Category: EPHE 246 Blog Posts

Final Reflection on EPHE 246

Throughout EPHE 246, I have developed a much deeper understanding of physical and health education. This course has taught me how important it is to take a well-rounded approach to health that includes not just physical activity but also mental and social well-being. Looking back at what I have learned, I can see how these ideas will shape the way I approach health and fitness in my future career and everyday life.

Something I Have Learned Well

One of the key concepts I now understand well is physical literacy. Before this course, I thought physical education was mainly about sports and exercise. However, I have learned that physical literacy is about much more than just playing a sport, it involves confidence, motivation, and competence in movement. This stood out to me because it shifts the focus from competition to participation. As a future PE teacher, I want to make sure that every student, no matter their skill level, feels encouraged to be active in a way that works for them. I will apply this by designing activities that help students build confidence in their movement skills so they feel comfortable staying active throughout their lives.

Something That Has Caught My Interest

One topic that really caught my attention was the 24-hour Movement Guidelines and how few students actually meet them. Learning that only 39% of youth get the recommended 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per day made me realize how much of an issue inactivity has become. This changed my perspective on physical education because I now understand that movement needs to be a daily habit, not just something done during PE class. It has also made me think about how I can encourage movement in creative ways, like incorporating physical activity into everyday lessons or encouraging active breaks in the classroom.

Something I Would Like to Learn More About

One area I want to explore further is Universal Design for Learning (UDL). I really liked learning about how UDL makes learning more accessible by offering multiple ways for students to engage, understand, and express their knowledge. I think this is especially important in PE, where some students may struggle with traditional physical activities. I want to learn more about how to modify activities to include all students, regardless of their physical abilities or confidence levels. Understanding UDL better will help me create a PE environment that is welcoming and accessible for everyone.

Reflection on My Personal Growth

This course has changed the way I think about physical and health education. I used to see it mainly as fitness training, but now I realize it plays a much bigger role in shaping overall well-being. I have also developed a stronger appreciation for making PE inclusive and accessible to all students. My views on creating engaging learning environments have evolved as well, I now understand that PE should be about helping students build lifelong healthy habits, not just teaching them how to play sports.

As I move forward, I will take what I’ve learned in EPHE 246 and apply it to my future career. Whether it’s by promoting physical literacy, encouraging daily movement, or using UDL strategies, I am excited to help students build a positive relationship with physical activity and health.

As it is commonly known, Nutrition plays a fundamental role in maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle, so for our Health Competency Seminar, our group has chosen to explore the topic of Nutrition and Its Role in Active Health because of its direct connection to physical performance, overall well-being, and quality of life. Proper nutrition supports individuals in their daily activities, whether they are athletes, casual exercisers, or simply trying to lead a healthier life. This topic is particularly relevant because many people struggle to understand how to properly fuel their bodies, and there is often conflicting information about what constitutes a healthy diet. Through our seminar, we aim to provide practical, science based knowledge to help our peers make informed choices that support their health and physical activity.

One of the key reasons we selected this topic is its strong connection to the broader themes of Active Health, including physical literacy, healthy and active living, social and community health, and mental well-being. Physical literacy, which involves having the knowledge and skills to engage in physical activity effectively, is closely linked to nutrition. Understanding the role of macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats enables individuals to fuel their bodies properly for different types of physical activity, leading to more enjoyable exercise. Additionally, healthy and active living depends heavily on proper nutrition, as a well-balanced diet supports sustained energy, muscle recovery, and overall physical performance, which, personally, for me, I started following strictly when I was in hockey season.

Another key reason we selected this topic was to do with my groupmates’ histories in physical health and sports. Gaetz Maya, and I all played sports at a competitive level, and at some points, we were all trying to educate ourselves on nutrition, asking questions like what foods are good to eat when, and what foods should be avoided completely at times.

To make our seminar engaging and interactive, we have talked about incorporating a variety of learning activities that encourage active participation. As an example, we have talked about facilitating a class discussion, where students will be encouraged to reflect on their current eating habits and share common struggles they face when trying to maintain a healthy diet. This will help create an open dialogue and allow for a more personalized learning experience. Additionally, we have talked about including a group activity, such as a “Build Your Ideal Meal” exercise, where participants will work in teams to design a balanced meal plan based on different dietary needs and activity levels. This will hopefully reinforce the concept of meal planning and educate everyone about nutrition.

Physical Literacy and Quality Daily Physical Education (QDPE)

Physical literacy in the daily lives of children is a huge aspect of lifelong engagement in physical activity and overall well-being. Physical literacy and Quality Daily Physical Education (QDPE) help people stay active and healthy throughout their lives. Physical literacy means having the skills, confidence, and knowledge to enjoy different kinds of movement. QDPE ensures that students get regular, high-quality physical education that includes everyone and makes physical activity fun. Together, these ideas support lifelong health and well-being.

When people develop physical literacy, they gain the ability and confidence to participate in physical activities. Learning basic movement skills like running, jumping, and throwing helps people feel comfortable playing sports, exercising, or even being active, like walking your dog. Those who develop these skills early are more likely to stay active as they grow older.

Physical literacy is not just about skill, It also involves understanding why exercise is important and how it benefits the body. When people know how physical activity improves their health, they are more likely to make it a regular part of their routine. Being physically literate means being able to enjoy different types of movement, such as hiking, dancing, or swimming, which makes it easier to stay active at any age.

Quality Daily Physical Education (QDPE) ensures that students have regular opportunities to be active in a way that is fun and engaging. Unlike occasional gym classes, QDPE focuses on making physical education a consistent part of school life. This helps students improve their skills, build confidence, and enjoy movement. Another great thing about QDPE is that it includes everyone. Traditional gym classes can sometimes feel competitive, making less athletic students feel left out. QDPE, however, creates a welcoming environment where all students can participate and feel successful.  As slightly mentioned before, when students have positive experiences with physical activity, they are more likely to continue being active throughout their lives, which i Believe all P.E teachers need to always keep in mind.

Overall physical literacy and QDPE help people enjoy movement and stay healthy for life. Learning physical skills and building confidence makes it easier to stay active at any age. QDPE provides students with regular, inclusive, and enjoyable physical education, setting a strong foundation for lifelong activity Beyond school.

Comprehensive School Health (CSH) Model:

The Comprehensive School Health (CSH) model promotes physical, emotional, social, and mental well-being, making it a valuable approach in schools, workplaces, and communities. By integrating health into daily routines, CSH helps create environments that support overall well-being. 

By incorporating varied activities, such as fitness challenges, mindfulness exercises, and cooperative games, I can help students develop a lifelong appreciation for movement. I will also encourage healthy habits by collaborating with other teachers, promoting nutrition education, and creating a welcoming space where all students feel valued.

Outside the classroom, I can start school-wide wellness activities, Like staff fitness challenges or mental health awareness events. In conclusion By integrating CSH principles into my teaching It will help students develop not only physical literacy but also the skills and habits needed for lifelong health and well-being.

References

Comprehensive School Health Framework – HealthySchools BC. (2023, May 17). HealthySchools BC. https://healthyschoolsbc.ca/about/comprehensive-school-health/

Physical literacy. (2022). Fraserhealth.ca. https://www.fraserhealth.ca/health-topics-a-to-z/children-and-youth/physical-activity-for-children/physical-

literacyQDPE Award Standards. (2025). PHE Canada. https://phecanada.ca/community/quality-daily-physical-education-award-program/qdpe-award-standards