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#AdaptedPE Newsletter 15 (Week of 11/18/2024)

Matt Barker (Digit the APE)
Matt Barker (Digit the APE)
13 Min Read

Welcome to the Adapted PE Newsletter! This weekly resource is designed to inspire and equip you with innovative teaching strategies, practical tools, and the latest trends in adapted physical education. By subscribing, you’ll gain access to curated content that makes your work easier, from engaging activities to equipment recommendations and professional development opportunities. Whether you’re looking for new ideas or ways to enhance your students’ experiences, this newsletter will keep you informed, motivated, and ready to make a positive impact. Subscribe now and stay connected all year long!


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Teacher Spotlight: Julie Braden

Julie Braden is an exceptional elementary physical education teacher in Fairfax County Public Schools, where she teaches general education PE with a remarkable commitment to inclusivity and student engagement. Known for her innovative approach to adapted physical education, Julie consistently shares creative, adaptable ideas that meet the diverse needs of all her students. Her dedication to fostering an inclusive environment shines through in her thoughtfully planned lessons that bring excitement and understanding to her gym. I had the pleasure of meeting Julie in person at our inservice this summer, where her enthusiasm and passion for teaching were truly inspiring.

Contents
Teacher Spotlight: Julie Braden🏐 Inclusion Day 1: Seated Volleyball 🏐🏃‍♀️ Inclusion Day 2: Goalball & Guided Running 🏃Adapted PE NewsUpcoming Event: APE Collaborative by the National Consortium🦃 Happy Thanksgiving from Just Adapt It! 🦃Talking Adapted PE Podcast: Kasia GivenrodProfessional DevelopmentMAPEC Professional Learning Session: December 2ndEarn Your Master’s Degree in Adapted PE – UNH & UW-La Crosse Programs!2025 Adapted PE Conferences:APENS Study Group for CAPE Certification:Support and Stay ConnectedSupport Our Site with Super Cool Merch!Stay ConnectedNewsletter Archive

Julie recently kicked off an “Inclusion Days” series, engaging her students in adapted sports activities designed to increase empathy and understanding of diverse abilities. Here’s how she brought the excitement of inclusion to her gym:

🏐 Inclusion Day 1: Seated Volleyball 🏐

Julie introduced her students to seated volleyball, a game often played by athletes with mobility impairments.

  • Lesson Focus: The importance of inclusion and the history of adapted sports.
  • Paralympic Connection: Students learned about the Paralympics and how they showcase adaptive sports on an international level.
  • Stations: Seated volleyball and other adaptive activities gave students a hands-on experience in modified games, encouraging teamwork and adaptability.

🏃‍♀️ Inclusion Day 2: Goalball & Guided Running 🏃

The second day highlighted visual impairments, introducing students to Goalball and Guided Running.

  • Goalball: Students played this unique sport, where players rely on sound and touch rather than sight, to experience what it’s like for athletes with visual impairments.
  • Guided Running: Two forms of guided running allowed students to practice effective communication and trust, as they had to rely on partners and senses other than sight.
  • Reflections: Students shared insights about how using other senses and working together were essential to success.

Julie’s inclusive lessons showcase how physical education can be a platform for empathy, understanding, and fun. Through engaging, adapted activities, her students are learning valuable lessons about respect, teamwork, and resilience that go far beyond the gym! Stay up to date with Julie’s work here!

Adapted PE News

Stay informed with the latest news, professional development opportunities, and research advancements in the world of Adapted Physical Education.

Upcoming Event: APE Collaborative by the National Consortium

The National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities (NCPEID) is hosting its next APE Collaborative on Wednesday, November 20th at 1 PM PST / 3 PM CT / 4 PM EST. This session will focus on “APE Student Teaching/Mentor Panel,” featuring insights from Elise Gutierrez, Enrique Gonzalez, Israel Bernal Hernandez, and Celeste Villagrana.

This collaborative event is an excellent opportunity for educators, mentors, and student teachers in adapted physical education to share experiences, ask questions, and gain valuable guidance on student teaching and mentoring practices. We hope you can join and take part in this informative session!

Zoom Link: Join the APE Collaborative

In October, the NCPEID hosted an inspiring APE Collaborative on Adapted Fitness with guest speakers Josh Porter and Kristin Buenafe. This session delved into practical strategies for adapting fitness activities to meet the needs of all students, focusing on accessibility, engagement, and inclusivity. Josh and Kristin shared valuable resources and modifications to help educators make fitness activities achievable and enjoyable for everyone.

