Teachers sign up for sports 101
As a people we are renowned for our athletic abilities…just one reason why the Ministry of Education is putting a strong emphasis on physical education in our nation’s schools. But harnessing raw talent and honing it into impressive skills can be a tricky thing, and all sides agree, the earlier we start the better. That’s why for the next two weeks Belizean primary school teachers will be participating in a series of instruction courses in several sports. News 5’s Patrick Jones caught up with them at the Belize City Centre.
Patrick Jones, Reporting
They’re not likely to show up on any national team, but they get an “A” for effort. For sixty-five teachers from all over the country, this week, it’s back to the basics in Sports 101.
Marie Jacobs, Teacher, Independence Primary School
“I played volleyball a little, but nothing like when you are getting it from somebody that knows it. They give you all the little guidelines and so forth that you need to play the game.”
The teachers on the hardwood today are learning the basics of the five major sports being promoted at the primary school level: track and field, basketball, softball, volleyball and football. Peter Castillo is one of the course instructors.
Peter Castillo, Physical Education Instructor
“I’m, hoping that they will be able to go back into the classroom, work with the primary school level from Standard One all the way to through to Standard Six, because we deal with different activities and skills there that they will be use those skills to teach not only at the upper division but also middle and lower divisions.”
But having fun comes with a cost, especially when you’re a bit rusty in the fitness department.
Aracelli Drury, Teacher, Holy Redeemer Primary
“Well actually I caught cramp in my hands. It’s been a long time since I played volleyball, doing all these exercise. I haven’t done exercise in a long time so it’s kind of rough out here, cramping up every time, going home tired with pain; but nevertheless I’ll get over it.”
Organizers of the summer course hope that the camaraderie on the court will rub off in the classroom. And from the look of things, the next school year is going to exciting for students.
Marie Jacobs, Teacher, Independence Primary School
“We do have a volleyball program. As a matter of fact we have our P.E. teacher and he does all these sports.”
Patrick Jones
“So you will be assisting when you get back?”
Marie Jacobs
“Well hopefully I will be.”
Juan Baeza, Teacher, Louisiana Government School
“Oh he shows us everything. He shows us from the basics, because we’re actually doing it on the level of the kids. So when we go we can implement for the kids. He tells us how to, the safety procedures also, how to, for the kids not to overwork them and those things like that.”
Patrick Jones
“For many of these men and women it’s the first time they are coming in contact with a volleyball. And while they don’t usually get the results they are looking for, they are all having a good time trying.”
Juan Baeza, Teacher, Louisiana Government School
“I think I have a really bad sense of direction. All this, I am aiming, but then its just goes another way, I can’t help it. Probably with more practice I will better off my aim.”
Peter Castillo
“It’s quite strenuous, since we have to cover so many techniques in such a short time. So its does has its good and its bad, but I still believe that the teachers can learn given the time that we have and the effort that they are putting in. So effort is a key to their learning out here today.”
And that effort, although at times awkward, should be an inspiration for the up and coming athletes on the playground.
Peter Castillo
“I think that’s going to be very good for them because then it will also give their kids courage to also get involved in these sports. And if they are at this age, then the kids will definitely say, well if teacher could do it, I can do it too, you know.”
Gilmore Williams, Teacher, Ebenezer Methodist School
“Well teach the children not only to play the game but rules of playing the game and proper way of playing the game…That’s what children need to learn about because they don’t know mainly about fair play and sportsmanship, so we need to try and teach that to them.”
And no doubt they’re also happy they have the remainder of the summer to let all the information sink in and rest those tired muscles. Patrick Jones, for News 5.
On Wednesday the teachers will head to the Marion Jones Sports Complex for track and field instruction. Next week, you’ll find them at the Rogers Stadium diamond trying their hands at softball.
