Just Keep Moving! Why Physical Education is really Life Education at Auesome Place

Physical Education is all around us, everyday; every time you move your body, the task of coordinating the various muscles and joints to work the way you want them to, is a result of physical education. This is a universal truth for all humans - that we have but one body and we should respect and take care of it.

For Auesomers, physical education is even more critical than ever. Where words may fail them, their body will always betray their true feelings and thoughts; it is clear when a student turns their face and body away that they are no longer paying attention to you. Similarly, if they are jumping up and down to the music, then it is evident they are enjoying themselves.

PE class is largely about having the freedom of bodily expression, so we most often dance and move to music. However, we have also enjoyed a simple walk outdoors, observing our five senses in the environment, while mastering directions such as forwards and backwards. We also participate in active meditation and games that get everyone moving and having fun!

Gross & Fine Motor Control

We spend the first decade of life outside the womb learning how to wield our bodies. Like babies learning how to walk, Auesomers are taught to control their body to do what they want it to do. This takes great awareness of their physical being - from the way they stand to lifting only their shoulders in an isolation warm up exercise. It starts with them recognising the left and right sides of their bodies; then continues on to discovering that each individual body part such as a finger can move independently of others.

From Kickboxing to Yoga

This semester, PE instructor Vivienne designed a special curriculum to introduce Auesomers to various different sports, from basic martial arts to yoga. While kickboxing moves have gotten the students happily air-punching for a workout, yoga is critical to training students in their sense of balance and strength. We call yoga workouts training our inner warrior - because true strength comes from within. Combining music with these moves makes it accessible to the students. Where possible, we have also incorporated basic self-defence knowledge and moves to give students more confidence in themselves.

Games

Warm up and cool down games are essential to PE classes at Auesome Place - and students love them. From “Miss V Says” to Blob Tag, the students are often running around excitedly while taking part in these social physical activities. One recent favorite has been Blind Tag - where the catcher has to close or cover their eyes and catch the others, only using a clap to help locate them. Such games help students to develop gross motor control as well as heighten their sense. But most importantly, it gets them moving!

Basic Biology & Nutrition

Since it is impossible to learn to move the body without first possessing knowledge of the body, PE class has also been a time to learn some basic biology. From the names of different muscles, what a regular heart rate is, to the function of our organs and skeleton, Auesomers have been receiving such knowledge during the PE sessions.

As a certified Nutritionist, Vivienne has shared her insights into healthy eating with the Auesomers. She has taught basic food education about food groups (carbohydrates, proteins and fats), calories, along with what to eat and how often. The students have also been reminded about the importance of staying hydrated for their health.

Physical Wellness = Spiritual Strength

As students push their bodies a little more at each PE class, they gain physical confidence through better coordination, increased strength and balance. It has been an absolute joy for me to guide them on this journey to physical wellness, which directly impacts their mood and feelings. You cannot have a happy body without a happy soul, and vice versa. Seeing the students improve their physical condition through PE classes has been as rewarding for my soul as it has been for my body. So really, I should be thanking Auesome Place for letting me dance and move with these incredible students!