The first few weeks of any school year are crucial, and in physical education (PE), they set the tone for the entire year. A strong start is not just about getting students active; it’s about establishing a foundation of clear expectations and positive behaviours. When students know what is expected of them, they feel more secure and are more likely to thrive, both physically and socially.
Focus on Positive Framing
Instead of a list of rules that tell students what they can’t do, focus on the positive behaviours you want to see. For example, rather than saying “No running in the gym,” phrase it as a shared value: “We move with control to keep ourselves and our classmates safe.” This simple shift in language makes the rule a guiding principle rather than a restriction.
Consider co-creating a class charter with your students. Ask them what it means to be a good teammate or what “respect” looks like in the gym. By involving them in this process, you empower them to take ownership of their actions and the community they are building together. This approach moves beyond simple rule-following and builds a deeper understanding of shared responsibility.
Reinforce and Connect
Consistency is key to solidifying new behaviours and drive engagement. When a student demonstrates an expected behaviour, acknowledge it immediately with specific, descriptive praise. Instead of a general “Good job,” try, “Thank you for listening to my instructions the first time. That helped us get started right away!” This type of feedback tells students exactly what they did well and why it mattered.
Connect the positive behaviours to the goals of the lesson. For example, if the lesson is about teamwork, you can praise a group by saying, “I noticed you all cheered on your teammates even when they missed the shot. That’s fantastic teamwork and exactly what we talked about!” This link between behaviour and purpose helps students understand the value of their actions beyond simply following a rule.
Finally, remember that the goal is not to punish but to redirect. If a rule is broken, address the behaviour calmly and privately whenever possible. Use it as a teaching moment to remind the student of the expectations you all agreed upon and why they are important for the safety and enjoyment of the class. By investing the time and effort at the beginning of the year, you’ll be building a strong foundation for a positive and productive learning environment that will last all year long.
Embed PE Office into your department
By investing this time at the start of the year, you are doing more than managing a class; you’re cultivating a positive environment where every student can thrive, grow, and build confidence for the entire year. To support this, many PE departments are turning to solutions like PE Office. This platform helps departments with things like creating schemes of work and lesson plans, giving teachers more time to focus on what matters most: helping their students succeed.
