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Movement Matters: 5 Ways Physical Activity Improves Student Behavior

SHAPE America

As the wellness manager for my school district, one of my job responsibilities includes implementing the Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) in our schools — essentially, making the school day more active. Like most health and physical educators, I know that physical activity is integral to student success.

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Fueling the Fire: 5 Ways to Start the School Year Strong in Elementary Physical Education

SHAPE America

I believe there’s power in helping kids discover joy in their bodies, confidence in their skills, and excitement in physical activity. Redesign and Organize A well-organized gym isn’t just about tidy equipment; it sets the tone for structure and intentional teaching. Consider asking yourself: How should students enter the gym?

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

SHAPE America

The negative association with fitness can affect students perception of physical activity and the value of physical education. When I ask for other examples, the gym falls silent. Their feedback can offer insights we might never see from the front of the gym. Selects and participates in physical activities (e.g.,

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Using the City as Your Physical Education Classroom

SHAPE America

and as students slowly file into the gym, curiosity fills the air. My goal is to expose students to a location in the city that they do not frequently travel to and introduce them to an uncommon physical fitness activity. The 20-minute bike ride serves as more than a “gym class.” The bell rings at 9 a.m.

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From Parachutes to Swimming Pools: How PE Thrives at GEMS Dubai American Academy

Gopher Sport

The foundation of their ES PE Program is based on Physical Literacy, encouraging students on their lifelong journey pursuing physical activity and health and wellbeing. She’s a participant in the Dubai Fitness Challenge , an annual event that encourages physical activity in the community.

PE
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Gamifying Physical Education: How Game-Based Learning Sparks Fun and Meaningful Engagement

Gopher Sport

This approach aligns seamlessly with the Meaningful PE framework, where fun, autonomy, challenge, and relevance are essential pillars, and underscores our goal of building lifelong habits of physical activity for every student. As physical education teachers, we need to do better at inviting JOY into our curriculum.

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THE PITFALLS OF 'MORE, YOUNGER' MINDSET Why Starting Kids Too Early and Pushing Them Too Hard Can Backfire in Youth Sports

Better Coaching

This approach, which Ive labeled More, Younger, insists that increased time on the field, in the gym, or on the court is the surest path to success, scholarships, and lifelong athletic achievement. Physical activity and fundamental movement skills are essential throughout childhood.