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10 Resources for Physical Education Educators

Group of elementary students running in place in gym class

In the dynamic world of physical education, finding the right resources can transform your teaching and profoundly impact your students’ learning experiences. PE teachers often juggle a variety of challenges, from creating engaging lesson plans to fostering inclusivity and ensuring student safety. Luckily, a wealth of innovative tools and strategies are out there, recommended by fellow educators who have faced and conquered these challenges.

In this post, we dive into a selection of game-changing resources that PE teachers have found invaluable. These aren’t just any tools—they’re the ones that help streamline lesson planning, inspire creative activities, and support diverse student needs. Whether you’re looking to energize your classes with new ideas, incorporate technology seamlessly, or enhance your professional development, these recommendations will offer practical solutions to elevate both your teaching and your students' physical education journey.

Dynamic PE ASAP
Dynamic PE ASAP is a resource a colleague of mine introduced to me to help with lesson planning. This resource is great to get ideas for lesson planning, inspiration on activities, and much more. Ever since I was introduced to this site, planning lessons has gotten easier, and my lessons have gone smoother. For anyone in the PE department, I highly suggest this source. (Alexander L, 6-8)

Edutopia
Edutopia may help accommodate different learners and give you ideas to diversify your learning activities. (David D, 9-12; 6-8)

Kid Health in the Classroom
It provides free health-related lesson plans for various grade levels. The lessons cover topics such as nutrition, mental health, and personal safety. (John D, 6-8)

McGraw-Hill
McGraw-Hill is a very useful site that colleagues and I use daily in the health education setting. This site is a useful tool for subject content that follows the NJ state standards. It includes all units and materials for the classroom and are specific to each district. A subscription is needed that my school has provided. Overall, the resource paves the way for my health classes providing unit lessons, activities, assessment materials, pacing guides, and so much more. I highly recommend using this site. (Alexander L, 6-8)

Open PE
Open Phys Ed provides access to lesson plans, lesson outlines and various new games and activities that can be used in any physical education teachers class at any grade level. (Chris M, K-5)

PE Central
It includes lesson plans, assessment ideas, and a variety of activities for different age groups. The site also offers a section specifically for middle school PE. (John D, 6-8)

Physical Edge
Physical Edge provides excellent professional development for Physical educators. We have them now. They have consulting services, health education, curriculum writing and a myriad of great resources and tips. (Ashley P, 9-12)

Shape America
It has a list of all the standards for each grade and has links to free webinars/online workshops for anyone interested. (David D, K-5)

Spark PE
It gives excellent ideas about PE lesson plans. (Sami K, K-5)


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Sara Hanafi

Sara HanafiSara Hanafi is an upcoming Sophomore at Rutgers University-New Brunswick where she is working towards a degree in Cell Biology & Neuroscience. She has worked with Rutgers-GSE as a student worker-data and communications intern since March 2024. Published works by Sara are completed in collaboration with the Rutgers Alternate Route Team.