Field Day Shorts began as a practical solution to a series of real-world problems. Construction, weather, and scheduling challenges made my traditional field day impossible to run in its previous, familiar form. Instead of one large event in June, the experience was deconstructed and spread across six themed “shorts” held throughout the school year. Each installment features four primary and four for intermediate activities running concurrently, with students rotating every ten minutes during a 45-minute block. This session shares the planning process, structure, and helpful tips that turned a beloved tradition into an improved series of manageable celebrations from September through June.
This session is designed for beginning teachers and undergraduate students looking for practical ways to integrate fitness into elementary physical education. Attendees will learn how to make fitness fun and engaging while focusing on fundamental movement skills, instant activities, and minimal equipment. Participants will explore easy-to-implement activities that develop upper and lower body strength and aerobic conditioning, all while keeping students motivated and active. The session will highlight “instant activities” that maximize movement time and require little setup, along with strategies for seamlessly embedding fitness into skill-based lessons. Emphasis will be placed on developmentally appropriate, inclusive practices that ensure all students can succeed and enjoy movement. Attendees will leave with a variety of adaptable games, station ideas, and teaching strategies they can immediately apply in their classes to create positive, high-energy fitness experiences.
PlayLab redefines the entry process into the gym. Based on work inspired by Megaera Regan, Adrienne Ferretti and Joey Feith, this short readiness block invites students to engage in student-directed play using a small assortment of equipment from a designated cart. The structure helps students regulate energy, share space and equipment, and work through small social challenges with peers before the main lesson content is delivered. This session outlines how PlayLab is introduced, organized, and sustained as a consistent start to class.
