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What's up PE Nation!

Today I share the five critical mistakes PE teachers make based on my 14 years of experience teaching outdoor physical education in Florida, providing practical strategies to avoid these common pitfalls.

• Being inconsistent with rules, procedures, and consequences across different students or classes
• Treating PE as if it were recess rather than establishing clear classroom management
• Poor time management that wastes valuable instructional minutes
• Neglecting educational standards by implementing viral games without curriculum alignment
• Failing to prepare backup plans for unexpected disruptions like weather or facility issues

 Click on the links in the show notes to access free resources, including my e-book.

Dave

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FREE E-Book on setting up your PE program

My website: https://www.supersizedphysed.com

Get my book: High Fives and Empowering Lives: A Physical Educator’s Quest for Excellence

Paperback or download: HERE

Website for the book: https://www.teacherchefhockeyplayerbook.com/

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Welcome PE Nation!

Today I share my five favorite large group invasion games that develop strategy, tactics, and skill development for PE classes of all sizes, whether teaching inside or outside.

1. Crossover - teams try to get all players across to the opponent's side while avoiding taggers with pool noodles

2. Capture the Flag- features three jerseys (flags) per team on tall cones that must be retrieved from opponent territory

3. Capture the Football- requires teams to retrieve the football from opponent's box and either run or throw it across midline to score

4. Hunger Games- includes immunity jerseys, tennis balls for points, and strategic items like safety hoops and extra noodles

5. Save the World- challenges teams to knock down pins in opponent territory using dodgeballs while avoiding being tagged

• All games can be modified with different tagging methods: simple tagging, pool noodles, or flag belts for increasing difficulty

Try them out!

Dave

Article with every link and graphic: https://medium.com/educreation/my-favorite-large-group-invasion-games-bc89e729aba4

Join me on Substack where I share PE tips, games and strategies.

***New FREE Video Course!!!***

Become a guest on the show: podcast signup form

FREE E-Book on setting up your PE program

My website: https://www.supersizedphysed.com

Get my book: High Fives and Empowering Lives: A Physical Educator’s Quest for Excellence

Paperback or download: HERE

Website for the book: https://www.teacherchefhockeyplayerbook.com/

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Sweep the leg PE Nation!

Martial arts provides a powerful dimension to physical education programs with benefits extending far beyond self-defense. After achieving my black belt in karate 21 years ago, I've incorporated martial arts into my PE curriculum to help students develop character, confidence, and practical skills.

• Partnership with a local Taekwondo studio bringing a 7-9 week program to second graders
• Non-contact program featuring blocks, kicks, and strikes with no physical interaction
• Students learn respect, modesty, perseverance, self-control, and honesty
• Martial arts accommodates different learning styles and preferences
• Building self-confidence helps students stand taller and feel more secure
• Basic self-defense skills provide foundational safety knowledge
• Program culminates in a board-breaking ceremony where parents hold boards for their children
• Students receive white belts and certificates to celebrate their accomplishments

Go for it!

Dave

Join me on Substack where I share PE tips, games and strategies.

***New FREE Video Course!!!***

Become a guest on the show: podcast signup form

FREE E-Book on setting up your PE program

My website: https://www.supersizedphysed.com

Get my book: High Fives and Empowering Lives: A Physical Educator’s Quest for Excellence

Paperback or download: HERE

Website for the book: https://www.teacherchefhockeyplayerbook.com/

Send us a text

Welcome PE Nation!

I want to share a fun card game based on the TV show "Traitors" that I've adapted for my PE classes as a rainy day activity. This engaging game of deduction and strategy has been a hit with my students and offers a great alternative when outdoor activities aren't possible.

• Uses a standard deck of cards with jokers as "traitors" and aces as "detectives"
• Works best with 2 traitors and 2 detectives for a class of 25 students
• Players are eliminated at night by traitos, while detectives try to identify the traders
• Group discussions lead to voting someone out, continuing until faithfuls or traitors win
• Perfect for grades 3-5 during indoor days, picture day disruptions, or extreme weather
• Pairs well with other indoor activities like BrainPop videos on health, cup stacking, and Kahoots
• Requires some management to keep eliminated students quiet and discussions moving efficiently

Give it a try!

