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Physical education is more than just a mandatory class on the curriculum; it’s an integral component of a well-rounded education that contributes to holistic student development. While many associate PE with sports and games, the role of the PE teachers is fostering skill development, promoting physical fitness, and nurturing lifelong habits of health and wellness. We will share the significance of skill development in PE and explore effective methods to provide practice opportunities in classes.

Importance of Skill Development in PE

1. Foundation for Active Lifestyle:

Skill development lays the groundwork for students to lead active lifestyles beyond the classroom. Proficiency in fundamental movement skills such as running, jumping, throwing, and catching empowers individuals to participate confidently in various physical activities, sports, and recreational games.

2. Physical Literacy:

Just as literacy is crucial for intellectual development, physical literacy is vital for overall well-being. PE acts as a platform for students to become physically literate by mastering a range of motor skills, understanding principles of movement, and acquiring the knowledge and confidence to engage in diverse physical activities throughout their life.

3. Confidence and Self-Efficacy:

Skill development in PE not only enhances physical competence but also boosts self-confidence and self-efficacy. As students progress in mastering skills and techniques, they experience a sense of accomplishment, which translates into improved self-esteem and a willingness to challenge themselves in various physical activities.

4. Injury Prevention:

Proficient movement skills acquired through structured practice in PE can help prevent injuries during physical activities. Learning proper techniques for movements like lifting, bending, and landing reduces the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, promoting safer participation in sports and recreational pursuits.

Strategies for Providing Practice in PE Classes

1. Progressive Skill Sequencing:

PE curriculum should be designed with a progressive sequence of skill development, starting from basic movements and gradually advancing to more complex skills. Teachers can break down skills into manageable steps, providing ample practice opportunities at each stage before progressing to the next level.

2. Skill Stations and Rotations:

Organizing skill stations and rotations allows students to practice a variety of skills within a single class session. Stations can be set up for different activities such as dribbling, passing, shooting (in basketball), or serving, volleying, and receiving (in volleyball). Rotating through stations ensures students receive exposure to multiple skills and time to practice these skills.

3. Small-Sided Games:

Incorporating small-sided games, such as mini soccer or modified basketball, provides an enjoyable way for students to apply and refine their skills in a game-like setting. These games offer opportunities for students to practice decision-making, teamwork, and game-specific skills while engaging in meaningful physical activity.

4. Peer Feedback and Coaching:

Peer feedback and coaching can be powerful tools for skill development in PE. Encouraging students to observe and provide constructive feedback to their peers provides a supportive learning environment and enhances students’ understanding of the skill. Assigning peer coaching roles empowers students to take ownership of their learning and develop leadership skills.

5. Incorporating Technology:

Using technology tools such as video analysis apps or wearable fitness trackers can also enhance skill development in PE. Recording students’ performances and providing instant feedback through video analysis helps identify areas for improvement and facilitates self-assessment. Fitness trackers can monitor students’ progress, help them set goals, and motivate them to improve their performance over time.

6. Personalized Learning:

Recognizing that students have different learning styles and abilities, teachers can incorporate strategies for personalized learning. Offering differentiated instruction, providing additional practice opportunities for struggling students, and challenging advanced learners with higher-level skills ensures that all students are appropriately challenged and supported as they develop their skills in each unit.

In conclusion, skill development lies at the heart of physical education, serving as a cornerstone for promoting active lifestyles, fostering physical literacy, and building confidence among students. By implementing effective strategies such as progressive skill sequencing, skill stations, small-sided games, peer feedback, technology integration, and personalized learning approaches, teachers can create engaging learning experiences that empower students to develop and refine their skills, setting them on the path to a lifetime of health and wellness.

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The Significance of Target Games

Target games involve aiming at a specific goal or target, requiring precision, accuracy, and coordination. Incorporating these games into physical education programs provides students with a diverse range of physical activities that go beyond traditional sports. Target games contribute significantly to the development of various motor skills, including hand-eye coordination, balance, and spatial awareness.

Furthermore, target games are excellent for promoting strategic thinking and decision-making. Students learn to assess their surroundings, analyze opponents’ moves, and make quick decisions to achieve success in the game. This aspect of target games adds an intellectual dimension to physical education, enhancing cognitive skills and fostering a sense of sportsmanship.

Benefits of Target Games in Physical Education:

Enhanced Motor Skills: Target games require participants to focus on accuracy and precision, promoting the development of fine and gross motor skills. Whether it’s throwing, kicking, or aiming, students engage in movements that refine their physical coordination.

