University of Toronto Master of Professional Kinesiology (MPK) students just capped off another successful term, working with sixteen Toronto children aged six to 12 who have a broad range of developmental abilities through the Faculty’s S.M.I.L.E (Sensory Motor Instructional Leadership Experience) program.
MPK graduate Elaine Abramov discovered a passion for improving physical literacy in this population of kids. “Every week we saw a major milestone reached. We need more programs that allow these kids to tap into their potential – and they have endless amounts of it.”
The innovative 12-week program is facilitated in partnership with Surrey Place Centre and Clinton Street Public School and is now in its second year at the Faculty. The program allows MPK students to work through the lens of a kinesiologist to fill a need in the community that is not currently being met.
The one-on-one sessions epitomize the best that experiential learning has to offer in developing the Faculty’s and the University’s connections in the community while providing MPK students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge in a meaningful way. This represents what Abramov loves about kinesiology, that it really is an “all-encompassing field.”
The S.M.I.L.E curriculum is research-informed by Professors Arbour-Nicitopoulos, John Cairney and Ashley Stirling and applies the latest evidenced-based research on how to improve human movement, health and wellness. Barb Brophey, a seasoned gymnastics instructor at the Faculty, spearheads the work on the ground and calls her involvement in the experiential learning environment “the highlight of my fall and winter."
Michele Riel, a current MPK student, says working with the children enhanced her skills as a kinesiologist. “I have a much greater understanding of how to teach basic movement patterns and correct form. I have much more experience in breaking down skills and teaching progressions, also considering the important elements of client motivation,” she explains. “A highlight for me was developing relationships with the children. It was extremely rewarding to see them persevere and master tasks after initially struggling. Their smiles and enthusiasm made this experience the highlight of this academic term.”
Professor Stirling says that while the positive impact of the S.M.I.L.E. program on both clients and students is rewarding to see, this is only one step towards supporting the movement capabilities of these children.
Abramov agrees. “Educators and leaders should be creating more opportunities like the S.M.I.L.E program. These kids have tremendous potential to reach. They just have a different road map for getting there.”