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The PE Specialist

The PE Specialist

Awesome Resources for Physical Education Teachers

PE Games: Cross The River

PE Games: Cross The River

This week I’m coming to you with a CLASSIC game that I play every year with my kids.   Like most activities – I only play it once a year so kids love it when they walk in and see the game setup.   I usually save it for a time when students are coming back from a break and kids would benefit from some team building and cooperative activities.

Aside from the fact that it’s an awesome activity, I think my students love it so much because  I present the game in a gamified format  by creating different levels for each increasingly difficult or complex extension of the game (I do this with most activities, for more examples check out  Hula Hut Relays , Pass the Frog , or Fire and Ice .

Check out the video below for an example of me teaching the game to a 3rd grade class at my school:

If you don’t have time for the video check out the summary of the game below, or download the free lesson plan at the bottom of this post.

Cross The River

  • I shoot for about 5-7 kids on each team, but you can modify and adjust for different situations.  The setup below is for one class, for double classes I would simply double the equipment.  To start the game, I give my K-2 students 1 more dot than the members of their team, with 3-5th they get the same number of dots as team members.

problem solving games for pe

  • No sliding or throwing the PE equipment
  • If any part of your body touches the “water” your entire team must start over

Level 1: Get to the “Island”

  • In this level students will learn how to get across the river with their team and attempt to make it to the island (gymnastics mats folded up)

Level 2: Cross the River

  • In this level students will attempt to cross the ENTIRE river.  If they make it to the island, it acts as a “Checkpoint” where they can “Save their game”.  If they fall in after saving their game, they can start over at the island.

Level 3: You Lost a Rock

  • In this level students once again, attempt to get their entire team to the island – However, you have some bad news for all the teams… The water has picked up and they’ve lost one of their rocks!  They must use creativity and brainstorm a way to get to the island with one less rock.  One hint I give kids on this level is “You need to think outside the Box!” 😉 , you can see an example in the instagram post below :
  View this post on Instagram   Kids: This is totally impossible…???? . Me (for the 3,00th time): Think outside the BOX and use all of your resources… . Kids: ???????????? USE the BOX!!!! . Me: ???????????????? . Details and lesson plan for this team building game “cross the river” are linked up on our resources page ???????? . #physicaleducation #physed #pegeeks #iteachpe #pe #peteacher #elempe #primarype #teamwork #teachersofinstagram A post shared by Ben Landers (@thepespecialist) on Jan 9, 2020 at 6:07am PST

Level 4: Cross the River Again

  • Same as level 2, but with one less rock this time.  Checkpoint stays the same.

Level 5: Double Up

  • In this level I combine my 4 teams into 2 teams and have them attempt to make it to the island and then combine all of their equipment to go all the way across the river together.

That’s the basic outline, but there are tons of variations and different ways to present the game (different equipment, blindfolds, add obstacles to the river, create mines with bowling pins, change the scenario or add more restrictions).

I really love watching the kids play and there are TONS of teachable moments that will happen throughout the game that you can explore with the kids after each level.

I also use this game as one of my Field Day stations each year.  The classroom teachers enjoy watching the kids use teamwork and attempt to be the first group to “cross the river”

If you want specifics and a more detailed list of ideas, strategies and variations – you can download my lesson plan for free below:

It’s so fun watching kids complete a challenge for the first time – check out the post below to see what I mean 🙂

  View this post on Instagram   Going into Friday like… . ???????? . #physicaleducation #physed #pegeeks #iteachpe #pe #peteacher #elempe #primarype A post shared by Ben Landers (@thepespecialist) on Jan 10, 2020 at 7:04am PST

Got some cool variations of the game not included in the lesson plan?  Leave them in the comments below.

Have fun and teach on.

problem solving games for pe

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Reader Interactions

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August 13, 2024 at 9:36 pm

Just wondering why the membership is only a year? It seems like a lot if you have to keep purchasing this each year.

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August 14, 2024 at 6:55 am

Great question Patricia!

We are constantly adding new resources, e-courses, lesson plans, and videos.

We also have a membership forum where you can gather ideas from other PE teachers.

Hope this helps!

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May 21, 2024 at 12:58 pm

I love your games! I am a special ed teacher. I typically work with children in Early Intervention and preschool special ed. I am now working in an after school program with children in Grades K-8. Most are 2nd/3rd and 5th grade. We have a small group. The kids get to use the “gym” area. It’s called a Dojang as this is a martial arts center that teaches tae kwon do. Typically the middle schoolers and elementary kids have separate times in the Dojang. Then, there is a group time. How would you modify this for the older kids? Also, what other games would you recommend? They are so bored at times with the same games like gaga.

Thank you so much!

May 22, 2024 at 6:52 am

Thanks for reaching out!

Do you have any equipment? If so, you can do activities as stations. Check out the link below for ideas on stations:

https://www.thepespecialist.com/stationteaching/

If there is no equipment, you may want to organize the activities for fun games. Check out the link below to fun games and activities we like to do in PE class:

Physical Education Games and Activities

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February 4, 2023 at 2:19 am

The object of the activity is to get all members of the group safely across the river. this a great game.

February 6, 2023 at 3:24 pm

Glad you’re enjoying the activity Rebecca!

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May 18, 2021 at 1:50 pm

I just had my students play Cross the River. I needed a break from our Field Day fun prep and some inclement weather so I went on the website looking for something new. I have played a similar game that I call “Rescue Island” with my 3-5th graders that uses a scooter board (boat) substituted for the step (log) to the spots and the island played across the width of the gym. Anyway, Ben I sure appreciate your ideas and resources! I will definitely be adding this to my cooperative games unit. Teach on!

May 18, 2021 at 4:18 pm

Sounds like such a cool game Nathan! Thanks for sharing!

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April 8, 2021 at 10:57 am

Hi! this is great fun with the kids, tried yesterday 🙂 but i am having trouble downloading the lesson plan. Not sure if it’s on my end or yours! 🙂 Loryn

April 8, 2021 at 3:25 pm

Sorry about the issue!

Usually, this issue is related to a school filter, pop-up blocker, or browser caching issue – so we’d recommend trying from another computer, switching browsers, clearing your cache and making sure all pop up blockers have been turned off.

