children’s learning. Packed with practical guidance and inspiration for lively, enjoyable physical education, it is an invaluable resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students in initial teacher training, practicing teachers, and undergraduate students of physical education.

Teaching physical education is a challenging but rewarding occupation. Finding a way into the profession can be a daunting task while regular changes in government policy can make it hard to stay up to date. This engaging new book explains the process of becoming and being a teacher of secondary school physical education, from the various routes of entry into the profession, to the realities of being a qualified PE teacher, to the ways in which experienced teachers can become teacher educators and nurture the next generation. It combines rich personal accounts of teaching in, and being taught, physical education, with practical advice for trainees, newly qualified teachers and established professionals, with an emphasis throughout on the importance of critical self-reflection. The book begins by exploring the nature and purpose of physical education and examining the historical development of initial teacher training. It examines recent changes in training, policy and curriculum, and offers an overview of the various ways of becoming a PE teacher, including the Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and school and employment based routes. The book offers advice on what to expect at interview, meeting the standards for qualifying to teach, and on how to survive the difficult first year as a newly-qualified teacher. It also outlines the challenges and rewards of being a qualified teacher, mentor or curriculum leader, as well as a teacher educator within higher education. Concise, helpful, and filled with sensible insights based on real experiences of teaching physical education, Becoming a Physical Education Teacher is an essential read for anybody considering entering the profession, or for students, trainees, newly qualified or experienced teachers wanting to understand better the process of becoming, and being, a successful PE teacher.