New PHE Canada resource for teachers gets kids to “Move Think Learn” about curling

Physical education teachers now have an easy way to introduce their grades 4-6 students to the sport of curling, thanks to a free online resource package offered by Physical and Health Education (PHE) Canada.

Move Think Learn: Curling in Focus is the latest in a series of sport-specific packages that help teachers create a complete learning unit, using classroom and gymnasium equipment in innovative ways. PHE Canada’s curling resource joins 12 other physical education packages that focus on a variety of sports ranging from hockey, basketball and soccer to archery, canoe/kayak and team handball, among others.

“The themes of Move Think Learn promote physical literacy through games and teach kids about the sport of curling in a fun and active way,” says Helen Radford, Manager, Program Development – Youth Curling, for Curling Canada. “This program is accessible for all students, and teachers can use regular equipment found in their school.”

The new PHE Canada Move Think Learn: Focus on Curling resource for teachers includes curling-specific gym activities such as aiming at a target and maintaining balance while throwing. (Photo by Helen Radford)
The new PHE Canada Move Think Learn: Focus on Curling resource for teachers includes curling-specific gym activities such as aiming at a target and maintaining balance while throwing. (Photo by Helen Radford)

The resource assists teachers in understanding the ways to use “sport as a vehicle for learning”. Move Think Learn: Curling in Focus offers background into the sport, including a glossary, historical facts and highlights, and brief profiles of Canadian Olympic gold-medallists, Brad Jacobs and Jennifer Jones. The resource then moves into practical mode, outlining seven game-like activities that give students an opportunity to experience – in the gym – the objectives of curling, such as throwing with accuracy (using bean bags and pylons), or maintaining balance while aiming (using scooter boards).

“We received positive feedback from those (schools and teachers) that pilot tested the resource, so I am hopeful that it will be well-received by teachers/recreation leaders across Canada,” says Kendra Macfarlane, Program Coordinator of the Move Think Learn project for PHE Canada.

“It is important to expose kids to all kinds of sports and activities to keep them active and this resource will help increase their exposure to curling,” says Radford. “We look forward to promoting this great resource and getting more kids excited about our sport.”

The resource is easily accessible by registering with PHE Canada, here, and downloading the 28-page document. For more information about PHE Canada’s Move-Think-Learn program, click here.

“Curling has so much to offer young people, and we’re excited to see this program developed as another way to get kids involved in our sport,” said Katherine Henderson, Chief Executive Officer of Curling Canada. “It truly is a sport for life, and we know that once these students are given a chance to move from the school into the curling rink, they’ll be hooked on curling!”