Dave

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Mafia card game explained: https://youtu.be/Wx7kz5LpAz4?si=W6XM-DaY4l3_pluA

Beg, Borrow, Build and Steal ebook with links, Free game PDFs and my personal grant writing files: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Beg-Borrow-Build-and-Steal-Equipment-13063549

Become a guest on the show: podcast signup form

FREE E-Book on setting up your PE program

My website: https://www.supersizedphysed.com

Get my book: High Fives and Empowering Lives: A Physical Educator’s Quest for Excellence

Paperback or download: HERE

Website for the book: https://www.teacherchefhockeyplayerbook.com/

Send us a text

Greeting PE Nation!

In this episode I share my accidental invention of "Splatball," a creative PE game using water-filled tennis ball canisters that explode on impact. This game emerged while seeking wind-resistant alternatives to traditional bowling pins for outdoor play.

• Game involves two teams trying to knock down opponent's water-filled canisters
• Can be played with bowling balls, hockey sticks, or other equipment
• Students whose pins get knocked down join offensive play so no one sits out
• Works best outdoors where splashing water evaporates quickly
• Various modifications possible based on age group and available space

Grab the free Splatball PDF in the episode notes to try this game with your students, and check out the video link to see the game in action. 

Take care,

Dave

FREE Splatball PDF

Splatball Video 1

Splatball Video 2

Join my Substack newsletter, where I share PE tips, games and strategies.

***New FREE Video Course!!!***

Beg, Borrow, Build and Steal ebook with links, Free game PDFs and my personal grant writing files: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Beg-Borrow-Build-and-Steal-Equipment-13063549

Become a guest on the show: podcast signup form

FREE E-Book on setting up your PE program

My website: https://www.supersizedphysed.com

Get my book: High Fives and Empowering Lives: A Physical Educator’s Quest for Excellence

Paperback or download: HERE

Amazon Ebook: HERE

Website for the book: https://www.teacherchefhockeyplayerbook.com/

Send us a text

Helmets on PE Nation!

In this episode we explore how to create a bike program for PE classes. Learning to ride bikes in PE class gives students both essential physical skills and valuable road safety knowledge while creating memorable experiences.

• Started with a one-day professional development course on biking for PE teachers
• District offered a bike trailer program with bikes and scooters for schools
• Created obstacle courses teaching road safety, signals, and proper crossing techniques
• Students learned through both structured activities and free riding time
• Used hairnets under helmets to address hygiene concerns
• When district funding ended, began planning a DIY approach through donations
• Storage remains the biggest challenge - considering outdoor shed options
• Looking into grants, PTO funding, and police department helmet programs
• Applies to any PE activity: "If you dream it, build it, make it work, make it happen"

Let's ride,

Dave

Link to article with the "Biking Tree" picture!

Join my Substack newsletter, where I share PE tips, games and strategies.

***New FREE Video Course!!!***

Beg, Borrow, Build and Steal ebook with links, Free game PDFs and my personal grant writing files: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Beg-Borrow-Build-and-Steal-Equipment-13063549

Become a guest on the show: podcast signup form

FREE E-Book on setting up your PE program

My website: https://www.supersizedphysed.com

Get my book: High Fives and Empowering Lives: A Physical Educator’s Quest for Excellence

Paperback or download: HERE

Amazon Ebook: HERE

Website for the book: https://www.teacherchefhockeyplayerbook.com/

Send us a text

Hello PE Nation!

Today I discuss how I implement SOLO Taxonomy in my PE class. This model offers a powerful framework for structuring learning progression in physical education, taking students from basic knowledge to creative application through five distinct stages. 

