1. Join in as much as possible

I’ve found I’ve had the best reaction from students when I get involved. I think it’s good for them to see that everyone can do it and it increases enthusiasm. It also helps them get over their embarrassment if their cringey teacher is at the front dancing her heart out to one of the dance videos!

2. Take some time to explore the different pages on the platform

When I first logged onto Studio You, I just went straight to the video lessons. But after looking through the website when I had a bit more time on my hands, I realised how much useful content there is on there. There are so many tips and resources I’d missed that I could have used to create an even better experience for my students. I’d definitely recommend taking the time to familiarise yourself with the supporting content on offer on the before using the videos in your classes.

3. Make use of the ready-made schemes of work for the best impact

Having used the video lessons a few times now, I’ve learnt that using the cohesive schemes of work in the ‘Disciplines’ section has the best impact on students. Initially I would look through the video library to find a lesson that would work for that day, or pop one on if we needed emergency cover when a teacher was off. While it’s a really useful tool in situations like that, I’ve since found that giving students the time to build skills over a series of lessons is more effective – they tend to take the lessons more seriously. Just as with sports like netball or football, students benefit from being able to build on what they’re learning week by week.

4. Use the extra activities

I’ve recently discovered the extra activities section of the website, where there are a range of different mini challenges related to each of the Studio You disciplines. I’m planning on using these as warm up and cool down activities in some of my other lessons, like gymnastics. They’re really handy and I think it’s important to build the link between the disciplines offered on Studio You and more traditional sports. I want to show students that these activities aren’t a ‘lesser’ option for the less engaged students, but that they’re an important part of a more rounded PE education. I think if they see them incorporated into other lessons, it helps set a precedent that they’re just as valuable.

5. Get students involved with decision making

I found that allowing students to choose their own videos and favourite instructors really gave them a sense of ownership and helped keep them engaged . Also, I thought involving them in that process might lead them to go and seek out their own online classes at home.