This week for the Featured PE Teacher section on the PE Central Facebook page, the spotlight is on Patrick Sullivan!
About Patrick Sullivan
I am a Physical Education Teacher at Draper Elementary School in Eden, North Carolina, which is part of Rockingham County Public Schools district. I teach about 250 students, grades Kindergarten-5th grade. I have been teaching PE for 2 years.
Current Lesson Plan: Crossfit (which I call Bulldog Fit after our Mascot, and it is not “officially” Crossfit)
With the Bulldog Fit unit/lessons that I put together, I try to incorporate not only the fitness/movement elements, but show the students a practical use for the activities we are doing. For instance: One of the activities we will be doing is lateral step ups using a plyo box. Start on one side of the platform, toward the back corner. Step up with one foot, placing it firmly on the platform, and follow it with your opposite foot. Step across the platform and down to the opposite side. Reverse the movement and step up and over the platform, returning to the starting position. Continue stepping back and forth across the plyometric box. I will demonstrate it, and have a picture of someone doing it step by step at that station.
We then discuss the applications that doing this exercise inside of school and outside of school. (Helps with volleyball, basketball, tennis, etc) I try to relate it to the interests/activities they already do. I also use this chance to discuss the word Power which is on our word wall.
This is also my favorite lesson plan. There are so many variations that I can use, and the kids love it as well!! Plus, it works on numerous areas at once.
Focus for 2017:
I want to provide students with successful experiences that enhance the development of a positive self-concept, skills with which to expand one’s confidence, assertiveness, independence, self-control and the ability to accept one’s strengths and limitations. Seeing the students succeed in school and in their daily lives is the best part about being a PE teacher!