As a another option you can also find some of our products on our Teachers Pay Teachers Page Here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Pe-Specialist

Just search “Cross the River”

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March 14, 2021 at 8:03 pm

Exactly what I’ve been looking for! Can’t download the lesson plans though:/

March 15, 2021 at 3:45 pm

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April 1, 2020 at 1:28 pm

It was a good game for the children to learn how to work together

April 2, 2020 at 12:16 pm

CTR is one of our favorites!

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October 14, 2019 at 2:25 pm

Do you play until one team finishes the level or until 5 minutes are up or do you give all the students 5 minutes to finish and teams that finish first sit and watch?

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October 16, 2019 at 4:52 pm

I stop the music about 20 seconds after the first team finishes and have all the teams reset – we talk about strategies and refinements and then play the next level. DO what works for you though!

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October 3, 2019 at 9:39 am

I’m not able to download the lesson plan above. Is there another way to retrieve it?

October 7, 2019 at 6:14 pm

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March 11, 2019 at 3:09 pm

I love the idea of this game but I am unable to download the lesson plan…

March 12, 2019 at 3:06 pm

Hey Rochelle, sorry about the issue, but it’s working on our end.

As a another option you can also find this product on our Teachers Pay Teachers Page Here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Pe-Specialist

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January 9, 2019 at 8:23 am

Thank you! Fun reminder of some renditions of this classic!

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January 6, 2019 at 10:13 pm

This sounds like a super fun game to kick off second semester! We do not have any Aerobic Steps. Trying to think of an alternative? I am going to rummage through our equipment room tomorrow.

January 9, 2019 at 5:21 pm

Anything works – yoga mats, scrap pieces of wood, pieces of cardboard…

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January 6, 2019 at 2:15 pm

How can I get access to your Cross the River Download? When I click on “checkout” there is nothing in my cart.

January 9, 2019 at 5:20 pm

Sorry about the issue – Usually, this issue is related to a school filter, pop-up blocker, or browser issue – so we’d recommend trying from another computer, switching browsers and making sure all pop up blockers have been turned off.

As a last resort you can also find this download on our Teachers Pay Teachers Page Here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Pe-Specialist

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January 5, 2019 at 12:20 pm

Thanks looks fun.

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May 15, 2018 at 8:07 am

Hi Ben, I saw the modifications you make for Grades K-2. Even with grades K-2 you still use the “LOG”? How does that work with K passing and moving the “LOG”? Is it something they struggle with physically? Just was curious before I teach it to my younger students.

May 16, 2018 at 3:18 pm

K usually doesn’t pass the log (even though it’s there if they thought of it). They usually don’t need to use the log because I always give them one extra spot.

1st and up can pass the log without any issues – although, yes it’s harder for them than it would be for a 4th grade student.

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August 9, 2017 at 8:49 pm

Thanks so much! I used it for VBS and the kids loved it! It was so fun to see them work together and think. The 1st graders did better than the 4th graders, too many chiefs in the older group. LOL!

Thanks for sharing!

August 14, 2017 at 4:02 pm

Haha – perfect. I’ve used it for a church camp as well – it’s always a hit 🙂

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May 22, 2017 at 9:36 am

What could I use instead of the aerobic steps as the logs?

May 22, 2017 at 4:27 pm

Go to home depot or Lowes and by a few 2x4s and have them cut it into smaller pieces and use those. Or you could get 1 x 6s if you want to have a wider “log” for the kids to make it easier.

Or you could use any other flat object in your equipment room that can be stepped on – or just don’t use logs, use scooters instead as “boats”

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May 3, 2017 at 11:18 am

Ben have you ever used Cross the River as a Field Day station? I was thinking Of playing it with my 2nd-3rd grades. My field day stations are 15 min. each. Do you think we could play 2 levels in that time? Just wanted your opinion.

Thanks, Doug

May 8, 2017 at 8:56 am

Yep – we use cross the river for Field Day every year with K-5th, our stations are 7 minutes each, but I think 15 would work as well if you had the different levels.

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February 21, 2017 at 2:43 pm

I play this game using floatation devices (pinnies, poly spots) instead of rocks. Students must ALWAYS be touching (with some body part) the floatation device or it will float away and the team will have one less device to get across with. I like how you added levels.

February 22, 2017 at 7:11 pm

Nice! I’ve heard of that variation with the floating objects, but never tried it – sounds fun though. Thanks for sharing!

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February 15, 2017 at 4:06 pm

I did this today with third and fourth graders. They really enjoyed it. Presenting it in a “gamified” format really resonated with a lot of them. I had a number of students ask me after class when we could do this again. Ben Landers for the win!

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Early Impact Learning

28 Best PE Games With Absolutely No Equipment

P.E. lessons can be a bit daunting at times. All that equipment to organize and worry about. Yuck!

Then there are the safety aspects to consider. Eek!

The good news is, there are plenty of simple P.E. games that you can use with no equipment!

The Ultimate List of PE Games With No Equipment

Whether you need ideas for Kindergarten PE games, or PE games for preschool this list will spark the creativity you need for gym class or at home!

I’ve been teaching in early education for the best part of 20 years now, and in that time I’ve come up with a full armory of the very best PE games WITH NO EQUIPMENT! Woop!

Table of Contents

That’s right! Just a group of children are enough to create many games and have plenty of fun.

All you need are a good space and plenty of energy, so let’s go!

PE class with no equipment

1. Stop And Go Bubbles

Practice drawing a great big pretend bubble with your finger in the air.

Reach up as high as you can and reach down as low as you can. Really reach all the way around you.

If you can reach and touch anyone else with our moving your feet you are too close to move away and make sure you are in your own space.

Stretch out in your bubble to make sure you can’t touch anyone else’s just in case you should burst their bubble.

Ask the children to move like a bubble and float around the space. How freeing and mindful this bit is!

When you tell them to stop, make sure their bubble is in a good space so that no one can burst it.

2.Extra Sensory Perception (ESP)

This is a brilliant pairs game, that is good as a warm-up or as a fun game on it’s own!.

What you do is invent three movements and demonstrate them to the group.

Once you’ve played it a couple of times, the kids can come up with their own ideas.

Three examples of moves could be:

  • Doing star jumps
  • Doing Jazz hands
  • Jumping a 360 spin on the spot

Then everyone gets a partner.

The true challenge now is to activate your ESP, which (as pretty much all kids seem to know), is your Extra-Sensory Perception. Simply put, this is the ability to read your partner’s mind (which is very exciting).