• SOLO stands for Structure of Observed Learning Outcomes
• The five stages progress from pre-structural (knowing nothing) to extended abstract (creating something new)
• Using Legos as an example: level 1 is not knowing what Legos are, level 5 is creating original designs without instructions
• Similar progression with musical instruments: from holding a guitar to jamming and creating new songs
• Modified approach using numbered magnets makes the system more kid-friendly
• Implemented successfully with dance, hockey, soccer, football, and pickleball units
• Students track their own progress and clearly understand what skills they need to advance
• Higher-level students can help teach others and create new games or activities

Take care,

Dave

LEGO video

SOLO hand signal video

Sample SOLO PDF

***New FREE Video Course!!!***

Join my Substack newsletter, where I share PE tips, games and strategies.

Beg, Borrow, Build and Steal ebook with links, Free game PDFs and my personal grant writing files: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Beg-Borrow-Build-and-Steal-Equipment-13063549

Become a guest on the show: podcast signup form

FREE E-Book on setting up your PE program

My website: https://www.supersizedphysed.com

Website for the book: https://www.teacherchefhockeyplayerbook.com/

Send us a text

Hello PE Nation!

I've been thinking about my formative years in elementary school and what stuck with me. This episode is a reflective journey through my elementary school years, uncovering cherished and challenging memories that continue to influence my teaching practices. There is more to our recollections than meets the eye; each moment shapes us as educators.

• Reflecting on personal school memories from pre-K to sixth grade 
• Exploring how relationships with teachers impacted my learning 
• Discussing the emotional aspects of student experiences in school 
• Emphasizing the importance of nurturing positive environments in education 

Thank you for tuning in to our podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe for more insights and educational tips! 

Take care,

Dave

Join my Substack newsletter, where I share PE tips, games and strategies.

Beg, Borrow, Build and Steal ebook with links, Free game PDFs and my personal grant writing files: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Beg-Borrow-Build-and-Steal-Equipment-13063549

Become a guest on the show: podcast signup form

FREE E-Book on setting up your PE program

My website: https://www.supersizedphysed.com

Website for the book: https://www.teacherchefhockeyplayerbook.com/

Send us a text

Hello PE Nation!

How much money are you working with at your school? In this episode, you will learn how to effectively manage your PE equipment budget to bring more variety and excitement to your classes. This episode explores strategies to acquire equipment creatively by begging, borrowing, building, and stealing.

• Strategies to maximize PE resources on a budget 
• Importance of asking for support from PTOs and community members 
• Benefits of borrowing equipment from fellow teachers 
• Building and adapting existing materials creatively 
• How to steal ideas for games and activities from others 
• eBook promotion with additional resources and grant applications 
• Encouragement to engage with local resources and community support

Take care,

Dave

Beg, Borrow, Build and Steal ebook with links, Free game PDFs and my personal grant writing files: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Beg-Borrow-Build-and-Steal-Equipment-13063549

Join my Substack newsletter, where I share PE tips, games and strategies.

Become a guest on the show: podcast signup form

FREE E-Book on setting up your PE program

My website: https://www.supersizedphysed.com

Website for the book: https://www.teacherchefhockeyplayerbook.com/

Send us a text

Greetings PE Nation!

In my latest interview, Dave LeCarrie reflects on the importance of teaching life skills through physical education, emphasizing activities like archery and biking. The episode explores the need for patience with younger students, the significance of community connections, and the lasting impact teachers have on their students' lives. 

• Teaching special skills like biking and archery to foster confidence and ability 
• Emphasizing the importance of patience, particularly with younger generations 
• Innovating PE to include both fun and educational activities for engagement 
• The supportive role of sports in building community and character 
• Lasting relationships with students showcase the deeper impact educators can have

Take a listen to a fantastic conversation I had with Dave!

Take care,

Dave (the other one)

Join my Substack newsletter, where I share PE tips, games and strategies.

Become a guest on the show: podcast signup form

FREE E-Book on setting up your PE program

My website: https://www.supersizedphysed.com

Website for the book: https://www.teacherchefhockeyplayerbook.com/