Teamwork and Collaboration: Many target games are designed for team play, fostering a sense of teamwork and collaboration among students. Working together to achieve a common goal not only improves social skills but also teaches the importance of communication and cooperation.

Strategic Thinking: Target games often involve strategic planning and decision-making. Students learn to analyze the game situation, anticipate opponents’ moves, and devise effective strategies to achieve success. This mental stimulation enhances cognitive abilities and critical thinking.

Inclusive for All: Target games can be adapted to suit different skill levels and abilities, making them inclusive for all students. Whether a student is athletically inclined or prefers a less competitive environment, there’s a target game that can cater to their preferences and abilities.

Fitness and Endurance: While target games may not be as physically demanding as some traditional sports, they still contribute to overall fitness. Participants engage in physical activity that improves cardiovascular health, endurance, and flexibility.

Popular Target Games in Physical Education:

Archery: An ancient sport that requires precision and focus, archery involves using a bow to shoot arrows at a target. Archery helps improve hand-eye coordination and concentration.

Disc Golf: Combining elements of golf and frisbee, disc golf challenges players to complete a course in the fewest throws possible. It’s a fun and accessible target game suitable for various age groups.

Bocce Ball: A game of accuracy and strategy, this game involves rolling balls to come as close as possible to a target ball. It’s a great game for promoting precision and teamwork.

Bowling:  Where a ball is rolled down a long, narrow lane toward a group of objects (pins), the aim being to knock down as many pins as possible. Uses accuracy, coordination and balance skills.

Target games in physical education offer a myriad of benefits, combining physical activity with intellectual stimulation. These games go beyond the traditional notions of sports, providing students with a diverse range of activities that cater to various interests and abilities. By incorporating target games into PE curricula, educators can create a holistic learning experience that promotes physical fitness, teamwork, and strategic thinking, preparing students for a lifetime of healthy living and meaningful engagement in sports and recreational activities.

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Safety First

Safety is paramount in any physical activity, and listening is the first line of defense when it comes to preventing accidents and injuries. Students need to listen carefully to their PE teachers to understand how to perform exercises or use equipment safely. Without proper listening skills, students may not grasp essential safety guidelines, which can lead to accidents and injuries.

For instance, when playing sports or engaging in complex exercises, students must know the rules and proper techniques. Not listening to instructions can result in unintended collisions, overexertion, or even accidents involving PE equipment. By actively listening, students are better equipped to follow safety protocols, reducing the risk of harm.

Building a Foundation of Understanding

Listening in physical education is not limited to safety concerns; it’s also essential for building a solid foundation of understanding. Teachers often explain the objectives and benefits of specific exercises or activities. When students listen attentively, they gain a better comprehension of why they are doing a particular exercise and how it contributes to their physical development.

For example, a teacher may explain that stretching exercises help improve flexibility, prevent muscle injuries, and enhance overall physical performance. When students listen and understand these explanations, they are more likely to engage in these exercises wholeheartedly, knowing the long-term benefits they offer.

Following Directions

Listening is an integral part of following directions, a skill that is critical for success in PE and life in general. In PE classes, students are often required to perform specific movements, sequences, or routines. By listening carefully to the teacher’s directions, they can execute these tasks accurately and effectively.

What does active listening look like? Students should be facing the teacher or the person talking to them, looking at the speaker, and completely quiet. This demonstrates to the speaker they are listening, and they feel valued and appreciated for what they are trying to share. Students should not be playing with equipment, interacting with other students, or moving around the activity area. These can be distracting to the speaker and prevent the student from paying attention to the information being shared.

Enhancing Team Dynamics

Many physical education activities involve teamwork and cooperation. Whether it’s playing team sports like soccer or participating in group fitness classes, students need to work together cohesively. Listening plays a pivotal role in fostering positive team dynamics.

When students actively listen to their peers and teachers, they can respond effectively to calls, strategies, and adjustments during team-based activities. Effective communication through listening helps teams coordinate their efforts, make quick decisions, and respond to changing situations on the field or court.

Developing Discipline and Self-Control

Listening is not just about hearing words; it’s about exercising discipline and self-control. In PE, students are often required to follow a structured routine, maintain focus during exercises, and manage their behavior. These aspects of listening contribute to the development of discipline and self-control, which are valuable life skills.

By listening and adhering to rules, students learn the importance of self-regulation and respect for authority figures. These skills extend beyond the gym or playing field, as they are applicable in various life situations, including academics, work, and personal relationships.

