School gyms in the mid island will remain empty for the foreseeable future but teachers are working on ways to keep students active at home. (SD68)

By Dan Marshall

Staying Active

P.E. classes focus on mental, physical health during self isolation

Apr 9, 2020 | 7:46 PM

NANAIMO – Physical education teachers in School District 68 are looking to strike a balance between mental wellness and physical activity as they chart a path for a new curriculum.

The COVID-19 pandemic has cancelled classes and forced students into learning from their homes.

Heidi McWhinnie teaches P.E. to around 90 Grade 8 students at Dover Bay Secondary. One of her tasks has been connecting personally with all of them to better understand what they’re feeling and where their anxieties are.

“It will include a reflection of what they’ve been doing up to this point as far as physical activity goes and recognizing how much technology they’re using. Also how they’re eating and sleeping.”

In the world of social distancing she believes physical education is about finding activities that make students happy, and then recognizing the mental health benefits.

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“Kids think they have to be playing a sport to be active. Walking the dog, talking a hike with your family and dancing to your favourite music are ways of being active,” McWhinnie said.

With the challenges of indoor space, access to equipment and social distancing outdoors each student will have a unique regimen to chart.

Nanaimo District Secondary School PE teacher Zed Malenica said it has been interesting building lessons and programs for students to follow.

“We gave them some ideas of some websites, videos and YouTube videos,” Malenica said. “But there’s nothing wrong with going out for an hour long walk, hike or jog.”

Malenica and McWhinnie connected with students before the break other teachers may wait until after. Both teachers are using online classroom programs to deliver curriculum to their students.

There are some general guidelines that P.E. teachers are aware of from the Ministry of Education and School District 68 but much of what a new curriculum looks like will come down to the individual teacher and the needs of their students.

Short and long term goals of all P.E. programs, along with grades are still being worked out as teachers don’t know if self isolation will continue for the remainder of the school year.

“Personally I don’t think it matters at all during these times especially. Everybody’s health and wellness is the most important thing. Later on we’ll get some guidelines from the ministry.”

dan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On twitter: @danmarshall77