My name is Ross Chakrian (Mr. C) and I am currently in my 7th year of teaching elementary physical education at Waverly Elementary School in Ellicott City, MD. I am originally from Long Island, NY, but I first came to Maryland in order to get my Bachelor's Degree from Salisbury University. After SU, I attended a 1 year intensive Master's Degree program at the University of Northern Iowa that immersed me in teaching daily physical education at a local elementary school while taking classes in the evening focused on incorporating cutting edge technology in physical education. I am fortunate enough to blend theory with practice during this experience at UNI because I was able to use this learning technology (heart rate monitors, pocket PCs, computers/projectors and fitness testing hardware/software) with my students every day! After writing my Master's thesis and completing my degree at UNI, I settled back in Ellicott City, MD with my now wife, Natalie where we live with our cat, Ainsley.
I am a big believer in purposeful PE. To me, purpose is "the why" of what I am asking my students to learn. I want my students to not only have the skills to be physically literate, but also comprehend the concepts, strategies and principles to make the cognitive connections necessary to understand and apply what they learn in PE in order to be physically active outside of my gym. Quality PE is an essential part of an educational program intended to develop "the whole child" and I strive everyday to deliver this to my K-5 students. In my teaching, I try to maximize activity time with engaging student activities while integrating technology to supplement my instruction.
On this website, you will find thought-provoking blogs, videos and resources that hopefully will help you to reflect upon your own teaching with the goal of delivering "purposeful PE" to your students each and everyday!
I am a big believer in purposeful PE. To me, purpose is "the why" of what I am asking my students to learn. I want my students to not only have the skills to be physically literate, but also comprehend the concepts, strategies and principles to make the cognitive connections necessary to understand and apply what they learn in PE in order to be physically active outside of my gym. Quality PE is an essential part of an educational program intended to develop "the whole child" and I strive everyday to deliver this to my K-5 students. In my teaching, I try to maximize activity time with engaging student activities while integrating technology to supplement my instruction.
On this website, you will find thought-provoking blogs, videos and resources that hopefully will help you to reflect upon your own teaching with the goal of delivering "purposeful PE" to your students each and everyday!