Fostering a Positive Learning Environment

Active listening also contributes to creating a positive learning environment in physical education classes. When students listen respectfully to their teachers and peers, it promotes a culture of mutual respect and cooperation. This, in turn, encourages a more enjoyable and productive learning experience for everyone involved.

A positive learning environment not only enhances the educational aspect of PE but also encourages students to be more engaged and enthusiastic about physical activities. When students feel heard and respected, they are more likely to participate actively and take ownership of their physical education experience.

Conclusion

Listening is often an underrated skill in physical education, overshadowed by the physical prowess and energy that activities demand. However, its importance cannot be overstated. Listening is not just about hearing words; it’s about safety, understanding, discipline, teamwork, and creating a positive learning environment. Students who develop strong listening skills in PE are not only better equipped to excel in physical activities but also gain valuable life skills that will serve them well in various aspects of their lives. As educators, parents, and students themselves, it’s crucial to recognize the significance of listening in physical education. By emphasizing this skill and actively practicing it, we can ensure that students not only perform well in PE but also carry these essential life skills with them as they grow, face new challenges, and interact with their community.

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1. Reflect on the Previous Year: Before diving into planning, take some time to reflect on the previous school year. Evaluate the successes, challenges, and areas for improvement. Consider feedback from students, colleagues, and parents. This reflection will serve as a valuable foundation for refining your teaching strategies and curriculum design.
2. Set Clear Goals: Establish clear goals for the upcoming year, both for yourself as an educator and for your students. These goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Think about the skills and concepts you want your students to learn, as well as their personal growth and development throughout the year. Align your goals with the national or state physical education standards to ensure a well-rounded curriculum.
3. Use a Comprehensive Curriculum: Provide a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses a wide range of physical activities, skill development, and educational objectives. Create a balanced mix of team sports, individual activities, fitness components, and lifelong recreational pursuits. Incorporate age-appropriate activities that cater to the diverse needs and abilities of your students. Consider integrating technology to enhance engagement and monitor progress. In fact, here is a great suggestion, use SPARK for all your curriculum needs!
4. Plan Engaging Lessons: Break down your curriculum into manageable units and plan engaging lessons for each one. Incorporate a variety of teaching strategies, including direct instruction, cooperative learning, and hands-on activities. Focus on providing opportunities for active participation, skill development, and problem-solving. Include modifications and adaptations for students with different abilities, ensuring inclusivity in your lessons. Once again, SPARK Lessons will provide this for you!
5. Organize Equipment and Resources: A well-organized and well-stocked physical education equipment room is essential for smooth lesson delivery. Take inventory of your equipment and assess its condition. Repair or replace any damaged items. Arrange your equipment in a logical and accessible manner, allowing easy retrieval during lessons. Create a system for checking out and returning equipment, ensuring accountability and organization.
6. Evaluate Classroom Rules and Expectations: At the beginning of the school year, establish clear and age-appropriate rules and expectations for behavior in the physical education setting. Involve your students in creating these guidelines to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility. Emphasize safety, respect, cooperation, and sportsmanship. Regularly reinforce and review these expectations throughout the year.
7. Assess and Track Progress: Develop a system for assessing and tracking your students’ progress. Consider using a combination of formative and summative assessments, such as skills tests, performance observations, and self-assessments. Provide constructive feedback to help students improve and set goals for their growth. Regularly review and update your assessment methods to ensure they align with your curriculum and goals.
8. Integrate Health and Wellness Education: Physical education is not only about physical activity but also promoting overall health and wellness. Integrate health education topics such as nutrition, the benefits of physical activity, stress management, and personal hygiene into your curriculum. Teach your students about the importance of making healthy choices and empower them to lead active and balanced lifestyles.
9. Foster a Positive Learning Environment: Create a positive and inclusive learning environment that encourages participation, cooperation, and personal growth. Celebrate individual and team achievements. Promote a sense of camaraderie and support among students. Implement motivational strategies, such as rewards or recognition, to boost engagement and foster a lifelong love
10. Practice Self-Care: This goes for the summertime and throughout the school year. Practicing self-care is not just a luxury; it is a necessity for teachers to thrive both personally and professionally. Teaching can be demanding and emotionally taxing, requiring immense energy and dedication. By prioritizing self-care, you can rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit, allowing you to bring your best self to the classroom. Taking time for rest, relaxation, and activities that bring you joy and fulfillment can prevent burnout, enhance overall well-being, and improve the quality of your teaching.

