Dance, Education and Movement - Physical Education Pulse

Fitness Through Play: How to Reimagine Physical Education for Lifelong Wellness

SHAPE America

MAY 22, 2025

Traditional approaches in physical education can lack joy, choice and relevance to students lives. The negative association with fitness can affect students perception of physical activity and the value of physical education. What if students could build fitness through joyful, purposeful movement? Reflect and listen.

Physical Education

Physical Education Fitness Fitness Wellness

Physical Education Electives

PLT4M

NOVEMBER 13, 2024

Physical education electives offer an opportunity for students within a physical education program to select from a wide variety of different course options that suit their goals and interests. And this also comes at a time where physical education has been a hot topic of discussion in schools.

Physical Education

Physical Education Education Education Fitness

High School Physical Education Curriculum

PLT4M

JUNE 19, 2025

The high school physical education curriculum plays a critical role in shaping students’ long-term relationship with health and fitness. For many, high school physical education class marks the final formal experience with structured physical education before transitioning to an independent, active lifestyle beyond the walls of school.

High School

High School Physical Education Education Education

Active Schools – 2024 Highlights

Active Schools Us

DECEMBER 17, 2024

Active Classrooms Month, Play All May, and Family PE Week reached educators, students, and families nationwide, showcasing that fostering a culture of activity is a collective effort. Champions like you are vital to the Active Schools movement. Our annual campaigns showcased the power and impact of physical activity.

Schooling

Schooling Physical Activity Recreation Dance

Participation In PE – A Playbook For Success

PLT4M

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

Report Card on Physical Activity For Children and Youth from the Physical Activity Alliance has long served as a trusted resource for measuring and monitoring data surrounding overall physical activity and more specifically, physical education. Be designed to show that physical education is for everyone , not just the athletically gifted.

PE

PE Physical Activity Physical Education High School

School sport participation

Learning Through Sport

MARCH 23, 2025

Research consistently shows a link between low physical activity in adulthood and low movement competence (World Health Organization, 2024). This is important in a country like Australia where reports have suggested we have low youth and adult physical activity compared to previous generations. 1999; Westerbeek et al., Keane, F., &

Sports

Sports Sports Sport Schooling

Meaningful physical education programs and a 'main theme' curriculum model

Learning Through Sport

JANUARY 31, 2025

In my last post here , I considered what it means to teach physical education for effective learning. In this blog, I connect back to an idea I have discussed before in relation to games based teaching here , that is making a physical education program meaningful. Daryl Siedentop extensively researched physical education curriculum.

Physical Education

Physical Education Education Education Secondary Schools

Teaching physical education for effective learning

Learning Through Sport

JANUARY 5, 2025

The goal of physical education teaching is student learning and it is the teacher who has the responsibility for directing the learning through their curriculum (program design), pedagogy and assessment decision-making. Physial education teaching is therefore a goal directed activity.

Physical Education

Physical Education Teaching Teaching Education

SHAPE National Standards & Grade-Level Outcomes with MPE

Montessori Physical Education

DECEMBER 8, 2024

Aligning Montessori Physical Education Lessons with SHAPE America's National Standards My journey to becoming a PE teacher may not be as typical as most PE teachers. I had many classes with students getting their physical education degree in the same department.

Motor Skills

Motor Skills Elementary School PE Teacher Physical Education

Hosting a Unified Field Day for High School Students

Gopher Sport

APRIL 24, 2025

Hosting a field day event for adapted physical education students in their communities is an initiative that fosters inclusivity, promotes physical activity, and builds strong connections. It is a big celebration with over 400 athletes, student partners, and educators coming together to celebrate physical activity and inclusivity!

High School

High School Schooling Gyms Physical Activity

PE Curriculum for K–12: Student-Centered, Standards-Based

PLT4M

JULY 25, 2025

But physical education isn’t one-size-fits-all. Quality physical education programs adapt and change with their students. Motor skills, fitness education, social-emotional learning, sport skills, and personal wellness all come into play. These skills are essential building blocks for more complex movements later on.

