Lela Simmons Chief Learning Officer | Indianapolis Public Schools Website
Lela Simmons Chief Learning Officer | Indianapolis Public Schools Website
Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) has introduced a dynamic approach to physical education by incorporating an Olympic Games-inspired theme into the first few weeks of the curriculum.
Kathy Langdon, the district’s coordinator for physical education and health and wellness, collaborated with physical education teachers across the district in developing the new programming. The idea of using the Olympic Games as a theme stemmed from a desire to make physical education more relatable and exciting for students.
The 2024 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad and branded as Paris 2024, was an international multi-sport event held in France from July 25 to Aug. 11. The event featured 10,714 athletes competing in 329 events across 32 sports, with 206 nations participating under the motto “Games Wide Open.”
“We know that our students have been watching the Olympics for the past several weeks,” Langdon said. “So, we wanted to create a program that not only highlights the importance of physical fitness but also connects our students to current events.”
The IPS program features 10 stations, each representing a sport from the Summer Olympic Games, such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, swimming, and gymnastics. Each station includes an activity plan, a station card, and a “passport” with fun facts about each sport and its associated country.
The Olympic-themed programming engages students in physical fitness activities that may not typically be part of a standard physical education curriculum.
“These activities allow students to train like Olympians, which is both exciting and motivational,” Langdon said. “The program is designed to adapt to different age groups, ensuring that all students can participate at a level that is both appropriate and challenging.”
Beyond physical fitness, the Olympic-themed lessons emphasize important life skills. Students learn the value of cooperation and how it contributes to team success. They discuss responsible behaviors, safety significance and following directions, and respecting themselves and others.
The program also teaches positive feelings' importance overcoming challenges understanding rules etiquette games
Langdon pointed out these lessons are not just theoretical: “Lessons are woven into each activity providing students practical examples embody values sports everyday life We want our students understand qualities develop sports teamwork respect perseverance help succeed life”
Lessons create cross-curricular connections subjects history geography For example evolution various sports explore cultural significance different countries noted Olympic Rings represent union five continents meeting athletes around world
“The Olympic-themed programming at IPS is more than just a fun start to school year,” she said “It comprehensive approach encourages active valuable life lessons connect classroom experiences wider world”
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