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The Benefits of Invasion Games:

Invasion Games are great for physical education because they engage students in cardiovascular fitness and require students to think quickly and make decisions in a variety of situations. This type of thinking can help to improve cognitive skills, such as problem-solving, decision-making, and spatial awareness. Playing invasion games can also help to improve teamwork and communication skills as students must work together to achieve a common goal.

Invasion Game Strategies:

Students learn many different sports strategies by playing invasion games. One is to maintain possession of the ball or object by passing the ball quickly and accurately between students or by using strategic movements to evade defenders. Students can also use strategic movements to create space and opportunities to score points or goals. Another is to maintain a strong defense by staying in position, anticipating the movements of the opposing team, and working together to prevent the opposing team from scoring. Defenders can also disrupt the opposing team’s movements and prevent them from gaining possession of the ball or object.

Skills Students Learn During Invasion Games:

Invasion games require a range of skills to be successful. One of the most important skills is ball or object handling and the ability to control the ball or object with precision and accuracy. It also involves being able to pass the ball or object to other students quickly and accurately. Another important skill is movement. Students must be able to move quickly and efficiently to evade defenders and create scoring opportunities. This requires good footwork, balance, and agility. Students must also be able to change direction quickly and move in different directions to confuse defenders. Communication is also essential in invasion games. Students must be able to communicate with each other effectively to coordinate movements, anticipate the movements of the opposing team, and make decisions in high-pressure situations. Communication can be verbal or nonverbal and may involve gestures or signals.

Invasion games are an excellent activity choice for physical education as they provide numerous benefits for both the body and the mind. These games require students to use a range of skills, including ball or object handling, movement, and communication. They also offer several strategies for success, including maintaining possession of the ball or object and maintaining a strong defense. By incorporating invasion games into physical education programs, students can improve their overall fitness, cognitive skills, and teamwork abilities.

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When applying for grants and asking for funding, it is important to communicate the benefits of
physical education and how it impacts students. Physical education helps students develop physical
skills and confidence, promotes healthy habits and physical fitness, and can improve academic
performance. With this in mind, it is clear that physical education is an important part of a well-
rounded education.

Funding Opportunities

How can you find money to support our programs? One place to start is by researching national
organizations that offer grants and grant-writing assistance for physical education. Some
organizations include Active Schools, Fuel Up to Play 60, and SHAPE America, the national PE
organization. Visit www.shapeamerica.org/grants/ to see the grants available to health and physical
education professionals, future professionals, and programs.

Connect with local organizations

In addition to national organizations, it’s also worth checking with local organizations and businesses
to see if they offer money for physical education programs. Many businesses and organizations are
willing to support programs that promote healthy habits and physical fitness in their local
communities. Don’t forget to ask for support from your school’s Parent-Teacher Organization as well
as parents and community members. Many people are willing to support physical education
programs, and they may be able to help with fundraising or other efforts to secure grant money.
When talking about your program make sure to share that their contribution provides support for all
PE students, not just 1 classroom.

Federal grants

Another option is to apply for government grants. The U.S. Department of Education offers grants for
a variety of education programs, including physical education. The Department of Health and Human
Services also offer grants for programs that promote healthy habits and physical fitness in schools.

Additional tools to find grant opportunities

Finally, SPARK has a few opportunities to help you in your efforts. The SPARK Grant-Finder Tool helps
you locate funding for your program and can be found at www.sparkpe.org. Grants can be used for
curriculum, teacher training, or equipment. There are also grant writing tools to help you with the
process of creating and submitting your application.

There is a SPARK-specific grant that is available now called the SPARK Equity Awards. Funding is
available to bring SPARK (curriculum, training, and equipment) to organizations (schools, districts,
after school or early childhood centers) and individual PE teachers or physical activity providers who
serve in low-income communities. There is $150,000 available for this round of funding. To view the
application or learn more, visit sparkpe.org/equityawards.

Finding money for physical education programs is possible with the right approach. Research national
and local organizations, apply for government grants, and don’t be afraid to ask for support from
parents and community members. By working together, we can ensure that all students have access
to quality physical education.