Motor Skills

Motor Skills PE Middle School Elementary

How to Motivate Staff to Lead Physical Activity in Your Program (Even if They’re Not Fitness Pros)

Skillastics

APRIL 21, 2025

The wonderful people running these programs are often educators, childcare professionals, or part-time, young adults who wear many hats, and leading physical activity might not be their comfort zone. Kids need movement. This is where the right tools and mindset can transform even the most hesitant leader into a champion of movement.

Physical Activity

Physical Activity Motivation Fitness Fitness

Hoop Ball (Grades 3-8)

Open Phys Ed

OCTOBER 30, 2024

This module provides lead-up activities and small-sided games aimed at developing movement concepts and movement patterns that can carry over into a variety of other physical activities. All participants are given the opportunity to explore the movement concepts in a fun and engaging environment where everyone can feel successful.

Academics

Academics Physical Activity Movement Dance

PE Sub Plans

PLT4M

MARCH 3, 2025

When a physical education teacher can’t be in class, whether due to illness, professional development, or personal matters, the show must go on. And just because PE teachers can’t be in class, doesn’t mean the physical education class has to turn into a “free block.” Another consideration is equipment.

PE

PE PE Teacher Elementary Physical Education

Ki-O-Rahi and Māori Mythology

Montessori Physical Education

MAY 4, 2025

The Māori are renowned for their warrior culture, exemplified by the powerful haka—a ceremonial dance performed to convey challenge, unity, or celebration. When the gods were separated, it birthed creation and became the source of movement and purpose, which, for the Polynesian culture, was the purpose of life: discovery through wayfinding.

Dance

Dance Movement Agility Conditioning

Kung Fu Panda Would You Rather? 🐼 A Fun Movement Game For Kids

Elementary P.E. Games

APRIL 2, 2024

If you’re looking for more brain breaks for kids, would you rather brain breaks, freeze dance games for kids, movement activities, classroom games or just dance / freeze dance activities then you came to the right spot! Inspired by Danny Go, GoNoodle, and Miss Linky’s educational videos for kids.

Movement

Movement Dance Elementary Exercise

Movement Concept Stations for PE Grades K-5

S&S

NOVEMBER 30, 2022

School: Ravenwood Elementary Activity: Movement Concepts Stations Skills: Locomotor Movements, Pathways, Levels, Speeds, Balance, Dancing Grade: K-5 Movement Concepts Description This is a stations based activity where students work on different types of body movement.

Movement

Movement PE Elementary Dance

Movement Composition: More Than Just Dance

i-phys-ed

AUGUST 22, 2022

Back in August 2013 I blogged about Enhancing Dance in your #PhysEd Program. The blog post provided a few simple suggestions to encourage teachers to think critically about how they could improve the way that dance was being delivered in their physical education programs.If

Dance

Dance Movement Physical Education Teacher

Power-Up Rhythm and Timing in Physical Education Activities

Gopher Sport

OCTOBER 26, 2023

Lynne Kenney with Zainab Khokha Physical Education class is an optimal setting for students to develop and practice the precursor skills that precede learning. Moreover, Physical Education promotes cognitive development by stimulating neural pathways associated with socialization and learning. 2019 ; Hardy et al.,

Physical Education

Physical Education Motor Skills Education Education

Middle School Physical Education Units

PLT4M

NOVEMBER 9, 2022

Filling up an entire semester of middle school physical education units can be challenging. But there are plenty of fun and engaging middle school physical education units to choose from. The Need For Variety With Middle School Physical Units Middle school physical education is unique! Let’s explore. Get Access Here.

