Brenda Byrd's Teaching Philosophy
After receiving the PFA award in 2004 at Duffield
Primary School, the students and I couldn’t wait to get on
the equipment! The children were excited about the new challenges. A
second grader went up and down the pole 23 times! The students
wouldn’t stop trying! I started a “Fitness Friday” that
involved the students and parents. All students who came
to each of the sessions received a t-shirt. The PTA and teachers
provided funds for healthy snacks and prizes each week. The
next year I was moved to another county school. I began to
incorporate as many indoor activities as possible, especially the
challenges.
At Yuma Elementary, my emphasis became on providing as much fitness
and activity for the students as possible. I started a “Walking
Club” at lunch – students in grades 2-6 leave lunch
and come outside (or in the gym during inclement weather) and walk
for 10 minutes. Time is staggered so the students don’t
all come at the same time. I enjoy walking with the children
and getting to talk to them on a personal basis. We started the “Club” walking
on the playground and 2 years ago received a 1/3 mile track which
is used by the students and community.
I also started a 5 min. “Morning Exercise” over
the intercom for students to start the day with activity. After
the student-led Pledge of Alliance, the students participate
in calisthenics and stretching beside their desks in the classroom.
(See below) I
have the opportunity to see all students for 30 minutes each day
for physical education. Even if the
day is shortened or other activities are scheduled, I make sure
each class gets physical education. The students participate
in the FitnessGram and Presidential
Physical Fitness testing twice
a year. We have Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops
for Heart yearly.
The Pacer challenge is provided several
times each year. Other challenges include
basketball, jump rope, huba-huba (fitness hoops), Smile Mile, speed
stacking, rope and ladder challenges and lots of cups and station
work throughout the year.
I work with the other teachers to make fitness a priority in our
school. For instance, the top class for monthly attendance earns
an extra physical education class. The “Accelerated
Reading” program has chosen fitness type themes, incentives
such as field days, extra recess, healthy snacks and other fitness
activities as part of the program. We had a “Fun
Fit Day” for
an incentive.
In our small school district in SW Virginia, funds are limited. I
am constantly searching for ways to improve programming and equipment
needs. This year, with the sixth grade teacher and four students,
we presented our need for permanent wall padding in our small gym
used daily and by the community teams as well. We received
the Civitan Scholarship to fund the padding. I also hosted
a UTSA School Tennis in-service training for the district teachers
and received indoor tennis equipment to add to our curriculum. As
recipient of JRFH/HFH award, Speed Stacks Sport Pack grant, VA
Action for Healthy kids grant, “I’m Moving, I’m
Learning” training, Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart
(Last 2 years Top 10 Schools for Jump/Hoop Combination
event in TN), I have received additional ideas and equipment for the students. But
above all that, my best ideas, motivation, equipment, and training
have been from Project Fit America. The two original trainings
I received led me to so many other ways of teaching and made me
the teacher I am today. Project Fit America has pulled
everything together for me. It has taught me to teach the
students to better themselves, not only physically but also in
the sense of character, teamwork and respect. |
