Kamora Shelton
McKay Student Ambassador
Physical Education
As physical education majors, we spend a few years learning how to teach motor skills. I take a lot of PE classes, but one of my favorites so far has been my Adaptive PE class. In this class, we learn about different disabilities and how they affect a student’s participation in physical education. Each week, we focus on a different disability, exploring ways to make PE more inclusive.
I love this class because it emphasizes what we can do to improve our teaching, so that every student has the opportunity to participate and succeed. We've learned about various adaptations and modifications, but the most impactful part has been putting ourselves in the shoes of children with disabilities. This experience has given me a deeper appreciation for PE and reinforced how important it is to focus on each child's needs and create an environment where every student can thrive.
Sensory Disorders in Physical Education
This week in my Adapted Physical Education class, we focused on sensory disorders and how to better support students with these disabilities in PE settings. Sensory disorders can affect a student's ability to process touch, hearing, and visual stimuli. As future teachers, it's crucial to understand these challenges and develop strategies that make physical education accessible for everyone. If you're considering a major in Physical Education or just starting out it's crucial to understand these challenges and develop strategies that make physical education accessible for everyone.
Touch Sensitivities in PE
Students with tactile sensitivities may struggle with physical contact, specific textures, or even wearing certain types of clothing. In a PE setting, this could manifest as discomfort with certain sports equipment, avoidance of group activities that involve physical interaction, or difficulty with balance and coordination. To support these students:
Offer alternative equipment with different textures such as a beachball instead of a volleyball.
Provide opportunities for self-paced participation.
Avoid forced physical contact and allow students to set boundaries.
Hearing Impairments and Inclusion in PE
Hearing impairments range from mild to profound and can significantly impact a student's ability to follow verbal instructions or engage in social interactions. Hearing impairments are categorized as:
Mild to Moderate Loss: Students may struggle with distant or faint speech and rely on lip reading or hearing aids.
Severe to Profound Loss: These students often rely on sign language, visual cues, or written communication for instructions.
To create an inclusive environment:
Use visual aids, written instructions, and demonstrations.
Ensure clear communication by facing the student and speaking at a moderate pace.
Encourage peer support, such as assigning a buddy who can help relay instructions.
Be mindful of background noise, as it can make it harder for students with hearing impairments to process speech.
Visual Impairments and Physical Education
Students with visual impairments may have difficulty tracking fast-moving objects, navigating space, or participating in activities requiring precise hand-eye coordination. To enhance their participation:
Modify equipment by using brightly colored or audible balls.
Provide clear physical boundaries and verbal cues.
Offer one-on-one assistance or guided activities.
Use consistent routines to help students feel more comfortable in the space.
As future PE teachers, creating an inclusive class requires awareness, adaptability, and a commitment to meeting students where they are. By understanding sensory disorders and implementing inclusive strategies, we can ensure that all students feel valued and supported. Small changes—like providing visual instructions, modifying equipment, and using respectful language—can have a huge impact on a student’s experience in physical education. In turn, this can shape their perception of physical activity and influence their desire to stay active as they grow older. This is why I teach PE. I want my future students to see that exercise can be fun and enjoyable, and the best way to do that is by catering to each child’s needs and making sure no one is left out.
For anyone considering a career in education, I encourage you to try it! If you have any questions about majoring in education click here to schedule an appointment with a student ambassador!
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