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Stadium Drive welcomes new PE teacher
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .Stadium Drive Elementary 's new physical education teacher, Kendal Farver, asked students to settle down after their workout for the day. She is a native of Michigan.
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .Kendal Farver (right) warmed her physical education class up with a game of Red Light/Green Light. She is the new physical education instructor at Stadium Drive Elementary.
By SHAIYLA HAKEEM
Physical education class is required by the Ohio Department of Education, but its lessons stretch far beyond the classroom.
Kendal Farver, 24, Stadium Drive Elementary’s new physical education instructor, said it is easier to start living healthy when your young than to try and change your lifestyle once you become an adult.
Originally from Michigan, Farver obtained a bachelor’s degree in both health and physical education from University of Toledo in December 2008. Since her teaching license was for Ohio and her boyfriend lives in Ohio, she decided to remain in the state,
“I always felt like I would be in Ohio for some reason,” she said. “I heard such great things about Boardman and I thought I would try it.”
Since Farver was so active in high school, participating in cheerleading, track, volleyball and basketball, physical fitness was something that came naturally to her. She began her healthy lifestyle as a child, which is why she feels it is important for students to be educated about health and nutrition at a young age.
“We need to teach the kids early in life how important it is to stay physically fit and nutritional,” she said. “It is easier to learn it when you are young than when you are an adult.
One of Farver’s goals for this school year is for each grade to successfully complete training units she has put together. The units are arranged by age and skill level of each grade and consist of balancing techniques, rhythm and coordination lessons, manipulative skills and team building.
She also plans to send home monthly calendars, beginning in October, full of physical activities for students to complete. An example would be to do 10 jumping jacks and sit-ups during the commercial breaks of your favorite television show. Another would be to make up a dance with siblings or parents.
“I want kids to feel comfortable doing different skills and activities,” Farver said. “Hopefully they will join a sport or try out for something, I want to encourage them to do that.”
In addition to teaching students physical activities, Farver said she will teach her students the benefits of eating healthy and the long-term consequences of unhealthy eating. She wants her students to start developing healthy living skills to avoid potential health problems when they get older.
So far, Farver said the kids are energetic and excited about being fit. She has only been at Stadium Drive for a few weeks, but she already knows it’s a place she wants to make her home.
“I knew I would love teaching, but I didn’t know I would love it this much,” Farver said. “I think that Boardman is a great district and I don’t think I could possibly find a better school to teach in.”