1) The teacher outlines clear Expectations
Students who understand teacher expectations will be more likely to be successful in physical education activities. When students know exactly what is expected of them, they are more likely to be safe and to enjoy the activities. Students must also be taught consequences so that they know what will result from their not meeting expectations. Accidents in physical education are more likely to happen to students who are unsure of themselves and what they are expected to do.
It works well to have a chart posted in the classroom that lists the expectations written from what the students will do, rather than phrasing the statement with Don'ts. These positively worded statements are much more useful.
A behavior chart should be developed to work along with the list of expectations. Students should be able to see exactly what will happen if classroom expectations are not met. For example: 1) Warning, 2) Student is moved, 3) Note home, 4) Phone Call home 5) Detention or other similar step that is approved within the school, 6) referral.
These clearly listed steps, in progression help a student get back on track. Having a visual for the student to see where he or she stands can help. Large classes may make this impractical, but the more the student can understand that the expectations and consequences are in place, the more successful the behavior plan will be.
It is wise to send home a letter to parents within the first few days of class to outline the expectations, the behavior progression, and consequences so that you are on solid ground in communicating these expectations to parents as well.
Behaviors that are extreme such as fighting, showing strong disrespect to the teacher or other students, damaging school property, or doing something very dangerous may require immediate attention rather than following each step of the progression.
These clear expectations in written and stated form to the students and their parents then become established procedures, so these two preventative measures work together to minimize accidents, injuries, and behavior problems that impact instruction.
A token system or class incentive program can work well to increase the likelihood that students will meet expectations.
The teacher establishes Procedures and ensures that the students know them.-
Teachers who combined expectations with procedures minimize the risk in their activity areas. Students will know how to correctly use equipment, move around the area safely, and to avoid injury.
The description of the expectations outlined in writing and discussed with the students and sent to the parents become part of the teacher's procedures. The behavior progression, in print and explained also becomes part of the procedures.
Classroom procedures such as how to get materials,how to respond to the teacher, and how to ask for help appropriately all can be set up in such a way that they minimize disruption and are, therefore,preventative measures.
A token system or incentive program works well to reinforce student behaviors that are in line with the established procedures.
Even procedures such as how to get missed work in class or how to get the teacher's help in appropriate ways all serve as preventative measures to head off potential problems.
Teachers should have established procedures for handling injuries, especially those that require medical attention.
Effective Instructional Progressions Contribute to Order and Good Behavior.
Skills, especially in physical education, should be taught progressively to increase the success rate of the group and to build on the previously taught step or skill. This not only makes skill acquisition a step-by-step sequence but it also prevents injury of students who might otherwise harm themselves by moving in ways that are not sequential.
In teaching any skill, there is a sequence of steps that should be followed to teach or learn the skill. This prevents injury as well as learning the skill incorrectly. One of the best examples of the use of instructional progressions as a preventative measure is in warm-ups for exercise. Using warm-ups that follow fitness guidelines prepare students for exercise and prevent injuries.
Teachers Should Plan for Safe and Effective Use of Classroom or Activity Space.-
Teachers must stand back and carefully look at the layout of their classroom or activity area space. Planning for efficiency in moving groups of students through each activity is a major consideration as are obstacles that may be dangerous to moving students. Providing a flow space can head off behavior problems as well in students who want to annoy one another if given a chance to be that close to each other in a cramped space.