The PE Umbrella | Podcasting ALL things Primary Physical Education

In this reflection Episode of The PE Umbrella Podcast, I talk about the game of Four Square. A staple of playgrounds of Elementary and Middle schools across America during recess, this fun, fast paced and adaptable game surely has a place across the pond here in the UK? I break down the fundamental rules of the game, share my experiences of using it for the first time this week and offer my views...

In this Episode of The PE Umbrella Podcast, I reflect on the impact (positive and negative) that rewards can have on the motivational drive of children. Specifically, I discuss the implications of using contingent 'If-then' rewards and the outcomes of doing so. I delve into 3 elements that drive intrinsic motivation and share thoughts on how, as teachers, we can incorporate them into our PE lesson...

In this interview episode of The PE Umbrella, I am joined by elementary PE teacher, tech enthusiast and the founder of www.iphys-ed.com Nathan Horne. He has taught around the world and experienced a diverse landscape of education that is often changing. In this episode we talk about the 'true' aims of primary teachers, share opinions on the inevitable physical activity drop off that lots of our ch...

In this interview episode of The PE Umbrella, I am joined by Primary PE Co-ordinator, rugby enthusiast and co-author of 'Sport Education in the Primary Games Curriculum' Ryan Forwood. As the first PE co-ordinator that I have interviewed, I discuss the implications of the PE budget and how Ryan himself is using it at his school to ensure maximum impact. He shares his must have activities, resources...

Today, I bring you another superb resource ready for the Summer term and a spot of Tennis. The Aegon Tennis Activity Packs 1 & 2 are filled with brilliant warm up games, skills and activities that will ensure you have enough ideas for a whole terms worth of tennis! This high quality resource is highly accessible and is simply a MUST HAVE for all Primary teachers and PE specialists. In this epi...

In this episode of The PE Umbrella, I am joined by Primary Education student Rob Shaw.  Specialising in Primary PE, Rob has a vision of becoming a PE co-ordinator and is also a voting member of the International Physical Literacy Association (IPLA).  It was incredibly refreshing to hear the views of somebody starting out on their journey as a teacher and their opinion of the Primary PE landscape a...

In this Episode of The PE Umbrella Podcast, I reflect on the importance of celebrating small wins to help contribute towards positive classroom management and progress. If harnessed correctly and performed consistently, this is the leading factor driving motivation in children! I share real life working examples that have seen an increase in positive behaviour by being proactive and 'catching the...

In this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast, I am joined by Ben Landers, known by his online name 'The PE Specialist'.  Ben is a Physical Education teacher from South Carolina, and has been teaching K-5th grade for seven years! Running his website www.thepespecialist.com alongside his day to day career, Ben is a treasure trove full of phased knowledge.  We open up this trove to chat ALL things Prim...

Today, I bring you yet another magnificent team game, ideal for both KS1 and KS2 aged children.  Inspired by my time coaching at UKElite soccer, I have adapted this football activity and created a variation non sport specific that can be played as a result of a unit of work, or just as easily as a one off competition.  This game is HERO WARS!  Although the game centres around a 'tag' focus, there...

In this Episode of The PE Umbrella Podcast, I reflect on my teaching and whether or not it is promoting 'Learned Helplessness' amongst the children I work with. Having recently read 'essentialism' by Greg McKeown, I was intrigued by the term 'learned helplessness' and actually, how prevalent it is, not only in education, but every day life. I explore the meaning behind the term, how it relates clo...

Today, I share with you a resource that is not only what I believe ALL primary PE cupboards should have, but also one of the most under utilised by the schools that currently do have them!  The equipment in question is a SPEED LADDER.  They are a real hook to your lessons and give the children the opportunity to challenge themselves in Speed, Agility and Quickness (SAQ) challenges.  With uses in K...

In this episode of The PE Umbrella, I am joined by  PE teacher Adam Llevo.  Originally from from the North West of England, Adam currently works as a PE teacher and athletic director in Saudi Arabia.  In addition to this, he runs a successful blog and resource website www.mradampe.com packed full of great content.  We delve into his vast experience to chat ALL things Primary PE including his top t...

