Inclusion In Physical Education

The term inclusion is often seen as simply referring to learners with special needs, where it is interpreted as the ‘complete acceptance of a student with a disability in a regular classroom.’ However the notion can be viewed much more broadly. A common misconception about inclusion is that it is solely about including people with disability in regular sport activities without any modification. (Australian sports commission) However being inclusive is about providing a range of options to cater for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, in the most appropriate manner possible.
According to Mitchell (1999), ‘inclusive education is taken to mean that schools accommodate children’s different styles and rates of learning and to respect

Thus when it comes to inclusion various adaptions can be made to insure that all children are included. For example, during a Physical education lesson that focuses on the strand of games, all children may be included in a games of volleyball by making easily adapting some minor rules. All children can sit on the floor while playing this game, this will allow those children who are less able and confined to wheel chairs equal opportunity to fit-in and get involved. The net may also be discarded in volleyball and replaced with a bench. This will make the game easier for everyone and more enjoyable. Thus the less-able child will not be signalled out and their self-esteem is not effected. Developing self-confidence link with

Through SPHE children can become aware of some of the prejudices and attitudes that impinge on the dignity of others. They are given opportunities to develop an understanding of their own culture and traditions, and equally to acquire a growing appreciation of the positive contributions made by different groups in society. As children learn to understand and practice equality, justice and fairness in school situations they will be enabled to challenge prejudice and discrimination as they experience it in their own lives, both now and in the future.
Inclusion can be dealt with in an SPHE class by showing DVD’s highlighting the importance of accepting people for who they are. For example throughout the strand of Myself and the wider world, children can develop citizenship by creating a ‘we all fit in Jigsaw’ (see appendix A) The idea behind this is that the children will understand that everybody is somebody and that everybody is unique in their own way and we need to respect