Middle School

Middle School Physical Education Education Education

The Social Value of Movement and Dance to the UK

Association for Physical Education

JUNE 30, 2023

30/06/2023 A new report published by the Sport and Recreation Alliance demonstrates the role movement and dance can play in creating a healthier and happier nation and why it should […] The post The Social Value of Movement and Dance to the UK appeared first on Association for Physical Education - Association For Physical Education | P.E.

Dance

Dance Movement Recreation Physical Education

Teaching Rhythm and Dance In Physical Education

The Physical Educator

FEBRUARY 16, 2023

Dance is a polarizing subject in the world of physical education: some teachers love to teach it, other teachers can’t even imagine themselves teaching it. Regardless of your personal comfort level with the activity, I believe dance should be a part of every student’s physical education experience.

Dance

Dance Physical Education Teaching Teaching

Cooperative Invasion (High School)

Open Phys Ed

OCTOBER 2, 2023

This module does address development of movement concepts, movement patterns, and strategic knowledge commonly associated with invasion sports. All participants are given the opportunity to explore the movement concepts in a fun and engaging environment where everyone can feel successful.

High School

High School Schooling Academics Movement

Week 3 – 4/6/2020-4/10/2020

Mr. Kirsch

APRIL 5, 2020

Purpose of Event: Lifetime Fitness and Movement Enrichment Education. B) Clap It Out Dance Activity. Purpose of Event: Lifetime Fitness and Movement Enrichment Education. Purpose of Event: Enjoying Movement!! Email: Dan.Kirsch@k12.sd.us Grade: K-2. Time: 30 minutes. Warm-up: Choose One . Dan Kirsch . .

Assessment

Assessment Movement Dance Fitness

Week 5 – 4/20/2020-4/24/2020

Mr. Kirsch

APRIL 15, 2020

Purpose of Event: Lifetime Fitness and Movement Enrichment Education. Purpose of Event: Lifetime Fitness and Movement Enrichment Education. Whether on your chromebook, TV, Laptop, IPAD, and complete the Boom Dance Activity!!! Purpose of Event: Enjoying Movement!! K-2 = Activities. Email: Dan.Kirsch@k12.sd.us

Assessment

Assessment Movement Fitness Fitness

Adapted Physical Education – The Call For Inclusion

PLT4M

MARCH 6, 2023

Adapted physical education and adapted physical activity programs play a critical role in promoting physical activity and overall well-being for individuals with disabilities. He specializes in creating training and physical resources for physical education teachers to promote the inclusion of students with disabilities.

Physical Education

Physical Education Education Education Physical Activity

Flag Football (Middle School)

Open Phys Ed

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

This module provides lead-up activities and small-sided games aimed at developing the movement concepts, movement patterns, and strategic knowledge commonly associated with flag football. All participants are given the opportunity to explore the movement concepts in a fun and engaging environment where everyone can feel successful.

Middle School

Middle School Dance Schooling Academics

Physical Education Ice Breakers

PLT4M

JULY 18, 2022

Physical education ice breakers are a great way to get students comfortable when starting a new semester or school year. This article explores physical education ice breaker activities and gives teachers free content to use in class. The start of a new semester or school year can be intimidating for students. Get Access Here.

Physical Education

Physical Education Education Education Motivation

Week 4 – 4/14/2020-4/17/2020

Mr. Kirsch

APRIL 8, 2020

Purpose of Event: Lifetime Fitness and Movement Enrichment Education. B) Let’s Dance. Purpose of Event: Lifetime Fitness and Movement Enrichment Education. Purpose of Event: Enjoying Movement!! Email: Dan.Kirsch@k12.sd.us Grade: K-2. Time: 30 minutes. Warm-up: Choose One . Pete Charrette .

Assessment

Assessment Exercise Movement Dance

Dance Without Limits: A Life Changing Adapted PE Dance Program

Gopher Sport

MAY 4, 2023

Not only can you sing it, but when you hear it, it brings you back to a place in time: a school dance, a wedding, first heartbreak or a backyard BBQ. Ten years ago, I decided that we would dance! One day an administrator walked through our gym, and I asked if we could perform our dance for him.

