This document provides guidance on creating an inclusive physical education classroom. It discusses modifying the rules, equipment, teaching style, and environment using the TREE framework: Thinking about modifications for each area. The key principles are maximizing individual potential while maintaining activity integrity, focusing on goals and providing alternatives if needed, using inclusive teaching techniques, and simplifying or adapting rules, equipment, environment and instruction as needed to be inclusive for all students. True inclusion involves asking students what would improve their experience and involvement.
4. Keep the goals of the activity in mind when
making modifications
Provide alternatives if needed.
Be flexible and willing to try new ideas.
Think about and question your modifications – for
example, will the
integrity of the activity be affected if you change
the type of striking
implement/bat?
5. Teaching Style
The way an activity is delivered can have an impact on how inclusive it is.
use appropriate language for the group
use visuals and demonstrations
use a buddy system
use appropriate physical assistance - guide
keep instructions short and to the point
check for understanding
Be Inclusive: Think TREE when Adapting and
Modifying
6. Rules
May be simplified, changed and then re-introduced as the skill level
increases.
Examples:
allow for multiple bounces in a game like tennis
allow for multiple hits or a bounce in a game like volleyball
have more players on a team to reduce the amount of activity required
by each player
reduce the number of players to allow for more movement
continually substitute players
Be Inclusive: Think TREE when Adapting and
Modifying
7. Be Inclusive: Think TREE when Adapting and
Modifying
Rules…
allow substitute runners in games like cricket and baseball
eliminate time restrictions
allow different scoring systems
increase opportunities to score
vary passing styles for example, bouncing, rolling, or tossing instead of
overarm throw
eliminate competitive elements
specify that 3 team members must touch the ball before scoring a point
8. Equipment
Strategies for equipment:
use lighter bats or racquets
use bats or racquets with shorter handles
use lighter, bigger and/or slower bouncing balls
use balls with bells inside
use balloons with rice inside
use brightly coloured equipment
introduce a batting tee (and a stationary ball) if a player ishaving
difficulty hitting a moving ball
Be Inclusive: Think TREE when Adapting and
Modifying
9. Be Inclusive: Think TREE when Adapting and
Modifying
Environment
Strategies to modify the environment:
reduce or increase the size of the playing area or court
use a smooth or indoor surface rather than grass
lower net heights – volleyball, tennis, basketball, etc.
use visible markers and equipment – florescent balls, white markers on
grass
use zones in playing areas – players are restricted to their zones
minimize distractions surrounding the playing area
10. Be Inclusive: Think TREE when Adapting and
Modifying
Thoughts:
safety always comes first
there are situations where including everyone all the time may not be
possible
you can change part of an activity
changes do not have to be permanent
it may not be necessary to modify the game’s rules or equipment for
everybody – it may only require a change for one person
**True Inclusion
ask individuals what would improve the game for them and/or how
their involvement could be increased
or provide options they could choose from to encourage ownership