Take Your Parent to Gym Class

At the end of the school year, I invite Kindergarten parents to participate in PE class with their children. I send invitations 2 weeks in advance. Parents come to regular class and are encouraged to participate in activities with their kids. I usually do it at the end of gymnastics unit and the beginning of striking activities. I have a lot of equipment which I buy for money I raise on regular basis (over $15,000 in last 4 years). After the routine warm-up (includes consequential elements of different forms of movement) and teaching striking (balloon with hand and foam lollie-pop), we reviewed gymnastics skills. I set-up 6 obstacle courses that include: 13 gymnastic mats, a low balance beam, 2 vaulting boxes, 2 portable bars to climb and roll on, 2 tunnels, 4 mini trampolines, 24 cones with PVC bars to crawl and jump over, climbing poles, floor stepladder, incline mat, and spinning tops. You can organize your own obstacle course to what best fits your situation.

Students and parents played on each obstacle course for 4 minutes and went to the next obstacle course after the signal (music stopping and starting). I addressed parents at different times to explain the teaching progressions of different skills, child development information, etc.

I have video clips and photos to show the parents. The classes are extended 15 minutes longer than a regular class because of loss of time related of parent visit. Class concludes with relaxing and breathing exercises and I thank them for supporting our Physical Education program.

Teaching Suggestions/Tips:

This is great advocacy for your program and you demonstrate to parents what are some of the units you teach their children.

Adaptations for Students with Disabilities:

Teaching progressions help parents be successful.

Vote for this Best Practice
(Any Practice receiving 5 Votes earns Blue Ribbon Status on PEC)

Email this best practice!