My Students Don’t Look Like Me: Culturally Relevant Physical Education

Target Audience

This course has been designed for PK-12 physical education teachers that want to learn more about culturally relevant instruction in physical education.

Course Objectives

On completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Define and explain culturally relevant pedagogy
• Discuss culturally relevant (articles, podcasts, chats) resources and their implications for PE
• Review culturally relevant Physical Education activities and tools that can be used or modified for various teaching spaces
• Analyze a lesson plan for its cultural relevance and revise it to make it more culturally relevant for students
• Create a culturally relevant toolbox to use for Physical Education lessons

Course Description

The terms Equity, Diversity and Inclusion have garnered constant attention in today’s school systems. Districts across the United States consistently enroll students who speak multiple languages and represent various cultures and ethnic backgrounds. Teachers often look for resources to ensure that students see themselves reflected in their academic content. Culturally relevant physical education helps teachers understand the students they teach, make instruction meaningful for ALL learners and be mindful of how culture plays a role in what students learn and how they process the information.

Culturally relevant physical education is deeper than acknowledging that students are diverse. Rather, it brings students diverse experiences and backgrounds into their learning experiences to make them more engaging and meaningful. Culturally relevant instruction also builds a foundation for educators to understand equity, diversity and inclusion. It helps them understand the need for instruction that is accessible for all students and celebrates the uniqueness that each student brings to their learning experience.

Standards

This course addresses the following standards:

Source: SHAPE America National Standards for K-12 Physical Education (2016)

Standard 1 - The physically literate individual demonstrates competency in a variety of motor skills and movement patterns.
Standard 2 - The physically literate individual applies knowledge of concepts, principles, strategies, and tactics related to movement and performance.
Standard 3 - The physically literate individual demonstrates the knowledge and skills to achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical activity and fitness.
Standard 4 - The physically literate individual exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others.
Standard 5 - The physically literate individual recognizes the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and/or social interaction.