Specifics for Generalists: Teaching Elementary Physical Education

Overview & Synopsis

Quality physical education offered at the elementary school level is critical for children to understand and develop healthy living. In most countries, physical education is taught by a generalist teacher (i.e., an individual who has not undertaken extensive training in physical education) particularly at the elementary school level. Inadequate and inappropriate preparation has been identified as a major barrier for an elementary generalist to develop and implement a quality physical education program. The purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss helpful strategies used to employ each fundamental component of a quality physical education program and is intended for a generalist audience. More specifically, the paper will explore (a) the (dis)advantage of teaching physical education as a generalist teacher; (b) the ability of physical education to address the whole child; (c) the confusion surrounding physical education and physical activity; and (d) the strategies of a successful physical educator.