Let’s Get Physical: Substitute Teaching & P.E.

Whenever we ask students what their favorite subject is, 9 times out of 10 the answer is, “PE.” To all of us at SHAPE America, that’s not a surprising answer. Kids are built to move, and PE isn’t just time for them to move, it’s also where they learn important life skills like teamwork, conflict resolution, and how to enjoy being active.

The role of the PE teacher is critical to creating a safe, engaging environment where this kind of learning can happen. So it’s really important that when a PE teacher is absent, students can still get the most out of their PE experience. If there’s a sub and a plan to make the day successful, it can happen! But often schools tell us they struggle to get subs for PE, and when they do, subs feel hesitant and unsure of how to “teach” PE.

So what matters most for a sub when they’re stepping into try teaching PE? And how can we make it easier for more subs to try it out?

Here are our 5 top tips and to make PE a less daunting endeavor and ensure a great experience for kids:

1. Safety is #1. PE subs need to be prepared to be active, engaged and focused on students 100% of the time. This means a high level of supervision, but it doesn’t have to be stressful, if you choose the right kinds of activities and take time at the start of class to set-up clear expectations, attention getters, and signals that will work for you and students to ensure safety at all times.
2. Focus on simple games that get kids moving and don’t require as much set-up, physical knowledge or oversight from the adult-in-charge. Subs won’t be able to provide the same level of PE instruction — and that’s ok! So choose activities and games accordingly and that make it easier to maintain safety first.
3. Avoid “free play.” Structure allows kids to take the right kinds of risks, and without really strong agreements and trust between the adult and students it’s hard to make sure that students will stay safe while playing.
4. Dress the part. PE is a more active role than your run of the mill classroom teacher, so focus on comfortable, sports appropriate attire and well fitting tennis shoes. In addition, a whistle and watch are critical to making sure you can step in seamlessly and keep the class running on time.
5. Remember the fun! Activities and games should be fun and engaging, which will also help boost student participation. And if your students are having fun and participating, then you will definitely enjoy the experience as well.

Substitute teaching in physical education provides a huge opportunity to engage with students in physical activities in ways that no other subject area provides for. At SHAPE America we invite every substitute to embrace the opportunity to take on this new challenge and encourage you to look for additional support and resources at our website: https://www.shapeamerica.org.