About OASPHE

FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Below are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and Answers that support the delivery of the Health and Physical Education curriculum in Ontario.

TOPICS:

• Your Professional Organization

Q: What is the Ontario Association for the Support of Physical Educators (OASPHE)?

A: The Ontario Association for the Support of Physical Educators (OASPHE) is a professional organization that supports the professional growth and development of teachers and other professionals involved in the delivery of physical education in Ontario. The organization offers a range of professional learning opportunities, advocacy efforts, and resources to support high-quality health and physical education programming in Ontario schools.

Q: What types of professional learning opportunities does OASPHE offer?

A: OASPHE offers a variety of professional learning opportunities, resources and support for teacher inquiries, and leadership development initiatives. OASPHE members have access to a network of colleagues who share their commitment to high-quality health and physical education programming in Ontario.

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Q: What is the role of professional learning in the Health and Physical Education curriculum in Ontario?

A: Professional learning plays a critical role in the Health and Physical Education curriculum in Ontario. Teachers need to stay up-to-date with the latest research, best practices, and curriculum updates to effectively support student learning. Professional learning opportunities can include workshops, conferences, online courses, and peer-to-peer learning networks. By engaging in professional learning, teachers can deepen their knowledge and skills in health and physical education, share ideas and strategies with colleagues, and enhance their teaching practice.

Q: How can teachers benefit from joining OASPHE?

A: Teachers can benefit from joining OASPHE in several ways. Membership provides access to a range of professional learning opportunities, resources, and networking opportunities. By joining OASPHE, teachers can stay up-to-date with the latest research, trends, and best practices in health and physical education, connect with like-minded professionals, and enhance their teaching practice. OASPHE membership also provides opportunities for leadership development and advocacy efforts to support the promotion of high-quality health and physical education programming in Ontario.

• The Health and Physical Education Curriculum Organization

Q: What is the purpose of the Health and Physical Education curriculum in Ontario?

A: The purpose of the Health and Physical Education curriculum in Ontario is to help students develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need to lead healthy, active lives. The curriculum focuses on four main areas: healthy living, movement competence, living skills, and healthy communities.

Q: What topics are covered in the Health and Physical Education curriculum in Ontario?

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Q: What is the role of professional learning in the Health and Physical Education curriculum in Ontario?

A: The Health and Physical Education curriculum in Ontario covers a wide range of topics, including healthy eating, physical activity, mental health and well-being, personal safety and injury prevention, substance use and abuse, human development and sexual health, and healthy relationships. The curriculum also emphasises the importance of social and emotional learning, equity and inclusion, and the role of media and technology in promoting health and well-being.

Q: What are some of the learning outcomes for students in the Health and Physical Education curriculum in Ontario?

A: TSome of the learning outcomes for students in the Health and Physical Education curriculum in Ontario include: understanding the importance of making healthy choices, developing movement skills and physical fitness, demonstrating personal and interpersonal skills, making informed decisions about health and well-being, and advocating for healthy living and healthy communities.

• Parent / Guardian Awareness

Q: How can parents and guardians support their child's learning in the Health and Physical Education curriculum in Ontario?

A: Parents and guardians can support their child's learning in the Health and Physical Education curriculum in Ontario by: encouraging physical activity and healthy eating habits at home, promoting positive body image and self-esteem, discussing sensitive topics like human development and sexual health in an age-appropriate and respectful manner, and modelling healthy behaviours and attitudes. Parents and guardians can also communicate with their child's teacher to learn more about the curriculum and how they can support their child's learning.

Q: How can parents feel more comfortable about the content being taught to their children?

A: There are several ways that parents can feel more comfortable about the content being taught to their children in the Health and Physical Education curriculum:

Review the curriculum: The Ontario Ministry of Education provides detailed information about the Health and Physical Education curriculum, including learning expectations, key concepts, and topics covered in each grade. Parents can review this information to gain a better understanding of what their children will be learning.
Communicate with teachers: Parents can communicate with their children's teachers to learn more about the content being taught in Health and Physical Education. Teachers can provide additional information about specific lessons, activities, and resources, and can address any questions or concerns that parents may have.
Attend parent-teacher conferences: Parent-teacher conferences provide an opportunity for parents to discuss their children's progress and learning with their teachers. Parents can ask questions about the Health and Physical Education curriculum and discuss any concerns or questions they may have.
Participate in school events: Many schools offer opportunities for parents to participate in school events related to Health and Physical Education, such as sports days, health fairs, and family fitness events. By participating in these events, parents can learn more about the curriculum and the activities their children are involved in.
Advocate for quality programming: Parents can advocate for high-quality Health and Physical Education programming in their schools and communities. By supporting policies and initiatives that promote physical activity, healthy living, and student well-being, parents can help ensure that their children receive a comprehensive and effective education in these important areas.

Overall, staying physically active throughout one's life can help improve physical and mental health, cognitive function, and overall well-being. It is an important aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and promoting longevity.

Q: How can teaching mental health in the Health and Physical Education curriculum benefit students?

