Movement through Modification: Developing Inclusive PE classrooms though modified activities

Adapting Activities

The following examples unpack adaptations of equipment, rules, instruction and environment. Adaptations work best when they are ongoing and continually evaluated.

1. Equipment modifications

includes any modifications that assist students is becoming more successful than when using pre-existing equipment.

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This may include:

1. Adjusting equipment height
2. Balls and bats of different size and weights
3. Low and high compression balls
4. Colour coded court and field markings
5. Textured grips on racquets, balls and handles for visually impaired stduents
6. Weight-adjustable equipment - eg fitness machines, resistance bands
7. Wheelchair-accessible sports equipment

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2. Rule Modifications

Any changes in rules from traditional game or sport rules to age, ability, context and learning outcome focussed rules.  

This may include:

1. Slowing the pace of a game (a walking game)

2. More chances e.g. specified # of deliveries faced rather than an out

3. Reduced number of defenders

4. Requirements to change positions or roles during games.

5. Adapting scoring system e.g. more passes before scoring equates to more points

6. Introducing a chameleon- someone each team must pass to before they score

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Remember: Not all groups have use the same rules! If you have multiple games taking place, each can have its own sets of modified rules. At times it may be appropriate to invite students to cretae rules for thieir own games

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3. Environmental modifications

A small number of students experience additional challenges from bright lights, excessive noise, heat and cold, and soft wet fields. An HPE teacher may not be able to change the environment, but can they change how students experince that environment?

Diverse students have diverse needs. At times, the limitations of facility access may it difficult to modifiy the environment. Teachers can respond to the environment in different ways:

1. Choosing spaces that maximize or minimise lighting

2. Allow students to physically distance themselves from excessive noise e.g. ensure there is spacing between groups.

3. Flexible PE uniform- select appropriate clothing eg. caps for sun; sunglasse; jackets for cold weather; long pants.

4. Sound blockers - ear plugs

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4. Instructional modifications

An HPE teacher can give instructions verbally, in writing, and through demonstrations. They can give instructions to a large group, to small groups or to individual students.

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HPE teachers work in challenging environments as they often lack access to whiteboards and data shows, they are subject to noise from 'across the gym', and visual distractions from the other classes on the field.....but we do have choices.

Some suggestions for instructional modifications include:

1. Minimising 'noise' from the environment- looking away from the sun, away from the aother classes, and as far away from excessive noise.
2. Selective Instruction- say only what is needed.
3. Task Cards - written instructions for groups
4. Task Board- written instructions on a board
5. Demonstration - set up model activity and demostrate with a studnet or a group
6. Group before instructing- always organise the groupas and equipment before explaining the activity.
7. Paraphrasing - asking students to paraphrtase instructiones to check understanding
8. Explain, Litmus test students, check, teach- (a)explain to the class; (b)help the students who you know might need added assistance to get started, (c) check that everyone is on task (d) focus on individual and small group instruction, questions and feedback.