Joël Kruisselbrink, an exercise instructor at Lelie Zorggroep, Holland, who has found a creative way to inspire elderly people to stay active and live life to the fullest. By designing exercises and games that make movement enjoyable and accessible, Joël brings joy to nursing home residents and promotes social connections among them. His work has gained attention on social media, and his viral TikTok videos serve as inspiration for others to adopt his approach.
@bewegen.is.leven
“Bewegen is Leven” is a Dutch phrase that translates to “Movement is Life” in English.
Joël Kruisselbrink’s innovative approach to exercise for elderly individuals in nursing homes offers valuable lessons for teachers of children with special needs in adapted physical education.
- Creativity and Fun: Joël emphasizes the importance of making exercise fun and engaging. By incorporating sports, games, and other enjoyable activities, he motivates elderly residents to participate actively. Similarly, teachers of children with special needs can infuse creativity and fun into their adapted physical education lessons. Incorporating games, music, and visual aids can make the experience enjoyable and promote active participation among students.
- Accessibility and Inclusion: Joël uses materials readily available in the nursing home setting to ensure the activities are accessible to all residents. Teachers can apply this principle by adapting activities and equipment to accommodate the diverse needs of their students. Providing alternative equipment, modifying rules, or creating individualized plans can help ensure that every student can participate and benefit from physical education.
- Social Connections: Joël’s approach not only promotes physical activity but also fosters social connections among residents. The sense of community that arises from exercising together is powerful. Similarly, teachers can design activities that encourage social interaction among students with special needs. Collaborative games, partner exercises, or group challenges can create opportunities for students to develop social skills, build friendships, and support each other in their physical fitness journeys.
By incorporating these lessons from Joël’s work, teachers of children with special needs in adapted physical education can create inclusive and enjoyable environments that promote active participation, accessibility, and social connections among their students.
To learn more about Joël’s inspiring work, you can read the full article on BrightVibes. You can also follow him on Instagram for more updates and insights into his approach. Joël’s dedication and creativity remind us of the importance of incorporating enjoyment and social connections into exercise programs, offering valuable lessons for adapted physical education teachers.
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