Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1400485
A return to health Chicca emphasized to students through- out last year that working out helps with stress, anxiety and depression. Students were severely impacted; her campus lost two students to suicide in 2020. "We did a whole lesson on brain chem- icals and endorphins, and they learned that the physical response to exercise is a boost in emotional health. I have tried very hard to connect with my students emotionally during this time." " Research show s that w h e n y o u e x e r c i s e , i t improves the brain," says Felix Quiñónez, an elemen- tary PE instructor named Teacher of the Year in Los An ge l e s Un i f i e d S c h o o l District in 2020. "Exercise n o t o n ly i m p r o v e s s tu - d e n t s' m o o d , c o g n it i o n a n d w e l l - b e i n g ; i t a l s o builds habits that lead to a longer and healthier qual- ity of life." Quiñónez teaches students and men- tors teachers at multiple elementar y schools. Last year that meant model- ing online lessons and creating upbeat Google slides. "I want students to take ownership of their health, and offer them pathways to get there," says the United Teachers Los Angeles member. Quiñónez reminds students that self- care strengthens their immune system. "I incorporate brain health research in my lessons, which shows that a lack of move- ment can lead to low blood flow, which is associated with anxiety. I frequently ask my students to share how they are feel- ing. Trauma-sensitive classroom practices help to foster social-emotional learning [SEL] and growth." Last year he combined standards-based lessons with web-based resources su c h a s t h e R e a dy, S e t , Gold! exercise and SEL pro- gram hosted by Olympians and Paralympians, and Kai- ser Permanente resources t h a t e d u c a t e a b o u t t h e v a l u e o f n u t r i t i o u s foods by promoting healthy snack recipes. "Tech is here to stay in physical education because it improves teaching, learning, and assessments," says Quiñónez. "Digital literacy is vital to a 21st century education." Rethinking PE as pandemic subsides Sarah Bowers, the Ukiah High School t e a c h e r, b e li e v e s th a t th e p a n d e m i c has profoundly changed not only th e w o r l d , b u t h o w p h y s i c a l e d u c a t i o n should be taught. " I t h i n k w e a r e m o r e c o n c e r n e d about social-emotional learning aspects for stu d ent s," say s th e U ki ah Tea ch- e r s A s s o c i a t i o n m e m b e r. " I w a n t e d to hu m a ni z e th e e xp er i en c e a n d l e t students know that whatever they are feeling — including isolation and frus- tra ti o n — i s O K . G o i n g th ro u g h th e p a n d e m i c p r e s e n t e d o p p o r t u n i t i e s to have c onversations w ith stud ents and connect with them emotionally." B o w e r s t e a c h e s g e n e ra l PE a n d h a s always incorporated yoga into that class. When she saw how much it was helping her students cope with pandemic stress, she asked to create entire yoga classes, w hi ch wa s re c ently approved by th e school board. " Yoga , m editation and breathw ork allows you to go into a neutral state, so you don't feel so frantic and anxious. When I asked students to reflect on their experiences, their responses floored me. ey said 'My chest loosened up,' 'My head cleared,' 'I felt more relaxed,' and 'I wanted to be here.'" She is excited about going back to school — and also bringing students back to better health. " We survived a traumatic time, and now we are stronger, able to thrive and move forward." "Students learned that the physical response to exercise is a boost in emotional health. I tried very hard to connect with my students emotionally during this time." —Robin Chicca, Monrovia Teachers Association 32 cta.org Felix Quiñónez Feature