Discuss Character and Values During Class for GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP
I use these poster as reference.
One of my goals as a physical education teacher is to engage more with my students throughout our lessons. While I’ve always set aside the last 5-7 minutes of class for reflection, our conversations were becoming routine and losing their impact. To address this, I’ve started incorporating short breaks during class to give students a chance to share examples of character traits such as sportsmanship, integrity, perseverance, and teamwork. It also provides a space for them to raise any other questions or concerns they may have.
My program focuses on physical development, but I believe it’s even more crucial for students to develop a deeper understanding of the core values needed to become a respectful global citizen. They need consistent reminders and an opportunity to discuss both their positive and negative experiences. On a related note, I also believe that teachers must constantly model these expected behaviors throughout the day.
I made ten posters featuring “buzz words” that often come up in our discussions. I thought displaying these in the gym would be a great way to help both me and our students. With the definitions readily available, the posters serve as a constant reminder for students as they progress through each class.
With my younger students, I’ll often have them meet me in front of the posters. I’ll ask for examples of any of the words that they saw in action during the lesson. When I notice something particularly noteworthy during class, I’ll refer to the particular core character word displayed on the wall.
I also strategically placed a second set of posters on the wall where students line up to leave. This allows for a moment of quiet reflection on the lesson as they exit the gym.
Click here for the 10 CORE CHARACTER POSTERS.
These changes have transformed my physical education class into an even more dynamic space for growth. By intentionally creating opportunities to discuss core values and placing visual reminders throughout the gym, I’ve fostered a more reflective environment. My students are not only developing their physical skills but also building a deeper understanding of the character traits essential for success both on and off the court. Ultimately, this approach helps ensure they leave each class with more than just a good sweat. I hope that they depart with a greater awareness of themselves and their role in the world around them.
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