#5 - Teaching PE to Preschoolers: What Every PE Teacher Should Know | Sara Whatmore

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch self-paced graduate courses! See below for more information on how to sign up.

 

My guest today is Sara Whatmore. Sara earned a BA in Child Development from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She taught kindergarten and first grade for 11 years—two of those in Charlotte, North Carolina, and nine in Aurora, Colorado.

She later transitioned into teaching physical education while earning a Master’s in Physical Education from the University of Northern Colorado. Sara now teaches PE at Stephen Knight Center for Early Education in Denver Public Schools, where she combines her experience working with children ages 3–6 with her passion for physical education.

Sara also serves as a regional team specialist, developing and leading professional development for other PE teachers, especially those working with younger grades.

 

In this episode, we discuss:

• The unique needs of Pre-K students in physical education

• How to structure developmentally appropriate lessons

• Tips for managing transitions and behavior in early childhood PE

• Strategies for aligning lessons to physical education standards

• The role of play and imagination in supporting motor skill development

 

Sara brings a thoughtful and joyful approach to teaching early childhood PE—and it was a pleasure to learn from her.

 

Distinguished PE has officially launched new self-paced courses! You can take them for graduate credits, for hours toward renewing your teaching license, or simply for your own professional growth and reflection.

Each course aligns with a chapter from the book Distinguished Physical Education and provides opportunities for authentic, job-embedded learning.

 

The following three credit, self-paced courses are now available:

DPE 101: Promoting Inclusivity and Engagement

DPE 102: High Expectations for Student Behavior

DPE 103: Optimizing Use of Space and Resources

DPE 104: Standards-Based Content and Language Objectives

DPE 105: Assessing Students’ Progress and Understanding

 

You can earn three graduate-level credits for each course (15 total if you complete all five) through Colorado State University Pueblo, which can help teachers move over on their pay scale in many districts. These credits can also be used toward a Masters Degree at CSU!

If you’re looking for renewal hours, each one offers up to 100 hours toward your teaching license.

To learn more or get registered, email gary@distinguishedpe.com or head over to www.distinguishedpe.com and click on Virtual Courses.

 

Looking for more? Visit the DPE Linktree to:
• Buy the book
• Sign up for the DPE Virtual Course
• Grab DPE merch

 

Podcast and Distinguished Physical Education Logos created by Alex Stone.