For some students, physical education(PE) is the highlight of their day. They don’t dread dodgeball, hate running the mile or live in fear of being chosen last for teams. But for most people, traditional PE comes with some challenging moments. It’s easy to see how PE might be even harder if you are a student with physical limitations. How can you plan PE for all students to thrive in the class?

Take the Focus Off Competition. Instead of playing a game where one team or one student wins, why not plan some activities that have no specifically desirable outcome? A PE class designed for all students will include some games that don’t have a winner, such as 9 Square in the Air. This game rotates players once they get “out,” but the action is so fast-paced that students get right back in.

Celebrate Growth as a Group. Rather than planning activities where it’s easy to distinguish the athletic, the skilled and the fit, celebrate group milestones:

“Our class walked six loops around the track together.”

“This class has completed our cardio workout seven times so far this year.” 

“We managed to keep the balloon in the air for a full six minutes!”

This is another great area for 9 Square in the Air to make PE a growing experience for all students. There’s no one winner; instead, you can celebrate how many consecutive hits the group counted or how they cheered one another on as they played.

Offer Choices. 9 Square in the Air is a great starting point, but add in multiple stations where kids can participate in a variety of healthy physical activities. You could do all-inclusive activities, such as a dance party and yoga stations, or you can offer 9 Square in the Air, plus some traditional options like basketball or kickball. 

Cultivate an Inclusive and Respectful Environment. In addition to adding some activities that are inclusive, you can work to avoid stereotyping, discourage bullying, and celebrate differences. Show children how to support and encourage one another, highlighting good effort and positive attitudes. 

Why 9 Square in the Air is a Great Start

Creating a PE experience for all students to enjoy is a big undertaking, but it’s a goal worth pursuing. There are a few reasons why 9 Square in the Air gives you a good jump start to a better PE program:

Kids of all abilities and skill levels can play. It even has an adjustable height to accommodate students of all sizes.

Children naturally laugh and connect as they play 9 Square in the Air, which goes a long way in making your PE environment inclusive and respectful for all students.

It’s easy to learn and easy to play. There aren’t any complex rules. It also levels the playing field, removing the athletic advantage that some kids have in a traditional sports game.

When PE is over, 9 Square in the Air stores easily in the included bags and slides right into a closet.

We would love to hear about what you’re doing to make your PE class inclusive for all students. Contact us at 9 Square in the Air to order your Deluxe Game!