Everyone displays one of the three moves at the same time. You want to do the move that you think your partner will do.

Do the same move? Woo woo! You activated your ESP.

Different move? Just try again.

Keep going for a few goes, before changing partners to see if your ESP works better or worse on other people.

As well as being a great PE activity, I often use this as a circle time game in class. This is one of the favorite games from my book 101 Circle Time Games…That Actually Work!

problem solving games for pe

This book contains all the very best mindfulness circle games, active circle games, math games, literacy circle games, and so much more! You can check out the book here.

3. Foxes And Hares

Once the children have got a good understanding of space, and they can stop and start on your command, there are lots of fun PE games you can introduce.

Foxes and hares is a classic chase game .

Aim of the game: To catch all the hares of course!

About a fifth of the children should be foxes. So if you are playing with 10 children, 2 children can be foxes. 

The hares move around the space by hopping. To hop, they should move both feet together and then put two hands together on the floor, just like a rabbit or a hare moves in bunny hops.

The foxes also move on four legs (hands and feet) but they should be quicker as they are less restricted.

To catch a hare, simply touch them (gently, please! No fox attacks).

When all the Hares are caught by the foxes, the game is over and you start a new game with a new group of foxes.

4. Trains and Tunnels

This is a similar version to the game above. There are always loads of train enthusiasts among pretty much any age of children, so this game is always a winner.

Choose a few children to be the trains. 

Explain that the rest of the children are tunnels. They should make a tunnel by putting both their hands and feet on the floor and arching their back as high as they can to make a high tunnel with their body. 

The trains should run around the space until you shout Whoo Whoo.

At the sound of the train whistle, they should crawl through as many of the tunnels as they can. 

When a train has been through a tunnel, the tunnel is released and becomes a train. 

Keep playing until all the tunnels are trains. 

This is a fun game for pairs.

One child is the leader, the other is their shadow.

Explain how your shadow does exactly what you do. It follows you everywhere, and your movements are identical.

As the leaders move around the space, the shadow follows and copies exactly what they do.

Encourage the children to use different levels of movement.

  • Roll on the floor
  • Move on your hands and knees
  • Move on one or two feet

Encourage them to use different speeds of movement

  • Move slowly and gracefully
  • Move quickly and craftily

Encourage them to use different balances

  • Balance on one foot
  • Balance on all fours
  • Balance on two feet and one hand

Remember to swap over so that both children have a chance to be the leader. 

6. Good Toes Naughty Toes

This is another simple listening game requiring no equipment and it can be played as an indoor and outdoor game.

There are two instructions that the children are going to listen out for. Those are:

Good toes – They should stand completely still with their feet together

Naughty toes – They should dance around wildly using the space and not bumping into anyone else. (Music can be used if you want to)

This game is all about freedom and expression!

Good toes naughty toes game

7. Noisy Running!

This is possibly my all-time favorite mindful PE game.

This is best done outside in a large space.

The idea is that the children are going to move and make noises at the same time. The volume of the sound they make will be directly linked to how fast they move.

Start by all humming very faintly, and walking really slowly.

Then try a fast walk, and raise the volume of the sound coming out of everyone’s mouth.

Then try light jogging, with a medium noise – aaaaahh – coming from everyone’s mouth, about the volume of talking.

Keep getting faster and increasing the volume! When you are running at full pelt, you will also be yelling as loud as possible – AHHHHH!

I like to do this activity in a structured way to introduce it and mix up the speeds/volumes for a while.

But then, for a couple of minutes, let the children ‘freestyle’. They choose their speeds and volumes and race around.

This activity is all about mindfulness , and experiencing a sense of freedom and liberation from inhibitions!

8. Floating!

Another mindful PE activity here.

Get the children to stand in a space and close their eyes. Then you are going to help them to visualize that they are transforming into something that floats or flies!

It could be:

Let’s imagine we start with the balloon.

Tell the children to visualize they are slowly changing into a balloon. Their skin is becoming colored rubber. And now someone is blowing them up, and they are getting lighter and lighter, and larger and larger.

Then, tell them they are fully inflated.

The children open their eyes, and now they are going to imagine they are floating like balloons around the space!

Off they go – billowing and wafting in the breeze.

After a couple of minutes, you can try transforming into feathers or eagles.

9.  Be The Teacher

This is a good way for children to start to think about the quality of their movements in PE class.

Work in pairs again. One child should be the teacher. 

Explain that as the teacher, they have to help their pupil make the best quality moves and shapes that they possibly can.

It depends on what kind of moves you are working on, but I like to do this with gym moves.

Try moves like:

  • Forward roll
  • 360 jump rotation

Ask one child to demonstrate the move, and the other child should help them to make it perfect.

Encourage the children to be kind and helpful. For example, they might say things like:

Tuck your head in a bit more.

Can you straighten your legs even more?

Can you reach up taller?

Ask them to use lots of praise if they spot some good quality movements and make sure they tell their partner what they are doing well.

Don’t forget to swap so that everyone has a go at being the teacher.

10. Make A Shape

Put the children in groups of 4 or 5 and give them the challenge of working as a team to make a shape.

Explain that they can work on the floor, lying down or standing up, as long as the shape is clear.

Begin with the basic shapes of:

circle, triangle, square rectangle

Build up to more difficult shapes like:

stars, hexagons, ovals, rhombus, or octagon

11. Body Letters And Numbers

You can extend this from shapes to letters of the alphabet or numbers.

Simply ask the children to make a letter by working together to get into the shape. This is a good activity for team building as they will have to work together and everybody is needed. 

12. Dance Like No-One’s Watching

Dancing is good for you for so many reasons. It’s a workout for the whole body, it encourages you to keep a beat and keep in time with music, and most of all, it’s fun.

It’s good for the soul, so put some happy upbeat music on and encourage some free dancing.

Clap your hands, wiggle your hips, wave your arms. Have fun!!

13.  Heart Monitors

It’s important for children to know that exercising makes changes to our bodies so that they aren’t frightened by the changes and they understand what is happening to them. 

This is a nice activity to explain those changes so that the children understand that it is perfectly normal.

Count down one minute of any kind of high-intensity exercise, for example:

  • Fast running on the spot with high knees 
  • Tuck jumps with both feet together
  • Pretending to skip on the spot as fast as you can
  • Burpees (lay down then jump up)

Really encourage the children to put lots of effort in here.

