Reflection+Product

Project Reflection Questions

For my hands on project, I went to work with Mr. Bill Krewson at Erdenheim Elementary school in the afternoon to observe the physical education classes he teaches. I wanted to observe the students enthusiasm towards gym class, as well as find out how Mr. Krewson and other elementary school teachers in our district encourage kids to participate in and out of class.
 * //A description of the student’s project//

My main goal going into this project, although it was crammed for time, was to really get a sense of how much emphasis was being put on physical education for elementary school students. Aside from that, I wanted to figure out what the major set-backs and problems were surrounding physical education at the elementary level, and how teachers like Mr. Krewson set out to solve them and keep kids active and interested. Lastly, I wanted to observe how the ideals set out by Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign were being relayed and enforced in our school system, if at all.
 * //What goals did the student set?//

==== To achieve my goals, my major plan of attack was to ask a lot of questions of not only Mr. Krewson, but also the kids. I became somewhat of a behind-the-scenes assistant for Mr. Krewson, and he even offered for me to teach a class based on what I had observed of his teaching style. Although I did not teach, I was able to throw in my two cents when I felt appropriate, and mostly stuck to observing and recording what I saw and heard. I immersed my self in these gym classes and tried to see how they worked, or did not work, from any angle I could, wether it was through Mr. Krewson’s eyes, the kid’s eyes, or my own 17-year-old point of view. ====
 * //How did the student go about achieving these goals?//

I would certainly say that I achieved the goals I set for myself, and more. From the very first day, the questions I had planned on being answered were overflowing with answers from my observations and Mr. Krewson. By seeing how rich the classes were, I was motivated to know more, specifically from the students. I got a perfect sense of just how important physical education is in the elementary school of our district and how it is enforced, played out, and reacted to by the kids.
 * //Whether the student achieved the goals?//

From talking with Mr. Krewson and watching his P.E classes, I took in so much information relevant to my topic and project goals. In terms of emphasis on physical education and “moving”, Mr. Krewson plans a lot of moving with a lot of encouragement and excitement. Some of the games played, like “Gaga ball” and “everybody’s it tag”, are very out of the ordinary and therefore really seemed to spark kids interests. Mr. Krewson, aside from encouraging movement, really pushes the ideas of respect and integrity with his kids, which is something they should apply to many aspects of their lives. Another major piece I invested at Erdenheim was issues with compliance and participation. My own observations showed that kids became very excited for gym class and participated whole-heartedly for the greater majority. I even saw some over-excitement that needed to be reeled in. To spark physical activity at home, Mr. Krewson introduced a project where points, in the form of “miles up Mt. Everest”, would be given out for each hour of physical activity performed, whether it be walking with a parent or playing soccer with friends. The competition to be “first up the mountain” definitely sparked kids interests, and hopefully would be carried over to their homes. I also learned about some of the issues Mr. Krewson and the physical education department faces in our district. For one, the kids only get gym class once every six days for 40 minutes. Knowing that some kids definitely do not do physical activity outside of school, many, including myself, believe that is not enough for these children and after-school sports programs should be offered.
 * //The specific knowledge the student learned about the topic//

Thinking about what I saw and experienced at the elementary school, my eyes were really opened to how promising these younger kids are. I know for sure that there was passion and uncontrollable excitement coming from these kids as soon as they stepped in the gymnasium doors. From what I researched, I almost went into these classes expecting kids to just want to “chill out” and avoid moving as much as they could. What I saw was quite the opposite. I was somewhat taken aback when I saw how Mr. Krewson interacted with these children and how they responded. Their enthusiasm and participating gave me so much hope for these kids as they grow older that they will continue to enjoy sports, games, and anything that gets them moving. I also have a continually growing respect for not only Mr. Krewson, but all elementary school gym teachers who get these kids moving and educated about staying healthy. Overall, my original opinions and beliefs were completely flipped and I have been left with such a feeling of joy and hope for kids to keep on being playful and active kids every day.
 * //The insight the student gained about herself//
 * //What will the student take with him/her from this learning experience//