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In Physical Education we try to observe all of the children to assess how each child is performing a variety of skills, assess their cooperating and interacting skills with others and determine if they have a positive attitude and are making a good effort in all classes.

This is never an easy task when assessing so many children in an environment in which learning is often based on their previous experiences, to some degree. In other words, children play sports outside of school and have established many habits based on their experiences. What the child brings to the P.E. class is a reflection of those experiences. As physical education teachers we try to help each child develop and expand their interest and potential in activities and learn respectful ways of playing with others in a competitive atmosphere. Sportsmanship is a difficult concept to teach because it requires a child to make a quick decision while in a competitive situation often involving some form of emotion, aggressive play and possibly some body contact. Also, no two situations are the same and so previously learned behaviors might not be transferred to new situations because the experience might be different. Then when you add in the factor of peer influence, self image and esteem, and the expectation that every child likes to be seen as "a star", and when that doesn't happen, children sometimes have a behavioral reaction because their skill "self image" did not live up to what they want their friends to see and believe about them.

So, as parents sit down and go over their P.E grade, please talk about these issues and what they can do to improve. Its not so much about the actual grade but more about your talking with your child about their feelings and expectations. P.E. staff are always available to discuss these issues and explore various ideas as to approaches to develop your child as an athlete, who is competitive, yet displays good sportsmanship and who enjoys having their parents at the game because its fun.

Also, check out some of the links relating to sport psychology and when at the site look for associated videos and links which might offer some help as well.