Steps to Teach Appropriate Sports and Games Behaviors through Physical Education

Abstract

Social interventions during physical education classes can help students increase their appropriate behaviors and decrease inappropriate ones. Many educators assume that students develop appropriate social skills as a byproduct of participating in physical education and sport. However, the physical education literature shows that appropriate social behaviors improve when interventions are implemented. The purpose of this article is to provide physical educators with an instructional tool called “Appropriate Sports and Games Behaviors Curriculum.” This curriculum aims to enhance the development of appropriate behaviors by teaching sport- and game-oriented social skills to students with all ability levels. This curriculum consists of three units: (1) appropriate behaviors to winning, (2) appropriate behaviors to losing, and (3) appropriate behaviors during the game. Each unit highlights five different social skills. A seven-step lesson plan for teaching the skills is also provided.