When the minute is up, encourage the children to put their hands on their hearts and feel it beating.

If they’ve put enough effort in, it should be pounding. Ask them to feel their forehead – it should be at least warm, if not hot and sweaty. 

Notice how fast their breathing is when they stop. They should be out of puff.

With older children, you could ask them to take their own pulse before and after exercising and see how much their pulse rate has increased. 

14. Eight Dance!

This is a great dancing game for kids of all ages.

Put some pumping music on to get everyone going!

Then pick some kind of action or dance move, and everyone does it eight times to the music while also counting at the same time – ‘1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8!’

So, you might do eight star-jumps while counting. Or eight big marches on the spot.

Then shout out a new action, and start that, keeping the counting going throughout.

Some other good dances/actions could be:

  • Arms up arms down
  • Punch the air with one arm, then the other
  • Arms wide, arms across your body
  • Walking in place

For the older ones, the emphasis is on the movement. But for younger kids, this is also a great rote counting activity.

15. Animal Copy Cat

One child will be the leader in this game. This is the ‘cat’ that the others will try to copy.

The leader is going to pretend to move like an animal. Everyone else will copy!

For example, they might move like a monkey. They will stoop low, and swing their arms like a monkey. Everyone copies!

After a while, the leader will change the animal. They might pretend to be an elephant!

The trick is for everyone to watch for the transition and try to copy.

The leader can mix things up as quickly or slowly as they like.

16. Animal Freeze!

This is a variation of the animal copycat game above with a bit of music added.

Once again, have a leader that is going to pretend to be different animals that the others copy.

Put on some music, and the kids move around like the animal that the leader is demonstrating.

The adult will pause the music at any given moment. The children must then freeze in their best animal pose! It’s a bit like musical statues at this point. Anyone that moves could be out! (Or you can just play the non-competitive version where everyone gets to carry on each time).

17. Transformers

Wow – transformers are one of the most exciting things on the planet for many kids.

And this game really taps into this enthusiasm.

The kids are all now shape-shifting transformers. They can transform in the blink of an eye into many different types of vehicles, and move around the space like them.

Some good vehicles to try include:

  • Train – with ‘chugging’ arms and lots of tooting!
  • Helicopter – arms as rotas spinning over your head
  • Racing cars – running around as fast as possible!
  • Plane – Lots of swooping and soaring
  • Monster trucks – Be as big and wide as you can

18. Mr Men/Little Miss Game

The idea of this is that the kids pretend to be some of the characters out of the Mr. Men and Little Miss books.

Some good ones to try include:

Mr. Grumpy – stamp around the room with your angriest face

Mr. Tall – Stretch up and walk as tall as you can

Mr. Bump – Go round bumping into walls and imaginary objects (though not other people)

Little Miss Tiny – Curl up like a tiny weeny ball

Lots of modeling of movements work well for this game – both from the adult and skillful children.

19. Child-Friendly Yoga

I find yoga is most effective with children when they can readily understand that the pose they are doing is mimicking something.

Some great poses that mimic things that children know are:

Household Yoga

In this, the kids mimic everyday actions in the house. It could be sweeping the floor, or washing the pots.

Lie on your front, with your hands flat on the floor next to your face.

Push upwards until your arms are straight, your chest is off the floor, and your back is arched.

This stretches the back and abdomen.

A young girl doing a seal yoga pose

Giraffe Pose

Stand with one foot in front of the other.

Reach up high with both hands (this being the giraffe’s neck.) Then slowly bend down, and touch your leading foot with both hands.

Then slowly return to the original position.

Young girl doing a giraffe yoga pose

Turtle Pose

Lie on your back. Pull your knees into your chest so that you form a ball shape. Slowly rock backward and forwards.

Your curved back forms the turtle’s ‘shell’.

20. Bean Game

This is one of those all-time classics that I thought I should include on this list.

The children pretend to be types of beans, each of which has its own separate movement.

Model two or three bean movements to start off with, have a practice, and then all play the game. Add more bean movements when the children get more confident.

The adult simply calls out a bean name, and the children move in that way.

The beans and associate movements are:

Sprouting bean  – Walk around on your tip-toes, with your arms stretched as high above you as possible

Baked bean  – Sit down on the floor

Broad bean  – Try to be as wide as possible! Walk around like this

Beans on toast  – Lie down on the floor

Chilli bean  – Shiver! This is a ‘pun’ on the word ‘chilli/chilly’ (obviously!)

Jelly bean  – Wibble and wobble!

Runner bean  – Run around like crazy

French bean  – Say, ‘Bonjour!

When you’ve played a few times, a child could potentially become the leader of this game.

21. Action Stories

This is a really good way of combining storytelling, listening, and action!

The adult makes up a story, and the children act it out.

After you’ve done it a few times, a confident child might well be able to lead this.

You want to have lots of active characters in the story, such as stamping giants, witches on broomsticks, unicorns galloping, and all that kind of thing.

As well as that, it’s good to have lots of action, such as terrible storms blowing, landslides, sinking sand, and all the rest of it.

The kids act all of these things out.

A sample start of a story might go:

‘One day the giant went stamping off through the forest. A terrible wind began to blow. The trees were swaying from side to side. Suddenly a unicorn came galloping into the forest to save the giant…’

I’m sure you get the picture!

22. Traffic Lights

Here’s another absolute classic of the repertoire!

In this, the children will pretend to be cars, and the adult gives different verbal instructions that the cars respond to.

The easiest way to play the game is to have three simple instructions that correspond to the colors of a traffic light:

Green  – Go! Jog around the space

Red  – Stop still

Yellow  – Walk on the spot, ready to go

Start easy, but you can always add more elements to the game when they are ready. Some other verbal cues include:

Honk the horn  – A noisy one, this! Go round tooting!

Roundabout  – Jog around in a narrow circle

Parking Lot (or car-park)  – Lie down on the floor

Freeway  – Run as fast as you can

23. Fox and Chickens

This is a variation of a basic tag game .

The idea is to mix up the game by incorporating a theme that the children are interested in.

So, you could have a fox catching chicken by tagging them. Or one of the following:

  • A shark catching fishes
  • A bird catching worms
  • Or a witch catching children

Anything you think the children will respond to is fine.

