Physical Education and ESL

" The Physical Education Framework(CDE, 1994) divided its seven standards into three areas: movement skills and movement knowledge, self-image and personal development, and social development (140).

"Students who participate in high-quality physical education program can expect the following: to develop various motor skilled and abilities related to lifetime leisure skills; to value the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle; to improve their understanding of movement and the human body; to know the rules and strategies of particular games and sports; and to gain self-confidence and a sense of self-worth in relation to physical education and recreation programs (p.vi). (140)

Physical activity proves to help students focus better in class when they have had the ability to get out of the classroom environment and get outside/inside and release some energy. I have had a great time working with our ESL students and learning new ways to change games and being able to see them adapt to our rules of the game. I have found that no matter how big the language barrier is, when it comes to physical education everyone seems to be on the same playing field.

Reference:

Diaz-Rico, L, & Weed, K(2010). The crosscultural, language, and academic development handbook. (4th ed.). Boston: Allyn and Bacon.