Physical Education at Geneva Day School

Hoops. . . Balls. . . Parachute. . . Go! Geneva Day School’s Physical Education
Instructor, Mr. Gordy Anson, is ready at the helm with props, know-how, and a heap
of imagination. “My goal is for students to have fun and find confidence in
themselves as they exercise. . . They might think they can’t do something yet this
program reminds them they can do it and they’d be surprised at what they can do!”

Physical Education with Mr. Anson comes as a breath of fresh air. Not only does he
make fitness accessible and fun, but he also takes it to the out-of-doors. As a
designated Maryland Green School, Geneva’s sprawling lawns, bamboo forest, and
nearby creek offer endless opportunity for exercise.

“At the beginning of class, I’ll introduce the theme of a lesson,” explained Mr. Anson.
“Children use their imagination in different ways. . . I might say ‘walk like a giraffe’
and they come up with different solutions, including by tip-toeing. I like to engage
them (the students) in all sorts of ways to challenge their creativity.”

With a background in theatre and music, Mr. Anson’s sense of setting is superb. He
creates atmosphere by favoring the out-of-doors. Should weather prove inclement,
he assembles indoor gross motor activities, which may include elaborate obstacle
courses. Ready at his side are a colorful parachute, balance beams, trampolines,
ladders, balls of brilliant hue, and other equipment that he harnesses for adapted
lessons.

“This winter I laid out frisbees and hoops on the floor. Then I provided bean bags
and rhythm sticks,” said Mr. Anson of a snowy afternoon. “Can you make a
snowman with the supplies I’ve given you, I asked? In teams, the children come up
with their own versions.”

Responding to the interests of students, Mr. Anson “. . . encouraged them to look at
this challenge in a new way. Not to copy what I do. But make it their own. Make the
craziest snowman, you can. Maybe with ten eyes. Or four arms!”

Mr. Anson skillfully engineers innovative experiences. Problem-solving (how to leap
from Point A to Point B), collaborating (could we succeed as a team?), and imagining
(steer away from the giants, head to the fortress!) are but some of his techniques for
achieving meaning and fun.

“It’s great to see what they come up with,” said Mr. Anson. “I try to have them make
an effort without their realizing how much they’re working. All the while, I’m engaging
on a personal level. Put this here. Toss this there. . . It’s great to see what the
students can do.”

Encouraging a lifelong love of learning for the last 56 years, Geneva Day School is
thrilled to have Mr. Anson inspire the next generation. His unforgettable
programming is green, both for the fabulous, freeing settings in which it takes place,
as well as its invitation to tap the always verdant imagination.