24. HIIT Session

Here is a simple idea, that is great for fitness for all ages.

You have a structured sequence of activities that you perform together. Spend about thirty seconds on each movement, with a fifteen-second break.

Some simple moves include:

  • Reach up, reach down
  • Jumping like a frog
  • Jumping in place
  • Reach to one side, reach to other

For older or more skillful children, you can try some of these:

You can do one round of the activities or even two or three reps!

25. Simon Says Active Version

Of course, you all know the basic idea of Simon Says .

But it works really well in PE sessions if you make the moves super-active!

So, rather than ‘Simon says touch your nose’ kind of instructions, you want to think more along the lines of ‘Simon says crawl like snakes across the floor!’

Some other good examples might be:

‘Simon says wade through the muddy swamp.’

‘Simon says climb the rope ladder.’

‘Simon says run like a cheetah on all fours!’

26. Captain’s Coming

This is another game that is donkey’s old, but children love it generation after generation.

All the kids pretend to be on a boat. The adult gives orders to the ‘crew’.

These include:

Scrub the deck  – Get on hands and knees and start scrubbing the floor!

Swim to shore  – Use a powerful front crawl to move around the space

Into the hammock  – Lie down on the floor

Lift the cannonballs  – Lift up those super heavy cannonballs, and load them into the cannon!

Row the boat  – Row!

Captain’s coming  – Salute!

27.Melting Moments

This is a visualization and mindfulness game that is great as a warm-down.

The children are going to be imagining that they are something that melts. For example, they could be:

-A chocolate bar

-An ice-cube

Let’s imagine we go for ‘snowman’. Tell the children to stand in a space and then close their eyes.

Tell them to imagine that they are transforming into a snowman. They can feel their freezing cold body, their carrot nose, and coal for their eyes.

But now the hot sun has come out. You can feel the warmth on your face!

Feel how the snow is melting your body. Water is starting to drip down the snowman.

Imagine you are shrinking! You are getting lower to the ground! And finally, you are a steaming puddle lying on the floor.

(Ask the children to lie down and imagine this!)

28. Figures Of Eight

This is a good game to use as a warm-down.

The basic idea is that the kids stand in a space, and they are going to form a large figure 8 in the air with different parts of their bodies.

Start with their finger, but then move on to using their:

Warming Up And Cooling Down

To warm-up before PE Class or a fun activity at home, I like to play some music with a good steady beat and perform some repetitive actions for the children to copy. I make sure I warm up my arms, shoulders, feet, legs, hips, and neck. 

To cool down after PE games, try some nice long stretches for all the different body parts. I always like to finish a cool-down with some big deep breaths. Scoop up some air, stretch up and hold it above your head and then blow it away as you release your arms back down to your sides. 

Not Just Good For Physical Learning

One of the biggest benefits of daily physical activity is that children’s behavior improves as well as their overall confidence and independence. Check out this study on tracking of physical activity into into adulhood for more information on the benefits of PE Games .

Now that’s something worth trying for.

Good luck if you try out any of these fun PE games!

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Taken part in a range of PE games and activities. Followed simple instructions and applied rules. Worked collaboratively as a pair and in a small group. Used and applied simple diagrams with pictures and symbols.

Work with others to solve problems. Describe their work and use different strategies to solve problems. Lead others and be led. Differentiate between when a task is competitive and when it is collaborative.

  • to use clear communication, strength and flexibility to complete a task.
  • to work with others to complete map-reading tasks.
  • to draw and create a clear route on a map for others to follow.
  • to work with others and identify what went well and what we could do to improve.
  • to use the outside of the foot to control the ball and dribble.
  • to safely take part in trust-based activities.
  • What does trust mean?
  • How did you work together to decide on the layout of your station?
  • Do the symbols give us any clues as to what real-life object/area they might represent?

Variety of ropes, hoops, bean bags, a range of sports equipment, teaching resource cards, soft balls, bibs/bands.

Maps, diagrams, scale, symbols, orienteering, controls, challenges, problem-solving, lead, follow, plan, trust.

To problem solve, you need to think through possible problems before arriving at a solution. Children should take on the point of view of every team member.

Head – Use acquired skills to create maps and directions.

Hand – Perform with strength, stamina and endurance in more physical tasks.

Heart – Can work with others to solve problems.

Lesson Overview

  • Show working as part of a team
  • Communicate to solve problems
  • To use strength and flexibility to complete a task

We are learning: to use clear communication, strength and flexibility to complete a task

Activity:  Assessment for learning task.

  • To identify basic symbols on a map
  • To complete tasks using symbols and maps
  • To work with others to complete simple map reading tasks

We are learning: to work with others to complete map-reading tasks

Activity:  Colour cards and symbol challenge

  • Confidently read and follow a basic map
  • Create a route on a map for others to use
  • Work independently and as part of a team

We are learning: to draw and create a clear route on a map for others to follow

Activity:  Follow a map and design a route on a map

  • Respond to problems in a group situation
  • Identify what worked well and what they need to improve when working as a group
  • Play competitively and fairly

We are learning: to work with others and identify what went well and what we could do to improve

Activity: Tag ball, shark-infested water and all aboard

  • Identify what they need to do to complete a challenge
  • Participate safely, considering others
  • Confidently work closely with others

We are learning: to identify and explain what is required to complete a variety of challenges

Activity:  Alphabet and bridge game, circle hoop and hands challenge

  • Lead and be led by others
  • Take part in trust-based activities
  • Know what they must do to participate safely

We are learning: to safely take part in trust-based activities

Activity:  Pairs blindfold games, sheep herding game

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Exercise in Disguise: Fun PE Games and Activities

Picture of Carolyn Temertzoglou

“5 laps around the gym – Go!”

Is this a familiar command you recall when you entered the gymnasium for your Physical Education class in elementary school? Did it make you excited to take part in PE? Or, did it raise anxiety and/or boredom as you dreaded the same old routine to start the PE lesson? If you answered the later, a common response, it may have led to a negative attitude towards physical activity, perhaps even a disengagement in PE because it wasn’t fun , enjoyable, and varied in its approach.

Everyone should be able to associate physical activity as a fun, enjoyable experience and a necessary component of everyday life.

