PE in early years

PE – where is its place?

PE, or physical education, is seen traditionally as a primary and secondary school focus/subject. In terms of early years, children don’t tend to take part in PE sessions, and if they do it is seen mainly as extra curricula. But it shouldn’t be this way…early years has to be seen as the foundation for all areas of development and that Includes PE.

The main trouble we have is that PE Is not widely recognised in the early years sector and is seen as something that needs a specialist to deliver. Without a specialist, practitioners often feel as though they are not ‘qualified’ to engage children in PE. However, I firmly believe that it is a subject that can be explored by all practitioners. How many practitioners engage in activities with children that are based around maths? And how many of those practitioners would say they are experts in maths? The challenge to overcome is to make PE an accessible term in the sector and for practitioners to take ownership of delivering PE.

What does PE look like in early years?

Using mascots that are familiar to children In the form of soft toys helps children engage in a way that doesn’t make them feel as though they are learning as part of an explicit subject. for example, I use ‘Poppy the Penguin’ to teach football. Poppy, much like other penguins, carries her eggs between her feet. Using Images of this and explaining to the children that they are to be penguins and carry their eggs (footballs) with their feet, Implements the early understanding of dribbling. For rugby I use ‘Sammy the Snake’ and his teddy bear, Mr. Snuggles. In rugby we want to hold the ball as if we are cuddling a teddy and we want to move in a snake like way – not in a straight line. By asking the children to move like a snake and cuddle their teddy bears (balls) they are demonstrating agility and replicating that of what you would see on a rugby field.

Although the skill Isn’t being explicitly taught, the children form a subconscious understanding and enjoyment of the sport. By following this simple and effective approach to delivering PE, children can enjoy the benefits of sport and take It through with them when they start school and beyond.

PE – not just an extra-curricular activity

PE doesn’t have to be an extra curricular activity in early years, it can and should form part of children’s wider holistic development. As well as wider development, PE can teach children specific sports based skills and encourage an interest in sport – opening them up to more learning opportunities and interests.

Unpicking PE in early years further

In the podcast episode Josh Candy talks us through his role and why PE, or physical education, should be part of early years, and why it is not just the same as what we know as physical development. Josh and Angelica unpick the complexities around how PE fits into early years, such as adapting the teaching, the debate of bringing in external companies and ensuring that PE doesn’t just become a gimmick in early years settings.

Take a look/listen through the links on this page.