nities are limited to what the school offers. It is
important for physical educators in residential
schools to promote physical activities school-wide
in order to provide as many opportunities for their
students as possible. Physical activity opportunities may include physical education classes, athletics, intramurals, and school trips to parks,
bowling alleys, or other community establishments.
Physical Education Activities for a Residential
Program.
The primary focus of elementary level
physical education programs is to teach fundamental motor skills (e.g. running, skipping, throwing) which lays a foundation of movement for future physical activity opportunities. Although other
activities are included, the central component of
secondary physical education programs has traditionally been sport and sport related skills. Physical education programs at residential schools for
students with visual impairments should include
traditional sports as well as those designed for individuals with visual impairments. Traditional
physical education activities include popular
sports such as softball, basketball, or soccer.
Sports for individuals with visual impairments
such as goalball, beep baseball, & power showdown are sports which are modified in order to
enhance playability for people with visual impairments.
Including traditional sports in physical education programs, increase the variety of opportunities students have outside of school. Demonstrating how students can modify traditional
physical education activities to fit their needs can
help students self-advocate for activities when
they transition back to their public school, or if
they participate in community recreation activities.
Participating in and discussing traditional sports
in physical education may also enhance students'
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