Standard 1

Standard 1: Scientific and Theoretical Knowledge

Physical education teacher candidates know and apply discipline-specific scientific and theoretical concepts critical to the development of physically educated individuals.

Element 1.3: Describe and apply motor development theory and principles related to skillful movement, physical activity, and fitness.

Artifact: Motor Development skills assessment lab 3: Leap, Horizontal Jump, and Slide

Date: Spring 2012

Reflection: Lab 3 Assesment

In PED 201, Motor Development was the introduction class to becoming a Physical Educator. Our class was fortunate enough to experience this at a local Catholic school in Cortland, St. Marys. I worked with Pre-K through fifth grade and we would examine the students motor development skills each week. Each week we were given different skills to focus on and have an assessment sheet to bring to lab. We would observe and asses that weeks skill by observing one boy and one girl. In addition, we had to have games that taught the skills we were focusing on. Lab three's motor skills were leap, horizontal jump and slide. I observed both a boy and girl playing different tag games and going through an obstacle course. After observing them I was surprised at how advanced they were at the skills. However, there were some significant mistakes they made. My semester assessing the students at St. Mary's has helped me better understand that development is age related but not age dependent. I do think that this class has helped me become a better Physical Educator because I know what to look for when observing motor skills. This will help me find strengths and weaknesses in skills developmentally and physically.Then I can use certain challenges and progressions that are appropriate for their age.