With only 9% of Canadians kids aged 5 to 17 achieving 60 minutes of heart pumping exercise daily, and similar statistics in the United States, we need to change the way we get kids moving in PE and throughout the school day through fun games and activities. ( ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth, 2015 )

Have you ever thought about “ gamifying” your approach to teaching fundamental movement skills , personal fitness, and interpersonal skills? Developing more movement vocabulary and physical literacy opens up a gateway to active participation for life.

To “ gamify ” something means to turn an activity or task, such as physical activity, into a game or something resembling a game; usually making the activity more interesting. Here is an example gamifying a common paper and pencil game such as Tic Tac Toe into a dynamic warm up for a PE lesson.

Tic Tac Toe Relay

This game combines components of fitness such as speed, agility, cardiovascular fitness and problem solving skills. See video example!

Tic Tac Toe Relay Fun PE Game

Games in Physical Education

Games permeate every aspect of school PE and can be used as warm-ups or modified instructional tools, as well as taught as complex activities. They enable students of all ages and abilities to achieve a range of core competencies of a quality Health and Physical Education program. Through games students can:

  • Actively participate in sustained moderate to vigorous physical activity according their abilities and readiness level.
  • Demonstrate responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others.
  • Develop a range of movement skills (e.g., stability, locomotion and manipulative), concepts (e.g., body and spatial awareness) and strategies (e.g., rules and boundaries, conventions of fair play) to acquire movement competence and increased physical literacy
  • Develop personal, interpersonal skills and use critical thinking and problem solving skills.

If games are taught well, students can improve their fitness, learn new skills, cooperate with teammates and challenge their intellect by solving problems of strategy and tactics. If games are taught poorly, students may learn that winning is everything and cheating is a viable strategy.

No doubt, the use of games can increase fun and student enjoyment in PE. Consider planning instruction of games with intent . Create guiding question(s) to frame the learning in a game/activity.

  • “Why do games have rules?” Ask yourself this if you want to emphasize conventions of fair play, structures of games.
  • “What makes a good team player?” Ask yourself this if you want to emphasize interpersonal skills and teambuilding skills.
  • “What skills from this activity can I transfer to another game or sport environment? ” Ask yourself this if you want to emphasize the development of movement competence and personal fitness.

Rubber chickens for fun PE games

Useful Tip: Use novelty type equipment such as a rubber critters or throton, both are non-sport specific throwing objects. This can create a more inclusive learning environment and engage students of all readiness levels and skills to begin with, before progressing into more complex activities.

Here are some fun PE games to get you started:

Everybody is it.

At the start of the game everyone is it and every player tries to tag another player while trying not to be tagged. If tagged, players have to perform a task (e.g., choice of 5 stride jumps, 5 push-ups, 5 sit-ups, 5 tuck jumps) and then return to the game. If players tag each other at the same time both perform a task. Continue for several minutes of fun and movement!

Triangle Tag

Improves agility and coordination.

Triangle tag fun PE games

Builders and Boulders with Gopher’s ACTION! Topple Tubes

Scatter 20-30 topple tubes (or cones) around the playing area in no particular order or color pattern. Divide the class into 2 teams. On the signal, players race to flip their team’s color to the top. If playing with cones players either race to flip the cones to standing upright (builders) or flip cones on their side (bulldozers). Players must only use their hands to flip the tubes or cones, not their feet. Play the game for a period of time and declare the winning team with the most standing tubes in its color “up” or the cones in the assigned position.

Check out Gopher’s full selection of ACTION! Team Games! These games are designed to be action-packed, class oriented, teacher friendly, inclusive, and incorporate national standards!

  • Flying Chicken Baseball – develops interpersonal skills and game sense for striking and fielding games.
  • Code Breaker – a team circuit game by Thompson Educational Publishing.
  • Minute to Win It – a fun circuit that appeals to students who love competition by Thompson Educational Publishing.
  • Rock, Paper, Scissors Games – a fun baseball favorite and more from CIRA Ontario.

What fun games and activities are in your “PE tool kit” and why?

Be sure to check out my next blog in June featuring a fun filled game called Kin-Ball . It’s a game that emphasizes teamwork and develops movement vocabulary such as hand eye coordination, manipulative skills and spatial awareness, all in one!

KIN-BALL Fun PE Games

About the Author:

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9 Activity Ideas for STEM in Physical Education

  • Lauren Chiangpradit
  • November 16, 2023
  • Reviewed by Sean Barton
  • Reviewed by Haley MacLean

Table of Contents

The Synergy of Movement and Learning

Physical education stem activities for elementary school, stem activities for middle school pe students, advanced stem challenges for high school learners, tech, tools, and resources for stem in physical education.

Integrating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) into Physical Education (PE) classes offers an innovative approach to education. In an era where sports statistics, science, and technology increasingly influence athletics, PE classes are uniquely positioned to blend physical activity with STEM learning and 21st century skills. This article explores how PE educators and facilitators can use STEM learning in their coursework. It also provides a range of curriculum activity ideas to get students at different education and skill levels engaged.

Research indicates that physical activity can significantly bolster cognitive abilities. When students participate in movement-based learning, they benefit physically and experience enhanced concentration, memory, and creativity. This cognitive boost is crucial for comprehending and applying STEM concepts, which often demand high levels of problem-solving and critical thinking. Active learning, where students engage in physical activities while learning STEM concepts, results in more profound understanding and retention of information. Integrating physical and mental challenges not only makes learning more enjoyable, but is more effective, as students apply theoretical concepts in practical settings, leading to better comprehension and recall.

