Physical Education and the ABCs: An Interdisciplinary Approach

Overview & Synopsis

An interdisciplinary approach to teaching physical education can contribute in many ways to the mission of the school. It can draw interest in physical education from administrators, parents, and community members, and can help legitimize the position of the physical educator on the faculty by showing colleagues in the classroom that physical education involves more than just games. In some states, such as North Carolina, an interdisciplinary approach to physical education can help schools earn various levels of distinction based on overall school performance. In this article, the authors provide tips for adopting an interdisciplinary approach to physical education and making it the most beneficial. Tips discussed include: communicating with colleagues; collecting information on core subjects and plan lessons; and providing activity-based lessons that reinforce core subject matter. (Contains 5 figures.)