Introduction
In this episode, Rachel Ford, an experienced physical education teacher working in China, shares her insights with Nathan on how storytelling has transformed her PE practice. Rachel discusses her journey from primary school to becoming a PE teacher, the challenges she faced, and how her teaching approach evolved over time.
Early Passion for PE
Rachel’s love for PE began in primary school, where she had teachers who were engaged in PE. Her excitement grew in secondary school, despite being one of the few girls interested in PE. By year eight or nine, she knew she wanted to become a PE teacher. This passion guided her through GCSEs, A-levels, and eventually a degree in Physical Education and Youth Sport at Sheffield Hallam University.
Journey into Teaching
Rachel pursued a PGCE at Sheffield Hallam after a competitive selection process. Her early teaching years were marked by imposter syndrome and the challenges of transitioning to international schools in Malaysia and China. Teaching a broad age range, from early years to secondary, forced Rachel to adapt and learn on the job, particularly when faced with primary PE, which was new and daunting for her.
Transition to Primary PE
Initially focused on secondary PE, Rachel’s teaching journey led her to embrace primary PE, especially after attending the APEC conference. Here, she connected with other educators and discovered the power of storytelling in PE. She found that storytelling not only engaged students but also made the learning process more enjoyable and effective.
Storytelling in PE
Rachel began integrating storytelling into her lessons, aligning with the stories and themes students were exploring in their classrooms. This approach helped make abstract skills like rolling and hopping more tangible and fun for students. Over time, Rachel developed a resource called Once upon a PE lesson, a website offering learning journeys that integrate movement skills with classroom themes.
Impact on Students
Storytelling in PE has led to increased creativity, engagement, and confidence among students. By adopting characters and narratives, students are less self-conscious about their abilities and more willing to experiment and take risks. This approach has been particularly effective in helping students with English as an additional language, as it combines language learning with physical movement.
Encouragement for Physical Educators
Physical educators are encouraged to embrace curiosity and not be afraid to step outside their comfort zones. Engaging with professional development opportunities, whether through conferences like APEC or online platforms, is crucial. It’s important to ask for help when needed, as it fosters growth and collaboration. Reaching out to other educators, even if intimidating at first, can lead to valuable insights and support. Building connections with fellow PE teachers can greatly enhance one’s teaching practice.
Top Tips for Educators
- Try New Things: Don’t be afraid to experiment with new activities and approaches in your teaching. Even if you are comfortable in your current methods, trying something new can reinvigorate your passion and creativity.
- Seek Help and Collaborate: Don’t hesitate to ask for help or ideas from others. Teaching can sometimes feel isolating, but collaboration can provide fresh perspectives and solutions.
- Build Networks: Developing a network of fellow PE teachers is essential. These connections can offer support, ideas, and opportunities for professional growth. Social media and professional conferences are excellent platforms for networking.
The Role of Storytelling in PE
Storytelling can be an effective tool in physical education, not just for younger learners but also for secondary students. Using stories to introduce games or challenges can make activities more engaging and memorable. However, the application may differ with age; for younger children, stories might be more literal, while for older students, the storytelling can be more subtle, adding context and creativity to the tasks. Encouraging students to create their own stories around activities can also be a powerful way to engage their creativity and ownership of their learning.
Final Thoughts
Embracing new ideas, asking for help, and connecting with others are all key strategies for success in physical education. By remaining open-minded and willing to experiment, educators can continually improve their practice and create more dynamic and engaging learning environments.
Conclusion
Rachel Ford’s innovative use of storytelling in PE highlights the importance of creativity and cross-curricular integration in education. Her journey from a passionate PE student to an influential educator showcases how embracing new approaches can enhance learning experiences for both teachers and students.
About the Guest
Episode 31 is a conversation with passionate physical educator, Rachel Ford. Rachel is a qualified PE teacher who works in China. You can read more about her inspiring work on storytelling in PE at https://onceuponapelesson.com You can connect with Rachel directly via X at @Rach061992
Listen and Connect
To listen to the full episode please follow these links to Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
If you would like to be a guest on the PE Insights Podcast please reach out by contacting us here or reach out to Nathan Walker via X at @NWalkerPE
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