Spotlight: Adaptive Fitness for Special Needs Students in Long Beach

Special education students in the Long Beach School District have been benefitting from the adaptive physical education program, which offers athletic opportunities that are differentiated to address children’s individualized needs.

At Long Beach Middle School, students participate in activities such as bowling, basketball, kickball, archery, running, walking and stretching. What sets the program apart from traditional physical education classes is the focus on specific skills rather than competition or rules of the game. For example, when playing soccer, the alternative physical education students will learn how to pass the ball, kick into the net and dribble. On the track, the objective is for students to follow directions and complete the task without distractions. These activities build agility and teamwork.

More Long Beach school news:

• Long Beach Students Write to Uganda Pen Pals
• Meet the Newest Members of the Long Beach Wall of Fame
• LBHS Students Perform at Long Beach Jazz Festival
• Assessment Report Presented at Long Beach BOE Meeting

Safety is also a major piece of the program and students are taught the importance of using equipment appropriately. Most recently, the middle school students worked on their bowling abilities. With the guidance of teachers, aides and student volunteers, class members have made progress while enjoying the experiences that adaptive physical education offers.

Submitted by Long Beach School District

Have a news tip? Email heather.doyle@patch.com. You can also post your own news, events and announcements on Patch by following these directions.

Check us out on Facebook