Dance

Dance PE Fitness Fitness

Prioritizing PE Post-Pandemic: An Interview with a PE Teacher

Active Schools Us

FEBRUARY 23, 2021

Unfortunately, students just weren’t signing on (maybe 4 out of 15 students) or were signing on but with parents or grandparents doing something in the room that wasn’t conducive to movement. When we’re in-person, I end every session with five minutes of dancing with a bubble machine, and they love it. . One of the best?things?parents

PE Teacher

PE Teacher PE Teacher Movement

Team Invasion (Middle School)

Open Phys Ed

OCTOBER 20, 2023

This module builds on the Invasion Basics module for grades 3-5 and provides lead-up activities and small-sided games aimed at developing the movement concepts, movement patterns, and strategic knowledge commonly associated with invasion sports.

Middle School

Middle School Schooling Dance Academics

Supporting Mental Health through Movement

Human Kinetics

MARCH 7, 2022

Presented by Erica Hornthal, LCPC, BC-DMT, Chicago Dance Therapy . . In the presentation below, Human Kinetics author Erica Hornthal discusses movement and how you can support mental health by helping others connect their mind with their bodies. . . . . . Books by Presenter. The course is worth three contact hours.

Movement

Movement Health Dance Health Education

Jump Rope Skills(Intermediate 3-5)

Open Phys Ed

JANUARY 15, 2024

Created by: Jenna Knapp & Aaron Hart Special Contributions: Deedi Boland Design: Jennifer Truong For thousands of years, children have been jumping rope as a form of movement-based fun. Demonstrates competency in a variety of motor skills and movement patterns. Analyzes movement situations and applies movement concepts (e.g.,

Motor Skills

Motor Skills Physical Activity Movement Dance

Unlocking the Power of Recess

Gopher Sport

OCTOBER 3, 2023

And as Physical Educators, we can, and should, serve in making recess the best possible experience for our students. Because we are the movement experts. How Can Physical Educators Enhance Recess? So what can we do as Physical Educators to enhance our students’ recess experiences? Choice + clear rules = joyful recess!

Physical Education

Physical Education Movement Physical Activity Recreation

ISBE PE Standards & Curriculum Alignment

PLT4M

OCTOBER 23, 2023

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) provides leadership, resources, and best practices for school districts across the state. In addition, they provide Illinois learning standards for a diverse range of subject areas, including physical education.

PE

PE Motor Skills Physical Education Assessment

Volleyball (Middle School)

Open Phys Ed

MARCH 21, 2023

This can allow all students to also participate in social engagement and building connections with their classmates that can extend beyond physical education. Manipulative Skills: (Grade 6-8) Refines manipulative skills to improve performance in dance, fitness, and sport activities.

Middle School

Middle School Dance Schooling Physical Activity

World Peace Can Begin in the Physical Education Classroom

Gopher Sport

JULY 26, 2024

As physical educators, I believe that we can make a big difference in the gym, teaching peace and love through our everyday practices. Not all parents can get off work, and I want to accommodate all family dynamics so that everyone may come, play games, dance, feel love, and share love! Which would YOU prefer?” “YOU YOU go first!”

Physical Education

Physical Education Education Education Gyms

End of the Year Chaos Got Ya Juggling? Reach for Some Scarves!

Gopher Sport

JUNE 6, 2023

Throughout my career as a physical education teacher, I have grown a strong appreciation for juggling scarves ! The Many Benefits of Juggling: As physical education teachers, we are always coming across articles with data on the many benefits of movement, and juggling is no exception! Use scarves as a prop during a dance unit.

Coordination

Coordination Gyms Dance Physical Education

Movement Breaks For The Classroom – 15 Free Activities

PLT4M

JUNE 17, 2023

Movement breaks, or brain breaks, are opportunities for students during the school day to get up out of their seats and move. In this article, we explore the benefits of movement activities and provide 15 different free movement breaks for the classroom. First, movement breaks promote increased focus and attention span.

