Teacher: Ms.

Lauren Novak

Grade: Eight

Subject: Physical Education

School: St. John Paul II Collegiate

Date: 2015/03/24

Time: 2:22 p.m.

Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools

Classroom Visitation
Brief Description of Lesson
The lesson began with the Ms. Novak taking attendance and then transitioning the students from the gymnasium to
the common room. She outlined the class plan to the students and then led them in their class warm-up. She had
the students share the key things to remember when playing Amoeba Tag. The students helped Ms. Novak place
the mats together. The students played the warm-up game - Amoeba Tag. Ms. Novak had the students form a large
circle and discussed with the students the concept of balance. She had the students stand and compete a twisting
jump. She demonstrated a standing tuck jump and stressed the importance of a proper landing. She repeated this
process with a pike jump and a straddle jump. Ms. Novak had the students lie on their backs and when she
completed her countdown they stood and completed the jump that she had called out. She had some students
demonstrate each of the jumps. The students were asked to complete a slow jog and complete a jump when it was
called out. Ms. Novak explained the game, Stick it. She had a student help her demonstrate the game. The
students went into groups and played the game. Ms. Novak monitored each groups process as they played the
game. Ms. Novak led the students in a series of stretches as a cool down at the end of the lesson. Ms. Novak had
the students collect the mats and ended the class by reviewing the activities of the day and outlining the future
lesson.
Areas that Enhanced the Learning Experience:

Effectively planning a lesson that addresses the key curriculum components associated with movement and
gymnastics.
Holding the students accountable to you class expectations, e.g. gym strip.
Using a class signal to get the full attention of the students, e.g. countdown and whistle.
Clearly stating the classroom expectations to the students and outlining to the students the exact process and
steps of the lesson.
Participating in the warm-up with the students - what is good for you is good for them. They will
appreciate that you also complete the activities.
Asking the students what to consider when playing Amoeba tag to ensure that the activity is a safe and
effective one.
Ensuring there is a safe environment for the students to learn in by making sure the mats are all together and
there are no gaps.
Using a low key strategy to address students that are not following your class expectations, e.g. after two
warnings moving two students.
Being consistent with your behavioral expectations and holding students accountable to these expectations.
Changing the pace of the lesson and creating variety in the activities and how to use the jumps.
Addressing a student who is not behaving appropriately and having a one on one conversation with the
student.
Providing clear, specific and detailed instructions for the student activities. This was consistent throughout
the class and each activity.
Using students to help with the demonstration of the activities. The students will often pay more attention
when a peer completes the desired action.
Effectively monitoring the groups and making sure that each group is focused and on task.
Clearly identifying how the students should move back to the gymnasium. You provided them with step
by step instructions for the transition.

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Effectively planning the lesson and having a solid structure and flow to the lesson.
Pacing your lesson appropriately and making sure the students have plenty of time to be exposed to the
skills being taught.

Suggestions or recommendations for improvement

Extend your pause after your countdown signal wait until all are quiet and restate your expectations
before you continue with your instruction.
As you are providing instruction I would suggest you increase your movement through the students, e.g.
move around circle more as you give instructions.
There are certain times during the lesson where I suggest you declare that there should be no noise or
talking, e. g. Stretching. Tell the students this is sacred silence time.

Observation by Gary Chiste, Deputy Superintendent