This document provides guidance on creating an inclusive physical education classroom. It discusses modifying the rules, equipment, teaching style, and environment using the TREE framework: Thinking about modifications for each area. The key principles are maximizing individual potential while maintaining activity integrity, focusing on goals and providing alternatives if needed, using inclusive teaching techniques, and simplifying or adapting rules, equipment, environment and instruction as needed to be inclusive for all students. True inclusion involves asking students what would improve their experience and involvement.

1. Inclusion in Phys. Ed.
How to provide an inclusive,
safe and fun classroom.

2. Inclusion Spectrum

3. The Golden
Rule of
Inclusion
Maximize individual potential while
maintaining the integrity of the activity

4. Keep the goals of the activity in mind when
making modifications
 Provide alternatives if needed.
 Be flexible and willing to try new ideas.
 Think about and question your modifications – for
example, will the
integrity of the activity be affected if you change
the type of striking
implement/bat?

5. Teaching Style
The way an activity is delivered can have an impact on how inclusive it is.
 use appropriate language for the group
 use visuals and demonstrations
 use a buddy system
 use appropriate physical assistance - guide
 keep instructions short and to the point
 check for understanding
Be Inclusive: Think TREE when Adapting and
Modifying

6. Rules
May be simplified, changed and then re-introduced as the skill level
increases.
Examples:
 allow for multiple bounces in a game like tennis
 allow for multiple hits or a bounce in a game like volleyball
 have more players on a team to reduce the amount of activity required
by each player
 reduce the number of players to allow for more movement
 continually substitute players
Be Inclusive: Think TREE when Adapting and
Modifying

7. Be Inclusive: Think TREE when Adapting and
Modifying
Rules…
 allow substitute runners in games like cricket and baseball
 eliminate time restrictions
 allow different scoring systems
 increase opportunities to score
 vary passing styles for example, bouncing, rolling, or tossing instead of
overarm throw
 eliminate competitive elements
 specify that 3 team members must touch the ball before scoring a point

8. Equipment
Strategies for equipment:
 use lighter bats or racquets
 use bats or racquets with shorter handles
 use lighter, bigger and/or slower bouncing balls
 use balls with bells inside
 use balloons with rice inside
 use brightly coloured equipment
 introduce a batting tee (and a stationary ball) if a player ishaving
difficulty hitting a moving ball
Be Inclusive: Think TREE when Adapting and
Modifying

9. Be Inclusive: Think TREE when Adapting and
Modifying
Environment
Strategies to modify the environment:
 reduce or increase the size of the playing area or court
 use a smooth or indoor surface rather than grass
 lower net heights – volleyball, tennis, basketball, etc.
 use visible markers and equipment – florescent balls, white markers on
grass
 use zones in playing areas – players are restricted to their zones
 minimize distractions surrounding the playing area

10. Be Inclusive: Think TREE when Adapting and
Modifying
Thoughts:
 safety always comes first
 there are situations where including everyone all the time may not be
possible
 you can change part of an activity
 changes do not have to be permanent
 it may not be necessary to modify the game’s rules or equipment for
everybody – it may only require a change for one person
**True Inclusion
 ask individuals what would improve the game for them and/or how
their involvement could be increased
 or provide options they could choose from to encourage ownership