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Maintaining Appropriate Behavior

When providing activities for kids the goal is to maintain appropriate behavior so everyone has a fun and enjoyable experience. The goal is to build a community where kids feel safe, are able to take risks, try new things, help one another, and feel a part of the group. Yes, you will have discipline problems and may need to address bad behavior, but by focusing on keeping kids engaged and active you can provide a positive learning environment for everyone. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Treat everyone fairly
• Use a variety of kids to demonstrate activities and help you with tasks
• Be encouraging and helpful during activities
• Model and promote good manners
• Choose fun and engaging activities at the appropriate skill level
• Establish and teach your rules and expectations
• Use positive interactions with kids both verbal and non-verbal
• Prompt kids with the behavior you are looking for not what they are doing wrong
• Keep everyone safe- physically and emotionally

Creating Partners and Groups

Forming partners and groups can be one of the biggest challenges for leaders of kids activities. Many Sometimes it is best for groups to similar skill ability while other times having all levels of skills in a group works well. The goal is to group as quickly as possible, reducing inactive time and providing for smooth transitions. Here are some strategies for forming groups and partners:

• Lost and Found
  • Ask kids to find a partner or tell them what size group they should be in, “groups of 3”.
  • Groups should be formed before you count down from 5. Kids not in a group should be invited to join others, or move to a central spot (“Lost and Found”) where you help them find a group.
• No “Captains”
  • Do not let kids “pick teams” by calling out names of individuals 1 by 1). This is emotionally unsafe and wastes activity time.
• Creating 2 Large Groups
  • Cue kids to get back to back with partner. E.g., 1 is “an apple;” the other “an orange.” All apples form 1 group; oranges the other.
  • Use pre-existing groups, like grouping by who their leaders or counselors are.
  • White tops in 1 group; colored tops in the other.”
  • “Those with a pet in 1 group; those without in the other.”
• Creating 4 Large Groups
  •  Ask kids to get into groups of 4. In the group they number off “1, 2, 3, 4.” All “1s” go to 1 corner, all “2s” to another corner, and so on.
  • Kids walk the perimeter of the activity area. As they pass, hand each a playing card. When all have a card, create groups by suit. (If you want equal numbers, pre-arrange the cards.)
• Creating Pairs or Small Groups
  • Play Back to Back. While kids move randomly throughout the activity area, call “Back to Back.” Kids quickly find a partner and stand with backs softly touching (hands by their sides).
  • Play Mingle-Mingle. On the cue, “Mingle-Mingle kids move randomly throughout the activity area. When a number is called, kids quickly form groups of that size.
  • Match by criteria- find a partner or group that has the same…
    • Color of shirt
    • Number of siblings
    • Number of pets
    • First initial of their name
    • Number of letters in their last name
    • Length of hair
    • Birth month
    • Birth day date of the month

Additional Tips for Leading Activities with Kids

• Be prepared and organized.  Kids sense when there is confusion and tend to misbehave when there is a lack of structure.
• Supervision is important for safety reasons as well as to make sure kids are engaged in activity.
• Establish a system of helpers to set up and put away equipment
• Mix up partners and groups often. This helps break up cliques, and mixes up age and ability levels.
• For your activities determine if each one is safe, enjoyable, active and age/skill level appropriate.
• If the activity isn’t working, modify it. Change the rules, the equipment or the groups.
• Be enthusiastic! The more fun you have, the more kids will enjoy it. You can participate too!

Leaders should always strive to lead physical activity sessions that are well paced and enjoyable. Kids should be encouraged to actively engage in activities. The quality of the leader will determine the success of activities and the experience kids have in the program. Hopefully these strategies will help you become the best leader (or teacher) you can be! Contact SPARK for more strategies and activity ideas.

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Some PE teachers have the opportunity to teach health classes along with their PE classes, others try to integrate nutrition concepts into their PE lessons as they do not have dedicated time to teach health. So, what can you do during National Nutrition Month to integrate nutrition into your classes? Below are 3 ideas to help you get started.

1. Change the Vocabulary of Your Own Activities

You can adapt your own lessons just by changing the terminology you use for the activity. For example, in the game Clean Your Backyard, the activity area is divided into 2 halves with a line down the middle. Half the class is on each side and teams try to throw fluffballs to the other side to “clean their backyard”. Instead of the backyard theme, you can change it to “clean your refrigerator” and tell them that all of the fluffballs are junk food and they want to get rid of all of the unhealthy food out of their fridge. You can also use the colors of beanbags, etc. to talk about the colors of certain fruits and vegetables. These activities allow you to reinforce nutrition terms with students, so they hear them in multiple places like from their classroom teachers, in PE class, the cafeteria, and at home.

