Fostering Inclusion and Positive Physical Education Experiences for Overweight and Obese Students

Abstract

Overweight and obese students are often socially and instructionally excluded from physical education and school physical activity opportunities. This article describes teaching strategies from a study of middle school physical education teachers who are committed to providing effective teaching and positive experiences for overweight and obese students in their physical education programs. Tables list simple and complex strategies that these teachers use in their physical education classes to prevent or address social difficulties for these students, and to help them experience success in skill development, game play and fitness activities. Starting with a mindset that all students can learn, and that physical educators have a responsibility to address students' various needs, teachers can apply strategies at multiple levels of the students' ecology to create more positive experiences for overweight students in their own unique situations.