Changing rooms can be busy and crowded places, especially during peak times. It is important to be mindful of your behaviour in changing rooms to promote a positive and respectful environment for everyone.
It is also important to ensure that your students know exactly what is expected of them when they are in the changing rooms. Young people can be rowdy and excitable during physical education so an element of composure should be ingrained within your setting.
Regardless, here are some tips for changing room etiquette:
Create a changing room culture of respect and inclusion
This means creating a space where every student feels valued and respected, regardless of their background, abilities, or beliefs. Teachers can do this by modelling respectful behaviour themselves, setting clear expectations for student behaviour, and addressing any instances of bullying or discrimination promptly and effectively.
Provide students with opportunities to develop social-emotional skills
Social-emotional skills are essential for building positive relationships, managing emotions, and resolving conflicts. Teachers can help students develop these skills by teaching them about topics such as empathy, communication, and problem-solving.
Encourage student involvement in decision-making
This gives students a sense of ownership over their learning and helps them feel more connected to the physical education community. Teachers can involve students in decision-making by asking for their input on lesson plans, classroom rules, and other aspects of the learning environment.
Provide students with opportunities to collaborate and work together
Collaboration helps students to learn from each other and to develop important teamwork skills. Teachers can provide students with opportunities to collaborate by creating team games or using other cooperative learning strategies.
Celebrate student success
It is important to recognise and celebrate students’ accomplishments, both big and small. This helps students to feel motivated and to believe in themselves. Teachers can celebrate student success by giving verbal praise, writing positive notes, and awarding certificates or prizes.
Using online PE resources
The PE Office can provide downloadable lesson plans and schemes of work that can be outlined in the changing rooms before a lesson actually takes place.
Creating a positive culture within the changing rooms comes straight from the top and should be reinforced within staff.
Take a look at the PE Office and the resources it can provide here. If you would like to learn more about the platform call 01909 776900, send an email to mail@peoffice.co.uk or book a free online demonstration here.
