Teaching Middle School Physical Education: A Progressive Curricular Approach

This resource supports Middle School Physical Education teachers in promoting healthy activity levels among their students, both in and outside the PE facilities. Its comprehensive curricular approach addresses National Physical Education standards but, unlike traditional curricula, encourages teaching sports and fitness as connected components instead of separate. This book is rooted in the progressive Sport Education model, which facilitates students’ personal growth with the learning of individual and team sports. Fitness programming and cooperative activities are key aspects of this program. Unique to this book is a section detailing what to do if students have not yet learned movement concepts and skills at the elementary level. Each chapter includes a list of key concepts and review questions. A rationale for the Sport Education model, lesson plans, sample assessments, and safety considerations are provided. Sample forms and documents round out the book for a seamless transition from elementary PE to the middle level. Middle School Physical Education teachers and PE administrators will find this classroom-tested curricular approach accessible and easy to implement. As your students undergo psychomotor, cognitive, and affective change throughout the middle-grade years, this book lays out a PE program that not only acknowledges, but celebrates, their development, and improves physical skills while working past any fitness weaknesses.

Michael Gosset is a Lecturer and Unit Coordinator for Physical Education for Hostos Community College (CUNY), USA.