P.E. Teachers Modify Gym Class For All Learners Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic

The PLT4M app is a free iOS or Android app that engages students in PE curriculum

By: Dana Andrews 

Physical activity is more important than ever now with the pandemic and being at home in front of a computer screen. 

Students at Wethersfield High School who learn in person and remotely that are enrolled in Physical Education have great opportunities to get active.

“Remote learners engage in an at-home physical activity using an app called PLT4M, which the WHS PE staff has used to create Strength & Conditioning programs that closely resemble our in school curriculum.  As for health, students complete a  series of interactive online lessons via a web-based program called EverFi.” WHS Physical Education teacher, Jeffrey Russell said. 

If you’re learning in person, there are many fun activities.

“Students in person get a wide range of activities that are similar to our curriculums offerings in a regular school year along with some new leisure/social games to address the social and emotional needs of our learners. Our offerings include units such as golf, archery, leisure games like corn hole & Kkan Jjam (frisbee throwing game), as well as badminton and pickleball.”

Safety is on everybody’s mind today, and it is a top priority when students are in physical education class. Limiting class sizes and sanitizing equipment are a few of the ways safety is implemented. 

“All of our games and activities are spaced out while indoors or outdoors to allow for safe social distancing. Also, all of our equipment is sanitized before and after use and we try our best to limit any shared equipment. 

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Once the weather gets nicer and all of the snow melts, gym classes will be held outside so students will be able to get fresh air (while still being safe). 

“Many of our indoor activities and leisure games can be done outside, along with non-traditional games like frisbee golf & soccer golf.  We also plan to play more traditional sports like tennis with our smaller classes.”

When students are outside of school or not enrolled in gym class, there are still opportunities right on your smartphone that encourage you to get and stay active. 

“If you’re a remote learner, the PLT4M app we use for class is a great app for at home exercise because almost every workout can be done at home without any equipment. If you’re looking for an app that’s free for when you’re not in PE, I would recommend the Nike+ training app.  There are tons of great works for various levels of fitness and a wide range of styles to keep it interesting.”
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