Integrating STEM into elementary physical education presents a fantastic opportunity to lay the foundation for lifelong learning and curiosity in young students. Through these innovative activities, elementary school children can explore and understand key STEM concepts while engaging in fun and physical play. Each activity is designed to be not only educational but highly interactive and suitable for their developmental stage. Here are some engaging activities that blend physical education with STEM learning for elementary students:

  • Jump and Measure: Students perform a variety of jumps – like the long jump and high jump – and measure their distances or heights. This activity introduces basic concepts of measurement and physics, encouraging students to understand how force and motion play a role in their physical activities.
  • Geometry with Body Movements: In this activity, children use their bodies to create geometric shapes, either individually or in groups. It’s an engaging way for students to learn about basic geometry, spatial awareness, and symmetry. Teachers can challenge students to form complex shapes, enhancing their understanding and teamwork skills.
  • STEM Soccer : In a lesson devoted to measuring throw-ins, students collect data in centimeters and convert their data to meters dividing by 100. Students then evaluate measurement systems to decide the best measurement size. This disguised learning,  interactive lesson is a great way for physical education teachers to add STEM into their PE classes.
  • Weather and Exercise: Students observe and record weather patterns over a week and discuss how different weather conditions affect physical activities. This integrates meteorology into PE, allowing students to see the real-world application of science in their everyday activities.
  • Heart Rate Exploration: After engaging in various exercises, students measure their heart rates to learn about the cardiovascular system and the science behind exercise. This activity not only educates them about their bodies, but about the importance of physical fitness in maintaining health.
  • Playground Physics: Utilizing playground equipment, this activity allows students to explore concepts like gravity, force, and motion. They can experience firsthand how these physical laws impact their play and movements, turning the playground into a living laboratory.

As students enter middle school, their capacity for more complex and abstract thinking grows significantly. This developmental stage is an ideal time to introduce more intricate STEM concepts through physical education, enhancing their learning experience with practical applications. The following STEM activities are tailored for middle school students, offering a blend of intellectual challenge and physical engagement. These activities are designed to pique students’ curiosity in STEM fields through the familiar and enjoyable medium of sports and physical exercises. By participating in these activities, students not only deepen their understanding of STEM concepts, but learn valuable lessons in teamwork, problem-solving, and the practical application of classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. Here’s a look at some stimulating and educational STEM activities for middle school PE:

  • Sports Statistics Analysis: Students gather and analyze sports statistics from games or physical activities. This teaches them about data collection, interpretation, and the importance of statistics in understanding and improving athletic performance.
  • STEM Football: During a lesson in STEM Football, students collect and graph data of a controlled experiment by using a line graph. Students then explain the relationship between kinetic energy and mass by writing a claim evidence supported by evidence-based reasoning from class data. This lesson highlights the strong classroom connection between physical education and STEM learning, and how it can help create tangible examples for students.
  • Energy and Movement: This activity focuses on the concept of kinetic and potential energy in the context of sports. Students explore how energy is transferred and transformed during different physical activities, such as running, jumping, or throwing a ball.
  • Biomechanics of Sports: Here, students delve into the study of human movement and mechanics in various sports. They learn about the science behind athletic performance, injury prevention , and how athletes optimize their movements for maximum efficiency and safety.
  • Mathletics Relay: A relay race where each leg involves solving a math problem before passing the baton. This combines physical fitness with mathematical skills, emphasizing quick thinking and teamwork.
  • Technology in Sports Training: Students explore how technology is increasingly used in sports training and performance analysis. They might look at wearable tech, video analysis software, or other tools that help athletes improve their skills and coaches to make informed decisions.

High school students, with their advanced cognitive skills and heightened interests, are well-positioned to tackle complex STEM challenges through physical education. This section of the curriculum is designed to offer high school learners in-depth, hands-on experiences that combine higher-level STEM concepts with physical activities and sports. These advanced activities are not just about physical exertion; they require students to engage in critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative innovation. They provide an opportunity for students to see the real-world applications of the STEM knowledge they acquire in their classrooms, bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical implementation. By participating in these activities, high school students can gain a deeper understanding of various STEM fields, such as physics, engineering, biotechnology, and environmental science, observing how these disciplines intersect with sports and physical fitness. Here are some challenging and intellectually stimulating STEM activities designed for high school learners:

  • Physics of Sports Equipment Design: Students research and discuss the physics principles involved in the design of sports equipment. This can include topics like material science, aerodynamics, and ergonomics, providing insights into how equipment is optimized for performance and safety.
  • Engineering a Miniature Golf Course: Students design and construct a miniature golf course, applying concepts of geometry, physics, and design. This project not only involves creativity, but a practical application of STEM principles by creating functional and enjoyable mini-golf holes.
  • Sports Analytics Project: Students undertake a project to analyze a sports game using statistical methods and tools. This activity introduces them to data science in sports, teaching them how to interpret and use data to understand game strategies and player performance.
  • Biotechnology in Athletics: This topic explores how biotechnology is used in sports, from equipment design to performance enhancement techniques. Students might study material innovations, genetic research in athletics, or the ethical implications of biotechnology in sports.
  • Environmental Science in Outdoor Sports: Students analyze how environmental factors impact outdoor sports activities. They can study topics like climate change, pollution, and natural terrain, understanding the interplay between sports and the environment.
  • Virtual Reality Sports Training: Students explore how VR technology is being used for skill development, strategy training, and injury rehabilitation in various sports by discussing the emerging role of virtual reality in sports.

Bringing STEM into PE classes effectively requires the right resources, including technology tools, educational kits, and comprehensive guides. Resources like the STEM Sports® kits provide ready-to-use activities that seamlessly blend physical education with STEM learning. These kits offer an invaluable resource for teachers looking to enrich their curriculum and engage K-8 students through a cross-curricular learning approach. For additional resources, tools, and innovative ideas, please visit STEM Sports® .

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Tower Rush is a PE Game focused on strategy coodination and risk taking. Physical Education Game.

The PE Shed was born on October 2016 to provide Physical Education resources to people all around the world. It's mission is simple: To make Physical Education teaching simple, fun and engaging . 

Our ideas were created in the classroom (gymnasium) and have been tested on real children! The PE activities and games which we have included are aimed at children in Elementary (Primary) and Lower Secondary School. The majority of activities can be adapted for all ages. We have also created Active Reading Comprehensions allowing you to take English Literacy and Reading lessons to PE.

The PE lesson plans we have created will provide you with everything you need to teach fun and engaging PE lessons. Each lesson plan includes a focus, recommended age group and an image. We also explain:

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Team Building & Problem Solving

Team Building & Problem Solving

Subject: Physical education

Age range: 11-14

Resource type: Worksheet/Activity

sport1989

Last updated

8 July 2013

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  1. PDF The PE Cooperative Games and Problem Solving Activities

    Physical Education Cooperative Games and Problem Solving Activities. Every year, we begin with cooperative and problem solving activities that foster cooperation, encouraging strategic and supportive dialogue, listening to a different opinion than your own, and having fun at the same time. The activities also develop collaboration ...

