Classroom Enrichment Grant - Brian Horton
Mt. Bachelor is proud to support the Bend La Pine Education Foundation’s classroom enrichment grant program. Featured in this week’s blog post: Brian Horton, Physical Education Teacher at High Lakes Elementary. Horton used Mt. Bachelor funding to purchase a set of strider bikes.
“I am from San Diego, so I like to just cruise in my beach cruiser, so I am just a casual bike rider. However, I think bike riding is a lifelong fitness habit that I think all kids should have exposure to in their development, Bikes can be used as a form of transportation, for exercise, or to ride just for fun. I really wanted this grant to allow young students (k-1) access to learning how to ride a bike. This is a great age for students to learn a skill they will use the rest of their lives.” -Brian Horton
About Mr. Horton
Q: How long have you been teaching?
A: This is my 11th year teaching elementary physical education, my 5th year teaching at High Lakes and I taught 6 years prior in Madras (JCSD 509-J) at Buff Elementary School.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of working with youth?
A: So many students can get frustrated easily when something gets hard, but I love seeing them surprise themselves when they learn it. I enjoy teaching my students difficult things and having students get the “A-HA” moment where they learn how to do something for the very first time, such as jumping rope, catching a ball, throwing a frisbee, skipping, riding a bike, hitting a target in archery, scoring a hoop in basketball, dancing, using lacrosse sticks, learning a new skill, etc.
Q: What is one piece of advice you think all elementary schoolers should know?
A: Physical education is all about your attitude and effort! With a growth mindset, perseverance, and practice, the difficult things start to become easier. Your skills will improve, your confidence will grow. The things you thought were impossible become possible.