PE Resources - The Books You Can't Live Without
When I first started teaching Physical Education over 17 years ago, the only way to find new ideas, games, and activities for lesson planning was through collaboration with colleagues or purchasing books through P.E. equipment catalogs. I remember spending hours combing through various P.E. books looking for things I could use to teach K4 through 8th grade Physical Education.
In the process, I wasted a lot of time and money on books that weren’t worth it. The internet was just beginning, so the ability to search for quality resources was very limited. However, in today’s world the internet has changed everything. The way we search, research, and collaborate to find useful material has made books seem of little use. We can find information at anytime and from any place in the world. We can use desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones to gather information whenever we want instantly. However, books, of course, can still be very useful.
Throughout my career, I have purchased numerous Physical Education books that have changed the way I teach today. Of course, I had to live and learn and waste money and time figuring out what was and wasn’t quality material. That is why I decided to create and share with all of you what I feel are the top quality Physical Education book resources that you should spend your hard earned money on! These books are completely worth your time and money. I guarantee that you won’t regret adding these useful resources to your PE repertoire.
1. Make It! Take It! by The Great Activity Publishing Company
A great resource for instant integration ASAPs. Just copy and use!
2. Great Activity Magazine by The Great Activity Publishing Company
For just a few dollars a year receive this great PE Activity magazine subscription delivered to your door with activities for PE professionals from all over the country.
3. Physical Education Outside the Boxby Bud & Sue Turner
Here is another great resource for instant activities, as well as, skill related activities. What makes this a must in your PE tool box is every activity uses very little equipment, simple instructions, and minimal set-up time.
4. No Standing Around in my Gym by J.D. Hughes
This is a must have ready-to-use resource for teaching large classes! It is packed with 6 units, 70, games, 15 hints, and 39 special game variations.
5. No We Are Not Playing Dodgeball by Mike Bohannon
This book is a resource for fun, easy-to-use activities for promoting integration and fitness for all students. The book provides awesome warm-up, integration, and station ideas that get kids moving.
6. PE2theMax by J.D. Hughes
Another must have book for large classes!
7. Spark byJohn J. Ratey, MD
A must have book for Physical Education Advocacy. Make sure to have your administrator read the first chapter!
8. SHAPE America Standards & Grade-Level Outcomes for K-12 Physical Education by SHAPE America
A must have resource that includes the National PE standards and outcomes that guide your instruction! This it non-negotiable!
9. No Gym? No Problem!- Physical Activities for Tight Spaces by Charmain Sutherland
This doesn’t need explaining. It is a lifesaver for every P.E. Specialist!
10. Journey Toward the Caring Classroom by Laurie S. Frank
This is a great resource for covering NASPE Standard 4 while building community in your classroom. I highly recommend!
11. Instant Activities Volume 1: Dice Games by Kevin Tiller
The title says it all! Easy to use with printable ready-to-use activities with math integration. Need I say more?
12. The Great Games Handbook by Kevin Tiller
Recommended for skill based activities. This resource uses creativity to keep kids active and engaged.
13. The First Six Minutes! by Hal Cramer
Here is another fantastic must have for getting your students active from the start. If you want to increase your students MVPA then get it now!
14. Phys. Ed. Fun & Fitness by Kevin Tiller
This book includes “Warm-up activities”, “Skill Builders”, and “QR Codes in P.E.”. The awesome part is that it includes reproducibles making it easy to implement. Love that!!
Check out other great PE reads here and don't forget to share your favorites below!
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