For anyone who couldn’t attend, a recorded video is available below, and the monthly NCPEID APE Collaboratives are also accessible via Facebook Live. Don’t miss November’s session on student teaching and mentorship—see you there!

🦃 Happy Thanksgiving from Just Adapt It! 🦃

Wishing everyone a joyful and active Thanksgiving! To add a little fun to your holiday, check out this festive workout video by the PE Chef: “Turkey Day TABATA!” It’s a great way to keep everyone moving, whether you’re in the classroom, the gym, or at home with family.

Enjoy, stay active, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving! 🍁

Talking Adapted PE Podcast: Kasia Givenrod

This week on The Talking Adapted PE Podcast, SHAPE America Teacher of the Year Kasia Givenrod from Southern California shares her wealth of knowledge in adapted physical education. Kasia covers a range of topics, from assessment strategies and her passion for Unified PE to her recent advocacy work with SHAPE America in Washington, D.C.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation and practical insights from one of the leading voices in adapted PE. Connect with Kasia on Twitter and Instagram @ape_mrsg, and don’t forget to like and follow the show for more episodes featuring top experts in the field!

Professional Development

Stay up to date with the latest workshops, training sessions, and resources designed to enhance your skills and knowledge in Adapted Physical Education. Explore opportunities for growth, learn new strategies, and connect with experts to continue improving your teaching and support for all students.

MAPEC Professional Learning Session: December 2nd

Mark your calendars for our next Professional Learning Session on Monday, December 2nd, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm! We’re thrilled to feature 2024 SHAPE Maryland Adapted PE Teacher of the Year, Melissa Orgera (@morgera10). Join MAPEC for an inspiring and informative session.

Register Now: Scan the QR code on the flyer or click here to sign up!

Earn Your Master’s Degree in Adapted PE – UNH & UW-La Crosse Programs!

Looking to further your education in Adapted Physical Education (APE)? Two fantastic opportunities are available for Fall 2025!

  1. University of New Hampshire (UNH) is offering a fully funded Master’s in APE for Fall 2025, covering tuition, conferences, books, and more.
    ➡️ Apply now!
    For more information, contact Scott McNamara at Scott.McNamara@unh.edu.
  2. UW-La Crosse is seeking 5-6 students to join their 4-semester, face-to-face Master’s in APE program starting in mid-June 2025. This program offers excellent hands-on experience working with children with disabilities, and financial support through graduate assistantships. Students can earn $21,500, plus up to $13,000 in non-resident tuition waivers for out-of-state students.
    ➡️ Watch this 2-minute video to learn more
    For inquiries, contact Dr. Brock McMullen at bmcmullen@uwlax.edu.

Don’t miss these incredible opportunities to advance your career in Adapted PE!

2025 Adapted PE Conferences:

Conference NameDateLocationLink
National Adapted PE Conference (with CAHPERD)January 22-25, 2025Pasadena, CALink
Fairfax County’s Fourth Annual Adapted P.E. National ConferenceFebruary 2025 (Exact Date TBD)VIRTUALTBD
Colorado Adapted Physical Education ConferenceMay 18-20, 2025Mt. Princeton Hot Springs, COLink
JMU CTA Adapted PE ConferenceJune 23-27, 2025James Madison University, VALink
NCPEID Annual ConferenceJuly 14-16, 2025Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport, Arlington, VALink
Minnesota Annual Adapted PE ConferenceOctober (Date TBD), 2025MinnesotaLink

APENS Study Group for CAPE Certification:

The study group uses gamification for review, rotating standards each month. Attendees will receive a Quizzizz for future study. The last remaining Fall semester dates is December 9, with sessions held at 5:30 pm PST / 8:30 pm EST. The group is hosted by CSU Long Beach Project CAPE and UW-LaCrosse Scholars.

Join via Zoom: https://csulb.zoom.us/j/85372672032.

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Thank you for taking the time to read our Adapted PE newsletter! Your dedication to creating inclusive and engaging physical education experiences is what makes our community so strong. We’re always looking to collaborate and would love to feature your innovative ideas and success stories in future editions. Together, we can continue to improve and inspire each other. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update, and let’s keep the conversation going!

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