Integrating Common Core Content into Physical Education: Creating New Knowledge Connections

Abstract

Recent trends highlight the connection between engagement in physical activity and cognitive function. This is a key point to consider when designing physical education curricula and the activities that are included. By exposing students to material in a variety of ways students' interest can be sparked, yielding greater learning and understanding of material. Physical education classes are an ideal context for integrating multiple subjects because of the variety of outlets for practice and broad topics that can be covered. With the push for standards-based learning and high-stakes testing, teachers in all subject areas are being urged to find new ways to integrate concepts in their classes. With creativity, flexibility and basic knowledge in a wide variety of content areas, physical education teachers can reinforce concepts through tasks that allow students to truly engage with the content. This article highlights current research and provides examples for the integration of fourth-grade New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards into the physical education curriculum in an effort to help teachers advocate for more physical education time.

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Notes on contributors

Kristin A. Scrabis-Fletcher

Kristin A. Scrabis-Fletcher ([email protected]) is an associate professor in the Department of Exercise Science and Physical Education at Montclair State University in Montclair, NJ.