PHE Spotlight Series

Even if some or all Canadian school districts are back in the classroom in September, we know it will be vastly different than how we left it in March. Now, more than ever, we need movement to help our students with physical and mental health, focus and self-regulation. Our number one question is “how can we keep kids active in this new environment?”. Join a panel discussion focused on “physical activity at a distance” complete with creative content ideas and open dialogue, so everyone leaves the session with a back pocket full of new ideas. This discussion will focus on the “Silver Lining” of our current situation – new opportunities to keep students active for life and a focus on what we CAN control. Hear from your peers in BC and Quebec who have already experienced the new reality of having students physically back in their schools. 

Même si les élèves de certains ou de toutes les commissions scolaires canadiennes seront de retour en classe en septembre, nous savons que la situation sera très différente de celle qui régnait en mars dernier. Plus que jamais, nous devons faire bouger nos élèves pour assurer leur santé physique et mentale, leur concentration et leur autorégulation. Notre préoccupation principale est d’assurer que les enfants demeurent actifs dans ce nouvel environnement. Joignez-vous à une table ronde axée sur l’activité physique à distance qui comprend des idées de contenu créatif et un dialogue ouvert; les participants quitteront la table ronde dotés de beaucoup de nouvelles idées. Cette discussion se concentrera sur le « bon côté » de notre situation — sur les nouvelles opportunités pour garder les élèves actifs pour leur vie entière et sur l’attitude que nous POUVONS contrôler la situation. Venez écouter vos pairs de la Colombie-Britannique et du Québec qui ont déjà fait l’expérience de la nouvelle réalité du retour des élèves en classe.

In this workshop presented by the Canadian Olympic School Program, three-time Olympic medalist Eric Radford provides an in-depth perspective on promoting LGBTQ inclusion and respect in schools and sport for youth. Through personal and professional experiences, Eric will support educators in learning their role and how they can support LGBTQ students within the classroom and in sport.

Alternative Environment Activities (AEAs) have been defined as any physical activities that occur beyond the scope of a traditional gymnasium, fitness facility, or sporting field. AEAs can help introduce students to the multitude of places where they can be physically active, both now and in the future as adults. With the present global pandemic, teachers may need to consider the use of AEAs in their PE programs now more than ever. This presentation will discuss the benefits of incorporating AEAs in PE, strategies for overcoming commonly perceived barriers to including AEAs in PE, and will provide highlights of specific AEAs that are ideal for different grade levels.

EveryBODY grows from a child to an adult. There are many physical, social and emotional changes that take place during this time, this process is called Puberty.  Educators get the opportunity to support their students' knowledge and skills; providing education that allows the student to navigate their development with respect to one's values, beliefs, and developing self.  This Puberty workshop will be geared to educators that teach grades 4-7 but additions will be offered for alternative grade levels.  A focus on typical male and typical female physical puberty changes will be shared in detail.  An example of How, What and Why to educate our students in this very important part of the curriculum will be offered with a chance to ask questions to support your own professional development.        

Preparing students for healthy, active lifestyles beyond our physical and health education classes is critical. The recent pandemic has highlighted the need for students to develop self-management skills, content knowledge, and confidence to develop and participate in their personal health, fitness and/or wellness program. This session will describe approaches to engaging students face-to-face and online to create meaningful fitness, health and wellness experiences that support physical literacy. 

In this workshop presented by the Canadian Olympic School Program, Olympian Annamay Pierse provides in-depth information and anecdotes explaining mental fitness, its components and contributors. The link between Olympic values and mental fitness is established, and tools focused on improving and understanding mental fitness are provided.

In this NBS kids workshop, we will explore strategies for building physical literacy, and movement confidence through inclusive and accessible dance programming. No dance experience is necessary to facilitate NBS’ Kids programs! These programs empower educators
 and community leaders in diverse settings to engage kids in fun, creative, and healthy activity. 

Students take pride in helping to shape their school community! Leadership activities not only engage and educate youth to maximize their potential as leaders, they also build interpersonal skills, exercise effective communication, and ultimately contribute to successful school citizenship. By establishing leadership groups that foster curiosity, reflection, and growth, student leaders are free to engage in a variety of leadership development activities that teach leadership traits such as trust, teamwork, and cooperation, thereby empowering themselves and benefitting their community.

Sexual health education can sometimes seem overwhelming and it can be difficult to know how and when to help our students learn.  This workshop will provide the “must-haves” in sexual health education for each grade, and demonstrate a comprehensive sexual health lesson with inclusive and sex positive language. Participants will have an opportunity to practice answering anonymous questions and gain valuable feedback on fun and interactive ways to teach sex ed.

Resistance training can be complicated and intimidating, but we know it is a great tool in physical and athletic development. This session will include a presentation on the practical application of resistance training exercises that will help total body development. Guidelines based on the latest research to keep teens safe when performing resistance training exercises will be shared. Learn how to coach, cure, correct, progress, and regress fundamental resistance training exercises for students. Each participant will get a chance to perform and coach the exercises presented. Pre-designed exercise programs will be administered at the end of the session so all participants will leave with programs they can implement right away in a group setting. The guidelines can be applied in a class setting with minimal equipment, for a sports team, or for an after school program.

This CIRA Ontario workshop will examine the functions of the brain and how it can be stimulated through physical activity. Through adaptive games, individuals will learn how to break down activities for all cognitive abilities. This will be a hands-on workshop that will teach individuals a wide variety of adaptive games that target all age groups including individuals with cognitive impairments.

This presentation examines the value of using mental imagery training as part of your physical education program. Best practices and practical examples supported by current research will be shared, highlighting both a validated and authentic approach for educators. Participants will come away with enhanced skills and knowledge to support them in being responsive to the learning needs and the physical literacy journey of their students.

Every student is unique in how they learn, practice, experience, and implement skills and lessons offered in any movement class.  "Empowered play" embraces the whole child through creative concepts, supplemental curriculum, and play enhancements.  With the inclusion of physical literacy, social, behavioral, emotional, and cognitive skills you will walk away with the knowledge to create intentional programming that promotes both engagement and positive youth development to use in your online classes tomorrow.