A:Teaching mental health in the Health and Physical Education curriculum can benefit students in several ways. Students can develop a greater understanding of their own mental health and well-being, build resilience and coping strategies, and learn how to support their peers who may be experiencing mental health challenges. By addressing mental health in the classroom, students can also help reduce stigma and promote a culture of openness and support around mental health. This can lead to improved overall health and well-being for students and their communities.

Q: What topics related to human development and sexual health are covered in the Health and Physical Education curriculum in Ontario?

A: The Health and Physical Education curriculum in Ontario covers a range of topics related to human development and sexual health, including puberty and reproduction, gender identity and sexual orientation, healthy relationships, consent, and contraception and STI prevention. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of promoting positive sexual health and well-being, as well as understanding the rights and responsibilities of individuals in sexual situations.

Q: How can teachers address sensitive topics related to human development and sexual health in the classroom?

A: Addressing sensitive topics related to human development and sexual health requires a supportive and safe learning environment. Teachers can use a variety of strategies to create such an environment, including setting clear expectations, establishing ground rules for respectful discussion, and providing opportunities for students to ask questions and seek clarification. Teachers can also use age appropriate teaching resources, guest speakers, and community resources, to promote understanding and awareness of sexual health issues.

Q: How can teaching substance use, addictions, and related behaviours in the Health and Physical Education curriculum benefit students?

A: Teaching substance use, addictions, and related behaviours in the Health and Physical Education curriculum can benefit students in several ways. Students can develop a greater understanding of the risks associated with substance use, including addiction, impaired driving, and other negative consequences. By promoting positive mental health and

well-being, students can also learn strategies for making healthy choices related to substance use and reducing the risk of addiction. This can lead to improved overall health and well-being for students and their communities.

• What to Look For in a Quality Health and Physical Education Program?

Q: Why is quality programming important?

A: Delivering quality programming in Health and Physical Education is important for several reasons:

Ensuring student learning: Quality programming helps ensure that students have access to a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of important topics related to health and physical education. This can help students develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need to make informed decisions about their health and well-being, and to participate in physical activity and sports safely and effectively.
Promoting equity: Quality programming helps ensure that all students have access to high-quality education, regardless of their background, ability level, or other factors. By providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment, quality programming can help address equity issues in education and promote equal opportunities for all students.
Meeting curriculum standards: Quality programming helps ensure that teachers are able to deliver the Health and Physical Education curriculum in a way that meets the expectations and standards set by the Ontario Ministry of Education. This can help ensure that students are prepared for further education and career opportunities, and that they have the skills and knowledge they need to be active and healthy members of society.
Enhancing teacher effectiveness: Quality programming helps ensure that teachers have the tools, resources, and training they need to deliver effective instruction in Health and Physical Education. By providing ongoing professional development and support, quality programming can help teachers improve their skills and knowledge, and ultimately improve student learning outcomes.
Fostering positive attitudes and behaviours: Quality programming can help foster positive attitudes and behaviours related to health and physical activity, both in school and beyond. By providing engaging and relevant instruction, quality programming can help students develop a lifelong love of physical activity and healthy living, and encourage them to make positive choices about their health and well-being.

Q: What are the connections between Health and Physical Education and Well-being?

A: Physical activity is closely linked to a person's overall well-being, as it can impact multiple aspects of a person's health and quality of life. Regular physical activity has been shown to improve physical health by reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. It can also improve cardiovascular health, bone density, and muscle strength.

In addition to its physical health benefits, physical activity can also have positive effects on mental health. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and

anxiety, improve mood and self-esteem, and reduce stress levels. It can also improve cognitive function, including memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.

Furthermore, participating in physical activity can provide opportunities for social connections and community engagement, which can contribute to overall well-being and a sense of belonging. Physical activity can also promote good sleep patterns and help manage weight and body composition.

Overall, the connection between physical activity and overall well-being is strong, and maintaining an active lifestyle can have a positive impact on a person's physical, mental, and social health.

Q: What teaching strategies can be used to support student learning in the Health and Physical Education curriculum in Ontario?

A: There are many teaching strategies that can be used to support student learning in the Health and Physical Education curriculum in Ontario, including: inquiry-based learning, cooperative learning, problem-based learning, authentic assessment, and differentiated instruction. Teachers can also use a variety of instructional resources, such as videos, simulations, guest speakers, and community partnerships, to engage students and promote their understanding of health and physical education concepts.

Q: How can developing movement competence and physical literacy in the Health and Physical Education curriculum benefit students?

A: Developing movement competence and physical literacy in the Health and Physical Education curriculum can benefit students in several ways. Students can gain confidence in their abilities, experience the joy of movement, and engage in physical activity throughout their lives. By promoting physical activity and healthy living, students can also improve their overall health and well-being, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and enhance their social and emotional development. Furthermore, developing movement competence and physical literacy can contribute to improved academic performance, self-esteem, and overall quality of life.

Your Professional Organization

The HPE Curriculum Organization

Parent / Guardian Awareness

Quality HPE Programs

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