Instructional Practice & Lesson Planning

Instructional Practice & Lesson Planning

As part of my field experiences and professional preparation, I have designed and delivered a variety of lesson plans for physical education classes across different grade levels. These lessons focus on promoting physical activity, developing motor skills, encouraging teamwork, and fostering lifelong wellness habits. Each plan aligns with TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) and demonstrates thoughtful instructional design, student engagement strategies, and clear assessment measures.

Grade Level: High School (9–12)

Lesson Focus: Introduction to Proper Form & Technique in Weight Training
Objective: Students will demonstrate correct form in basic strength training movements (e.g., squats, lunges, bench press) with an emphasis on safety, posture, and breathing.
Assessment:
🏀 Other Lessons Taught & Developed:

Activities:

• Warm-up with dynamic stretches and light cardio

• Station-based instruction for key lifts

• Peer feedback rotations

• Cool-down and reflection discussion
  

• Teacher observation using a skills checklist

• Peer evaluation using a simplified rubric

• Exit slip with key safety terms and concepts

• Team Sports Basics: Rules, strategies, and skills in basketball, volleyball, and soccer

• Fitness Circuits: Full-body routines designed to build strength, flexibility, and endurance

• Movement & Coordination: Activities focused on balance, agility, and motor skills for younger students

• Mindfulness in Motion: Integrating physical activity with SEL (Social Emotional Learning) strategies

• Inclusive PE Activities: Adapted lessons that ensure participation for students of all ability levels

Each lesson I design integrates clear objectives, age-appropriate instruction, active engagement, and purposeful assessment, ensuring that all students can learn, grow, and feel successful in the gym environment. These experiences have strengthened my ability to plan and lead effective, student-centered PE instruction.

During my field experience at Lyndon B. Johnson High School, I designed and taught a physical education lesson focused on muscular strength and endurance, using FitnessGram test items such as curl-ups and push-ups as the core components. The primary objective was to help students evaluate and analyze their personal fitness levels while engaging in structured and safe physical activity, aligned with TEKS 2A and ELPS standards.

Standards-Based Design and Clear Objectives
Culturally Responsive and Differentiated Instruction
Active Learning and Student Engagement
Formative Assessment and Student Reflection
Emphasis on Safety and Fitness Literacy
Professional Growth and Instructional Impact

The lesson was intentionally aligned with state standards requiring students to assess their physical fitness using appropriate evaluation tools. Grounded in Wiggins and McTighe’s (2005) principles of backward design, I created measurable, purposeful objectives that clearly communicated expectations. Students knew what was expected and how success would be measured, promoting clarity and focus.

Recognizing the diverse student population at Lyndon B. Johnson High School, I incorporated differentiation strategies to ensure all students could access and succeed in the lesson. For English Language Learners (ELLs), I applied peer modeling, visual cues, and support strategies from the SIOP Model (Echevarria, Vogt, & Short, 2007) to enhance language comprehension within content instruction. For students receiving special education services or 504 accommodations, I followed individualized plans and made necessary modifications to support full, safe participation.

The lesson followed a structured sequence: attendance, warm-up, curl-ups, push-ups, and cool-down, with each phase designed for specific instructional and fitness purposes. Students remained physically active while learning fitness concepts. This approach aligned with CDC (2010) recommendations promoting active learning as a foundation for healthy behaviors and engagement, especially for kinesthetic learners.

To gauge understanding, I embedded formative assessments, including exit tickets and partner discussions. Students responded to the question: “What is the importance of muscular strength and endurance for general health?” This reflective activity allowed me to assess their grasp of the concepts, adjust instruction as needed, and reinforce the connection between fitness knowledge and real-world application. As Black and Wiliam (2009) assert, formative assessment is essential in providing immediate feedback and improving learning outcomes.

Safety and literacy were central to the lesson. I explicitly taught proper form, supervised all exercises, and ensured students understood how to track their performance and avoid injury. This balanced approach aligns with SHAPE America’s (2014) standard for high-quality physical education, which emphasizes both physical competence and knowledge.

Teaching this lesson was one of the most impactful experiences in my journey toward becoming an effective instructional leader. It allowed me to connect theory with real-world practice, apply research-based strategies, and adapt to the needs of a diverse student body. Most importantly, it reinforced my belief that empathy, equity, and evidence-based planning are the pillars of great teaching. Moving forward, I am committed to supporting all learners through meaningful, inclusive, and engaging instruction.

Lesson Plan: Advanced Catching Techniques and Application in Team Sports
Course: High School Physical Education
Grade Level: 9–12
Duration: 45–60 minutes
Location: Indoor Gymnasium
Lesson Overview
Learning Objectives
This lesson focused on enhancing high school students' catching abilities through structured drills and team-based activities. Emphasizing proper technique, hand-eye coordination, and strategic application in various sports contexts, students engaged in exercises designed to improve their adaptability and teamwork. The lesson aligned with TEKS and ELPS standards, incorporated differentiation strategies to support diverse learners, and included formative assessments to gauge student understanding. Safety protocols and fitness literacy were integral components, ensuring a comprehensive approach to physical education.

Instructor: Destiny M. Montes

This lesson is designed to enhance students' proficiency in catching skills, emphasizing proper form, hand-eye coordination, and strategic application within various team sports contexts. Students will engage in drills and activities aimed at improving their ability to catch objects of different sizes and velocities, fostering adaptability and teamwork.

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate correct catching techniques while in motion during games and activities.

2. Identify and explain movement activities that develop skill-related fitness components.

3. Collaborate effectively with partners to exchange performance feedback during passing activities.