Movement

Movement Physical Activity Physical Education Academics

What is Physical Literacy?

PLT4M

JUNE 15, 2023

” and how it relates to the world of physical education. Download Now – 24 Free Follow Along Fitness Workouts for Physical Education [Free PDF] What is Physical Literacy? A quality physical education program goes beyond skill building and teaches students about healthy lifestyles through fitness, nutrition, health, and more.

Physical Education

Physical Education Physical Activity Motivation Movement

Want to make your students hearts smile? 6 Valentine's Day Games for PE class

Physical Education Ideas

FEBRUARY 4, 2024

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate love and friendship than by incorporating some heartwarming games into your Physical Education program? Valentine's Day Freeze Dance (Grade 1 to Grade 6): Description: Play music and have students dance around.

Dance

Dance Physical Education PE Physical Fitness

PE Activities Without Equipment

PLT4M

OCTOBER 27, 2022

We share six examples of fitness-focused pe activities without equipment and provide a downloadable PDF of even more lessons for your physical education class. If you are on a time crunch for physical education class, pe activities without equipment can let you get right to work and spend more time moving and active.

PE

PE Dance Cardio Exercise

Gymnastics Lesson Plans

PLT4M

APRIL 22, 2024

When it comes to preparing for gymnastics lesson plans in physical education, you don’t need an Olympic style set up from pommel horses to parallel bars. At PLT4M, we recommend teaching gymnastic skills to the entire class allowing ample students time to practice the movements together. Think biceps by the ears!

PE Teacher

PE Teacher Flexibility Movement Exercise

Fitness Through Play: How to Reimagine Physical Education for Lifelong Wellness

Physical Education Electives

Trending Sources

High School Physical Education Curriculum

Active Schools – 2024 Highlights

Participation In PE – A Playbook For Success

School sport participation

Meaningful physical education programs and a 'main theme' curriculum model

Teaching physical education for effective learning

SHAPE National Standards & Grade-Level Outcomes with MPE

Hosting a Unified Field Day for High School Students

PE Curriculum for K–12: Student-Centered, Standards-Based

How to Motivate Staff to Lead Physical Activity in Your Program (Even if They’re Not Fitness Pros)

Hoop Ball (Grades 3-8)

PE Sub Plans

Ki-O-Rahi and Māori Mythology

Kung Fu Panda Would You Rather? 🐼 A Fun Movement Game For Kids

Movement Concept Stations for PE Grades K-5

Movement Composition: More Than Just Dance

Power-Up Rhythm and Timing in Physical Education Activities

Middle School Physical Education Units

The Social Value of Movement and Dance to the UK

Teaching Rhythm and Dance In Physical Education

Cooperative Invasion (High School)

Week 3 – 4/6/2020-4/10/2020

Week 5 – 4/20/2020-4/24/2020

Adapted Physical Education – The Call For Inclusion

Flag Football (Middle School)

Physical Education Ice Breakers

Week 4 – 4/14/2020-4/17/2020

Dance Without Limits: A Life Changing Adapted PE Dance Program

Prioritizing PE Post-Pandemic: An Interview with a PE Teacher

Team Invasion (Middle School)

Supporting Mental Health through Movement

Jump Rope Skills(Intermediate 3-5)

Unlocking the Power of Recess

ISBE PE Standards & Curriculum Alignment

Volleyball (Middle School)

World Peace Can Begin in the Physical Education Classroom

End of the Year Chaos Got Ya Juggling? Reach for Some Scarves!

Movement Breaks For The Classroom – 15 Free Activities

What is Physical Literacy?

Want to make your students hearts smile? 6 Valentine's Day Games for PE class

PE Activities Without Equipment

Gymnastics Lesson Plans

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