The Athletic Skills Model (ASM) is gaining international traction! At Munich International School, a newly designed ASM Sports hall (PLAYCE®) has been in use since October 2024. Physical Education teacher Samantha Mitchell is enthusiastic: “It has made my life a lot easier.”
British-born Samantha Mitchell has been a PE-teacher for over seventeen years. She completed her training in the United Kingdom, worked in Asia and has been teaching at the Munich International School since 2023. Since October 2024, she has been teaching children aged 4 to 9, with the help of a brand-new ASM gym, which replaced the old, traditional facility. Mitchell is pleased with the transformation and says she can no longer imagine how the school looked like without the ASM-design.
Lieke Burghout is from The Netherlands and head of the department. Lieke has gotten familiar with the ASM, due to a previous job. Shortly after Mitchell started at the Munich International School, she spoke with Burghout about implementing the model in her PE-lessons and designing a new gym. “I read books and articles, conducted research and looked at examples of other ASM schools. I quickly became convinced that this would fit in our small gym and be perfect for our youngest students. Ultimately, the goal is to make children feel comfortable with their own movements and their bodies, helping them gain confidence. Here, the ASM plays an essential role.”
In the first indoor ASM facility —the third in Germany after the outdoor designs of Landal Park in Wirfttal and a hockey club in Cologne— the Fundamental 10! has been beautifully visualized on the walls. “This allows children to recognize and point out the different movement forms. The visuals help them to understand what they’re doing and learning.”
Mitchell emphasizes the importance of the ten basic movement skills. “Fundamental movement skills are incredibly important. When children do not experience them at a young age, it becomes much harder to learn them later. We want them to feel comfortable and confident, without fear of trying new and different movements.”
Mitchell has been working in the renovated gym for about six months – the walls are still being developed. How have the experiences been so far? “It has made my life a lot easier. At first, I was a bit nervous about how the children would react to the different colours, as some may be sensitive to them. But there were no issues. In fact, the children and the parents are extremely happy with it. Especially the ‘new parents’ are impressed by the way we conduct physical education here. The space is truly tailored to their needs, rather than being focused on traditional sports like basketball or badminton.”
The floor is divided into three zones. Mitchell finds that this greatly helps with organising lessons. “Because of the visuals on the floor, children know faster where they need to go. For example, there is a fixed place when we play bowling. We have green zones for passing and throwing balls, as well as areas where children can move in between. Additionally, the alphabet is visible on the floor. While performing various movements, children form words, which ultimately has positive impact on their performance in class as well.”
Mitchell has already noticed changes in the children’s movement behaviour due to the floor. “For instance, I see them hopping and jumping much more when using the markings on the floor. Engagement has also increased, partly because they can measure how far they throw a ball or jump. Overall, I see that they are gaining confidence and therefore experimenting more with their movements.”
“The new floor in the Junior School Gym is finished. I can’t wait until next week to start teaching in this space. ASM Munich International School e.V. Lots of ideas buzzing around my head already.”
“I am not complacent. I also don’t think I know everything. I consciously think about what I am teaching the children, how they move, and why. I constantly come up with different activities and ways to use the floor. Ultimately, working with the ASM gym has stimulated my personal development.”
The development at the Munich International School has caught the attention of other physical education professionals. Recently, a group of Spanish PE teachers visited the school, and nearly graduated students frequently spend a day observing Mitchell’s lessons. Additionally, other German school directors have come to observe her classes. Also an International School in Hungary will send their staff to learn about this concept.
Mitchell is thinking ahead: an outdoor PLAYCE® for her school would be a dream coming true. “The ASM has opened my eyes. I have fully embraced it. I am incredibly proud and feel privileged for using this facility. It is up to me to ensure we make the most of it.”
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