In this episode of The PE Umbrella, I am joined by Rob Wilkinson.  Rob is the Director of 'Moving Matters', a London based company who are responsible for delivering high quality PE to over 40 primary schools across the city.  As well as sharing his top tips, advice and resources, we talk about the inspiration behind Moving Matters through research conducted in a document named 'Designed to Move'....

Today, I bring you a truly wonderful activity called Hula Hut Throwdown.  Inspired by Ben Landers @thepespecialist, I have adapted his amazing game and created a variation that is accessible for most primary schools, but still keeps all of the excitement, engagement and inspiration of the original!  The true beauty of this game is how inclusive it really is.  Centring around a variety of 'roles' i...

In this episode of The PE Umbrella, I am joined by Jarrod Robinson, otherwise known as The PE Geek.  Jarrod is a Physical Education teacher from County Victoria, Australia, with a passion and enthusiasm for the role emerging technologies play within teaching and learning.  Jarrod runs his online community at www.thepegeek.com and has his own amazing podcast of the same name, sharing top advice all...

In this very special episode of The PE Umbrella, I am joined by Mary Corder and Simon McLoughlin.  Mary is the content marketing manager for a magnificent classroom resource called 'GoNoodle' and Simon is a busy Primary School teacher who uses it on a daily basis!  We delve into how the 'active learning' inspired videos can help transform your classroom and provide your children with not only heal...

Join me today as I chat with Kurt Boyd.  Kurt is the president of 'Stack 52', a unique card based exercise game with the aim of making fitness fun!  Kurt shares his own experiences linking physical activity and happiness and why 'functional' bodyweight exercises are so important.  So come on over and join me 'Under the Umbrella'

In this episode, I share a simple yet effective PE assessment tool that can be used across primary school.  This gives teachers a hassle free and simplistic method to visually see how their children are performing!  So what are you waiting for?  Come and join me 'Under the Umbrella' to hear all about it!   Grab the FREE PDF of the assessment tool and success criteria at www.peumbrella.com

Today, I share with you another one of my favourite warm up activities!  This activity, called 'Shark Attack' has served me brilliantly over the past year working with 'Sporting Influence' and yet again It really is one of those teaching activities that I couldn't live without.  It works equally well with KS1, KS2, KS3 and even with adults!  So what are you waiting for?  Come and join me 'Under th...

Join me today for the first episode of 2016!  I chat with Dave Bamber, a lead Primary PE teacher and the founder of Primary Energise, a wonderful wake up shake up resource that is hassle free and packed with benefits for children in both KS1 and KS2.  In addition to this, Dave talks about the PE activity he couldn't live without and shares his advice for all primary teachers who may feel like they...

Today, I discuss the importance of 'variety' in the development of children in sport and physical activity during their primary years.  I share with you my personal experience and 'aha' moment in seeing first hand, how exposing children to a diverse range of activities can open your eyes as a teacher, allowing you to see your children in a different light.  So why wait, come on over and join me 'U...

Today, I share with you another one of my MUST HAVE PE activities.  This activity, called 'cone to cone' has served me well for over 7 years.  It has been used by myself as a coach and as a PE teacher with equal success and enjoyment!  It really is one of those teaching activities that I couldn't live without and is essential for any PE teachers locker!

In this episode I share some top PE teaching tips for current and trainee primary school teachers. I explain how these tips have helped improve my own teaching practice and shaped me into becoming a better practitioner. "Many a false step was made by standing still"

Today I bring you a superb indoor Primary PE activity for those days when poor weather means going outside is simply not an option.  This activity can be done in even the most spatially challenged schools with enormous success.  Problem Solving, Leadership and Communication are just some of the key skills your children will be working on.  Don't worry about lack of space again and have your class...

In this episode of The PE Umbrella, I am joined by Simon Blower, a former primary school teacher, deputy headteacher and co-founder of a wonderful resource called 'Pobble' that uses an online platform to share children's writing with a worldwide audience.  We delve into his experience to chat ALL things Primary PE including his top tips, favourite resources, how physical activity impacts on attain...