  2. PE Games: Cross The River

    The classroom teachers enjoy watching the kids use teamwork and attempt to be the first group to "cross the river". If you want specifics and a more detailed list of ideas, strategies and variations - you can download my lesson plan for free below: Free - Cross the River Lesson Plan. It's so fun watching kids complete a challenge for ...

  3. Teaching Cooperative Learning and Problem Solving in PE

    I decided the best way to have my students learn and practice these skills wasn't through the traditional cooperative learning activities. Instead, I began by teaching them a variety of simple games. A four-team Capture the Flag type game. A six-team invasion type game. A six-team tagging game. A four-team knock down the targets game.

  4. 28 Best PE Games With Absolutely No Equipment

    3. Foxes And Hares. Once the children have got a good understanding of space, and they can stop and start on your command, there are lots of fun PE games you can introduce. Foxes and hares is a classic chase game. Aim of the game: To catch all the hares of course! About a fifth of the children should be foxes.

  5. The PE Shed

    The PE Game Ideas section provides you with Physical Education resources which will help you to plan PE Warm Up Games, PE Tag Games, PE Thinking Games, and PE Coordination Games. Within each section you will find a whole range of different games which will excite and challenge your students. Each PE Game outlines what equipment is required, how ...

  6. Physical Education: PE Central's Cooperative Physical Education Activities

    PE Central is a web site that provides information about developmentatally appropriate physical education practices and programs. Advanced Search. ... Many physical educators are incorporating activities into their programs that engage students in problem solving activities. Below are ideas that PE Central has published along with other ...

  7. 6 of the Best Cooperative Games in Physical Education

    The first six games are cooperative games that are great for teachers and students. The 7th game includes competition. It is good for teachers because they ...

  8. Cooperative Games

    Excerpts from a professional development workshop with elementary physical education teachers, this video takes you through a variety of cooperative challeng...

  9. Problem-Solving PE Lesson

    This year 6 OAA problem-solving PE lesson from Twinkl Move teaches children about the best ways to approach problem-solving. In groups, they will have a go at solving a problem step by step, before applying the same principles to other problems to help them find a solution.All of the problems involve physical activity, and the children will also be evaluating their problem-solving strategies ...

  10. Twinkl Move PE

    This problem-solving PE games pack contains a range of resources that could be helpful for planning a PE lesson to challenge your students. This pack contains a wide range of resources, including aims posters, non-participation activity sheets, skills posters, warm-up and cool-down cards, and an area plan. Everything you need to plan a PE lesson involving problem-solving is included in this ...

  11. OAA

    Taken part in a range of PE games and activities. Followed simple instructions and applied rules. Worked collaboratively as a pair and in a small group. Used and applied simple diagrams with pictures and symbols. Work with others to solve problems. Describe their work and use different strategies to solve problems. Lead others and be led.

  12. PE Year 3 Lesson 3: Problem Solving PE Games Lesson Pack

    This problem-solving PE games pack contains a range of resources that could be helpful for planning a PE lesson to challenge your students. This pack contains a wide range of resources, including aims posters, non-participation activity sheets, skills posters, warm-up and cool-down cards, and an area plan. Everything you need to plan a PE lesson involving problem-solving is included in this ...

  13. Cooperation Games for Physical Education

    Game categories Explore the PE games database. Games. Invasion. Net & Wall. Striking & Fielding. Target. FMS. Chasing & Fleeing. Health & Fitness. Cooperation. Cooperation. Video. Elf Express. I can work independently with others in a team environment. I know a variety of communication skills that support teamwork.

  14. PE Games: 5 Fun Games to Disguise Exercise!

    This game combines components of fitness such as speed, agility, cardiovascular fitness and problem solving skills. See video example! Games in Physical Education. Games permeate every aspect of school PE and can be used as warm-ups or modified instructional tools, as well as taught as complex activities. ...

  15. KS1 PE Activities for Kids

    The resource contains a selection of fun activities, designed by teachers, that can be played indoors and outdoors. They are great for use in your PE lessons for younger children (aged between 5 and 7). If you've found these KS1 PE Games and Activities Challenge Cards useful, then you might also like to try: 30 Warm-Up Ideas for PE Cards.

  16. Top 10 PE Team Building Games

    Then this PE bundle is for you. Packed full of great team-building and problem-solving activities. Your students will have a blast whilst learning to work together and being physically active! And for good measure, we've thrown in 2 bonus games completely free! Included in this bundle: 10 Team-Building Games. 2 Bonus Team-Building Games.

  17. The PE Shed

    The PE Thinking Games section provides you with Physical Education resources which will help you to plan PE Thinking Strategy Games. Each PE Game outlines what equipment is required, how to set the game up, how to play the game and how to differentiate the game.

  18. Team Building and Cooperative Games

    In these 11 challenges we will look at some fun and interesting team building and cooperative games to do with your students.For these challenges you will ne...

  19. 9 Activity Ideas for STEM in Physical Education

    By participating in these activities, students not only deepen their understanding of STEM concepts, but learn valuable lessons in teamwork, problem-solving, and the practical application of classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. Here's a look at some stimulating and educational STEM activities for middle school PE:

  20. PE Games Physical Education Resources

    Our Story. The PE Shed was born on October 2016 to provide Physical Education resources to people all around the world. It's mission is simple: To make Physical Education teaching simple, fun and engaging. Our ideas were created in the classroom (gymnasium) and have been tested on real children!

  21. 7,268 Top "Pe Problem Solving" Teaching Resources curated for you

    Explore more than 7,268 "Pe Problem Solving" resources for teachers, parents and pupils. Instant access to inspirational lesson plans, schemes of work, assessment, interactive activities, resource packs, PowerPoints, teaching ideas at Twinkl!

  22. Team Building & Problem Solving

    Team Building & Problem Solving. Needs a few simple bits of equipment, but very effective to use as a lesson for starting OAA, concentrating on cooperation, communication & trust If you like these, please give some comments! If you don't, please give some feedback! to let us know if it violates our terms and conditions.

  23. PE Games for Kids

    Sevens Ball Game: Throwing and Catching. 4.8 (17 reviews) Fitness Circuit Activity. 5.0 (1 review) LKS2 Football Skills Pack. 4.8 (6 reviews) Beanbag Games and Activities Activity Pack. 5.0 (7 reviews) Twinkl Move PE - Year 5 Invasion Games Unit Pack.