At Faith Mather Sossaman Elementary, physical education is a dynamic part of the school day that combines movement, skill building, and confidence development. The program is designed to engage every student, encourage healthy habits, and make fitness something they look forward to long after they leave the gym.
All students from kindergarten through sixth grade attend PE twice a week for 30 minutes, engaging in lessons built around both national and Arizona physical education standards.
PE teachers Lara Cox and Kelly Sprung design lessons with a balance of warm ups, fitness activities, skill practice, and games. “We try to incorporate some kind of skill-based fitness each period,” Sprung said. “We’ll practice a skill, then play a game that uses it, all while working on sportsmanship and proper movement.” This structure allows students to master fundamentals while having fun.
The program thrives on creativity. Instead of repetitive drills, activities are woven into engaging games like “catapult” where students do sit-ups while tossing a ball to knock down targets, or partner exercises where kindergartners give each other a high five at the top of a sit-up. “They’re building strength,” Sprung explained, “but they’re not really thinking about it, they’re just having fun.”
Cox and Sprung emphasize personal growth over competition. Students set SMART goals and track their progress, celebrating even small gains. “If I can get one more lap or one more push up than last time, that’s a win,” Cox said. Progress is kept private, encouraging students to focus on self-improvement.
The social aspect of PE is also intentional. Whether it is a jump rope challenge with “belt” levels or group games that promote teamwork, students learn to support one another while developing physical skills. “One of the joys of teaching is watching them grow,” Cox said. “It’s the excitement they bring when they’ve practiced over the weekend and can’t wait to show you.”
Lessons are built around the Meaningful PE framework, which includes fun, social interaction, the right level of challenge, and skill building. All of these lead to greater confidence. “If they enjoy it, they’re going to want to keep doing it,” Cox shared.
The PE team also partners with families to encourage healthy choices at home, recognizing that fitness habits are shaped both in and outside the gym.
Faith Mather Sossaman Elementary’s PE program is more than a class. It is an investment in healthier, happier students. Families are encouraged to support their children’s fitness journey by staying active together and celebrating progress, no matter how small.