2. Teach About Energy Balance

Physical education is the perfect place to teach students about energy balance. It is important for them to understand the energy in and energy out concept. Using a game called Calories Count we can teach students how to balance exercise with the food we put in our bodies. To set this up you put 4 hoops in the center of the activity area and scatter 1 cone per student around the activity area. Create calorie cards- cards with a food or drink and the number of calories they represent as well as how many cones need to be touched to “burn off” the calories. Place these cards face down in the 4 hoops. To play, groups are located around the perimeter and they send 1 group member to the center to collect 1 playing card, then return to their group. All group members read the card, then individually move to touch the number of cones listed on the card. Everyone moves at the same time, each touching the number of cones on the card. When finished, they return to their group spot and send someone new to collect another card from the center hoops. This game reinforces the concept of balancing energy and highlighting the need to exercise to use up the energy we put in our bodies through food and drink.

3. Teach a New Nutrition Concept or Behavior Modifications Strategy

In an activity called Fat Transfer, students will learn about cholesterol. Create a large, square activity area with a hula hoop in each corner (the hoops represent the blood vessels). Then divide the class into 4 even teams, one at each hoop, with 1 beanbag per student (represents HDL- high-density lipoprotein) and 1 foam ball per student (represents LDL- low-density lipoprotein) in their hoop. The object of the game is to remove all the LDLs (large balls) from your blood vessel (hoop) and fill it with HDLs (beanbags). Students do that by taking one of their LDLs and jogging to another hoop and leaving it there then picking up an HDL and taking it back to their blood vessel (hoop). This can help teach students about how cholesterol affects their body and the types of foods that raise and lower your cholesterol.

It’s important for youth to understand nutrition so they can become aware of their health and be motivated to incorporate healthy habits into their own daily lives. Physical education is the ideal opportunity for teaching students about nutrition and these 3 strategies can help you plan lessons to support nutrition education in your classes.

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The first few minutes of PE class can make or break your day. Getting students active from the start is one of SPARK’s main objectives. In many PE classes, students arrive to class only to sit around waiting for the teacher or listening to a long set of instructions. This wastes valuable activity time and should, therefore, be done sparingly. When students come to class they are excited to participate or have been sitting in other classes for long periods of time and need to get out that built-up energy.

Instant activities are a great way to begin class and prepare your student’s muscles for moving and their brains for learning. These activities use little or no equipment, are fun and challenging and promote health-related fitness. They can provide an appropriate warm-up while engaging students in an enjoyable activity to begin PE class.

SPARK recommends that instant activities should be brief (about 5-7 minutes long) and played prior to the main activity of the day. There are many choices of activities to use at the beginning of class. You can base it on the current unit you are teaching or choose something fun. You may want to also consider the grade level of students, space, equipment and desired activity outcomes. The goal is to eliminate extra planning that teaching another activity might require and get students active right when they get to class. Then they can rest as you give them instructions for the day and then they can jump back into activity.

Getting students active from the start has many benefits in addition to the ones previously mentioned. Besides engaging students from the start and warming up their bodies, instant activities also help address other needs in your daily teaching.  

• Give you time to set up equipment
• Take care of issues that come up between classes
• Provide a routine for starting class
• Maximize moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA)
• Take attendance
• Meet standards and grade level outcomes
• Reduce classroom management
• Engage large classes  
• Review previously learned skills
• Informal assessment

When choosing the activity to start your day you should consider what you are doing for your main lesson. If it is low in MVPA then choose a more vigorous instant activity. If you are doing a skill-based lesson such as a flying disc may be a low-impact activity using those skills would be appropriate. Sometimes you just want a fun game to get students excited for learning. Here are some different types of activities to consider:

• Simple games
• Tag games
• Fitness activities
• Skill-based warm-ups
• Circuits
• Dances

Instant activities can also be used at the end of your lesson, done at a slower pace, for a cool-down. Tapering off from vigorous activity helps students’ bodies return to normal functioning levels and makes the transition back to the classroom easier.

In the SPARK Curriculum, each program has an instant activity section we call ASAPs (or Active Soon AS Possible). In the K-2, 3-6 and After School programs ASAPs are fun, quick and simple games to get kids active from the start. For the middle school and high school level, the ASAPs include fitness-based warm-ups as well as skill-based warmups and an introduction to the units. All fantastic options to engage your students right from the start. Here is a sample to get you started or sign up for a free trial at www.sparkfamily.org.

Once an instant activity is learned, class management time can be reduced then students will quickly engage in activity. Instant activities share commonalities. They all require minimal preparation and set-up, utilize little or no equipment, and are quick and easy to teach. So now you are ready to get your classes off on the right foot so gather your activity ideas and share them with your students when the new school year starts!

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