This year marked my second at Hangzhou International School and my 10th year in teaching. I knew from the beginning that it would be a journey filled with challenges and triumphs. With two key goals in mind this year — keeping high standards and being vulnerable. I took on the year with enthusiasm and determination.
Being the sole Lower School PE teacher this year was daunting. I understood the importance of maintaining high expectations for my students, even when faced with the inevitable hurdles of the role. Every lesson was planned to ensure creativity and engagement, while my commitment to maintaining routines helped create a structured environment that my students thrived in.
One of the highlights this year was implementing an emotional check-in at the beginning of each lesson. This practice not only set a positive tone but also allowed us to connect on a deeper level. By the end of each unit, I encouraged personal reflections centered around effort and achievements, linking them to our learner profiles and key concepts. I was thrilled to see my Grade 5 students take on the responsibility of leading their own warm-ups, showcasing their leadership skills. Meanwhile, my Grade 4 students engaged wonderfully with the Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) model, which significantly improved their engagement, kindness, and behavior management. The results were evident, and I couldn’t be prouder of my students’ growth.
(Before the implementation of TPSR is shown on the left, and after on the right).
Despite the challenges of maintaining these high standards—of feeling exhausted at times—I genuinely believe I succeeded in my mission. As I look to the future, I’m excited about the new teachers joining our department next year. Their presence will not only lighten my load but also enrich our PE department with fresh ideas and support that I’ve missed.
Now, let’s discuss the challenge of vulnerability. It’s a tough pill to swallow for many teachers and coaches, as there is often an expectation to excel in every sport. Believe me, I’m not a master of all sports! Yet, I felt an obligation to model resilience and courage for my students—especially my female athletes. Participating in “teachers versus students” games, even in areas outside my comfort zone, demonstrated the value of trying, regardless of the outcome. I want my students to see that it’s okay to put yourself out there and embrace the learning process, regardless of skill level. Below shows an image our our Teachers Vs Students Football game, I can definitely coach football better than I can play it!
This year, being vulnerable not only helped me grow as an educator but also enhanced my relationships with my students. I cherished the laughter we shared during games and the lessons learned from both victories and defeats. My commitment to being a relatable role model brought us closer and fostered an inclusive environment where my students felt safe to express themselves.
In conclusion, reflecting on this past year fills me with gratitude and pride. I set out to maintain high standards while also embracing vulnerability, and I can confidently say I achieved both. I’m not sharing any teaching resources this month but I do encourage all my fellow PE teachers out there, take a moment to reflect on your own journeys. Celebrate your successes, learn from your challenges, and always strive to inspire the next generation of athletes. Of course feel free to check out https://onceuponapelesson.com/teaching-resources/ for any resources which may help you next year.
Here’s to another year filled with growth, kindness, and endless possibilities. Wishing you all the best for the upcoming school year, but first enjoy your well deserved holiday!
Keep pushing those boundaries!
Thank you, as always to the PHE team I work with. Each one of you has inspired and helped me. We will look different next year, but memories have been made and lessons learned.
