Between 2001 and 2017, the number of children learning to ride a bike in the US dropped by 55% (Buehler, Pucher, Bauman). One way that communities in various parts of the country are pushing back on this trend is ensuring that kids have an opportunity to learn to ride in school. Attendees to this hands-on/seats-on-saddles workshop will take part in a pop-up balance bike rodeo, adopting the role of the kids in a similar event that might be offered at a school, community center, summer camp, or other community venue – and in the process learning about both the experience and the logistics of bringing such activities to life. People can choose to observe or participate directly. Participants will get fitted for a loaner helmet, with a temporary liner, get fitted for a balance bike, and get introduced to the basics of the challenge course and related road safety signage and principles. Then participants will circulate on the challenge course riding on balance bikes, in the process seeing how the course can be set up (whether as a temporary pop-up installation or a permanent facility in a public locale like a school, playground, or park), the kinds of activities involved, and how other adults and different community organizations can be engaged in the work of counteracting the statistical drop in kids learning to ride over the past 20 years – and expanding familiarity with the gateway physical activity, transportation, mental health, independence, and economic savings engine that is the bicycle.
One of the greatest things that can ever come out of a single conference, or years of attending them, is a true friendship based on a mutual love of each other and our incredible profession. This high energy, interactive session will showcase exactly those things. Three great friends from across the country, joyfully reunited at this wonderful conference, sharing tried and true activities they use and they love. Come join Dan, Ladonda and Doug in this combined session designed to help you and your students "Just Be Joyful!"
This engaging session demonstrates how purposeful tag games can be used for all ages to meet SHAPE America National Standards while maximizing student participation, safety, and fun. Participants will experience a wide variety of developmentally appropriate tag games designed to intentionally teach movement concepts, strategies, and personal responsibility. Through active participation, attendees will explore how to embed locomotor skills, nonlocomotor movements, and fitness components into game play. Each activity will highlight clear connections to standards-based outcomes, including skill development, strategic thinking, and social-emotional learning. Emphasis will be placed on creating inclusive, safe environments where all students can be successful. Participants will learn practical modifications, progressions, and management strategies to ensure safety, maximize engagement, and reduce downtime. In addition, the session will showcase how simple adjustments to traditional tag games can elevate them into intentional learning experiences aligned with standards. Attendees will leave with a ready-to-use collection of tag games, clear instructional cues, and strategies to design their own standards-based activities. Whether you are looking to enhance student engagement, reinforce key movement concepts, or align your instruction with best practices, this session will provide tools to transform “just playing tag” into meaningful, standards-driven learning.
Discover high-energy, inclusive large group games that are perfect for all grade levels and adaptable to both indoor and outdoor spaces. This session will showcase creative, easy-to-implement activities that promote teamwork, movement and fun, whether you’re in a gym, on the blacktop, or out on the field. Walk away with ready-to-use strategies and game variations to keep your students active, engaged & excited to play!
Get ready for a high-energy whirlwind of games, management strategies, movement experiences, music integration, cooperative activities, instant engagement tools, creative equipment ideas, authentic assessment strategies, and crowd-favorite activities that students absolutely LOVE.
Former PE Teacher of the Year Scotty Williams shares practical, field-tested ideas from elementary through secondary physical education that can immediately elevate your program, boost participation, improve culture, and bring fresh energy into your teaching.
Expect rapid-fire sharing, laughter, movement, and dozens of “I can use this Monday” moments. Whether you teach elementary, middle, or high school PE, you’ll leave with new favorites, renewed excitement, and a notebook full of ideas your students will be talking about long after class ends.
