Send us Fan Mail Yes Chef! Today I borrow the mindset of elite kitchens to rethink what excellence looks like in teaching and physical education. I lay out a simple “recipe” that helps us build joyful classes, reliable routines, memorable experiences, and a consistent standard students can trust. • loving cooking shows as a lens for teaching excellence • serving up joy daily through fun movement and real connection • putting systems in place for attention signals, class flo...

Send us Fan Mail What's up PE Nation! Today I share how we run Striker Ball for K-5 and why it fits so well as a follow-up to Foursquare and Gaga Ball. I break down the setup, the rules that keep it safe and fair, and the simple ways we teach kids to settle disputes fast. • why Striker Ball works as a progression from Foursquare and Gaga Ball • simple setup using medium cones and court circles • objective of scoring through cone goals while defending your own • ball he...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Summer, Today I lay out a simple way to rest during summer break while still coming back ready to serve students better. I use the three Rs reflect, refocus, and regroup to review what worked, fix what didn’t, and build a real plan instead of repeating last year. • reflecting on the previous school year with pluses, minuses, changes, and keepers • building a PE culture that stays fun and educational • using a wristband-style student leadership pro...

Send us Fan Mail Hello PE Nation! Today we bring back four square and show how we teach it from kindergarten through the upper grades without losing kids to confusion, long lines, or constant arguments. I share the exact progressions, key rules, and the creative “extra games” students love once they know the basics. • why four square belongs in the PE curriculum and transfers to recess and home play • kindergarten setup using numbers plus bounce and catch skill building • fi...

Send us Fan Mail 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 res...

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, advan...

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 k...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome PE Nation! Today I share nine creative documentaries and series that fueled my teaching and creative work, from sushi perfection to sky-high walks, rock faces, pyrotechnics, street art, chess, and reopening an elite dining room. The thread is obsession, process, and building something that lasts. • Spinning Plates • Jiro Dreams of Sushi • Skywalkers and Man on Wire • Exit Through the Gift Shop • Skyladder • Free Solo • Magnus ...

Send us Fan Mail Jingle Bells, PE Nation! Today I share how to run Reindeer Games, a winter-themed PE event that trades endless laps for creative stations, safe movement, and real learning. We cover setup, scheduling with large classes, inclusive music, budget decor, and a full menu of flexible, fun games. • two-day versus one-day event planning • mirrored station tracks for large groups • safety choices for outdoor and indoor spaces • winter-themed stations that build skills • inclusive mus...

Send us Fan Mail What's up PE Nation! Today I take a hard look at what’s working and what needs work across our PE program, from a new student leadership system to weather-bent units, a missed grant, a messy Turkey Trot tally, and a post-surgery plan that turns warmups into student-led moments. Reflection sets the tone, action steps make it real. • leadership program wristbands • weather disruptions forcing spiraled units and flexible pacing • missed grant prompting fundraisers and sharper p...