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Welcome PE Nation!

Today I share a part-two update on my martial arts style leadership program for elementary PE and how the belt levels are working in real life. I break down the benefits, the problems I did not expect, and what I want to change so it runs even better next year.

• belt system built around leadership, behavior, and helpfulness rather than athletic skill
• how students earn white, green, orange, purple, black, and red belt levels
• daily responsibility expectations like wristbands, water bottles, and best effort
• leadership roles through captains, referees, and helping classmates
• privileges that reinforce trust and positive behavior
• pros like improved effort, better sportsmanship, and stronger classroom culture
• cons like some kids opting out, parent complaints, and over-promotion risks
• future plans to make criteria clearer and fund supplies with a grant

Definitely check out the first episode on the leadership program, it’ll give you a better idea of it. If you have any questions, reach out to me.

Take care,

Dave

My podcast on my Ninja Leadership Program.

-Check out supersizedphysed.com for more resources, including free PDFs, articles, and courses to help with your PE program. Please leave a review to help grow this podcast and keep pushing our profession forward.

-Article on Outside PE Checklist

-Team Building Games Ebook (with preview): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Team-Building-Games-and-Activities-for-PE-Class-14063095

-Free resources include Substack and Medium articles with PE tips, games, and strategies

-High Fives and Empowering Lives book available as an ebook or paperback

-Paperback or download: HERE

-Amazon Ebook: HERE

Support the show

-High Fives and Empowering Lives book available as an ebook or paperback

-Paperback or download: HERE

-Amazon Ebook: HERE

Send us Fan Mail

Let's jump PE Nation!

Today we map out engaging jump rope stations that scale from kindergarten to fifth grade, tie movement to heart health, and keep classes flowing with limited staff. From Chinese jump rope patterns to long rope timing, we share practical setups, cues, and safety tips you can use tomorrow.

• K–1 adaptations using floor shapes and simple jumps
• Chinese jump rope patterns with ankle to knee progressions
• single-rope zones for beginner, intermediate, advanced
• long rope entries, rhythm, and partner timing
• Jump Over the Brook for distance and power with safeguards
• Helicopter for quick, inclusive jumping games
• obstacle course options that teach heart health
• using task cards, volunteer roles, and rotation timing

Take care,

Dave

My podcast on my Ninja Leadership Program.

-Check out supersizedphysed.com for more resources, including free PDFs, articles, and courses to help with your PE program. Please leave a review to help grow this podcast and keep pushing our profession forward.

-Article on Outside PE Checklist

-Team Building Games Ebook (with preview): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Team-Building-Games-and-Activities-for-PE-Class-14063095

-Free resources include Substack and Medium articles with PE tips, games, and strategies

Support the show

-High Fives and Empowering Lives book available as an ebook or paperback

-Paperback or download: HERE

-Amazon Ebook: HERE

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome back PE Nation!

Today I revisit the PE practices many of us grew up with—public showers, shirts versus skins, elimination games, captains’ picks—and show how small changes create safer, more inclusive classes. Stories from the 70s and 80s meet modern fixes that keep kids moving without shame.

• why public showers and rigid swimming norms erode psychological safety
• how pinnies replace shirts versus skins without fuss
• designing re-entry rules so elimination games keep everyone active
• small-sided games to increase touches and learning
• equitable team formation without public ranking
• reframing fitness testing toward growth, not humiliation
• safer alternatives to risky legacy games
• what to keep from tradition and what to retire

Let's keep the good stuff and do away with the bad,

Dave

-Check out supersizedphysed.com for more resources, including free PDFs, articles, and courses to help with your PE program. Please leave a review to help grow this podcast and keep pushing our profession forward.

-Article on Outside PE Checklist

-Team Building Games Ebook (with preview): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Team-Building-Games-and-Activities-for-PE-Class-14063095

-Free resources include Substack and Medium articles with PE tips, games, and strategies

-High Fives and Empowering Lives book available as an ebook or paperback

-Paperback or download: HERE

-Amazon Ebook: HERE

Support the show

-High Fives and Empowering Lives book available as an ebook or paperback

-Paperback or download: HERE

-Amazon Ebook: HERE