You Never Know When Physical Literacy Will Come in Handy
Aroo, aroo! I became a Spartan on November 17th, 2018, and physical literacy is what got me through the toughest race of my life. While I’ve done similar activities before, I am no longer healthy or “in shape”. When I was in my mid-30s, my health started to rapidly decline due to a genetic condition […]
The G in Professional Growth Stands for Gather
A rolling stone may gather no moss, but a physical educator must gather resources to stay relevant. Those who prepare well and embrace professional growth opportunities can move beyond relevancy to exemplary. Let’s begin with a question, Do you want to be a really GREAT teacher for your students, parents and administration at your school? If so, what does a great teacher look like and sound […]
Happy Holidays from the SPARK Team!
Wishing you and your family a SPARKtacular holiday and a happy new year. See you in 2024! – The SPARK Team (Julie Frank, Jeff Mushkin, and Brian Hull)
25 Ways to Get Connected, Calm and Active this Holiday Season
Did you know that across all cultures, there’s one common thing that enhances the quality of life? Can you guess what that is? It’s having connected relationships. So this holiday season, remember that while taking the time to be kind to yourself and nurture yourself, also enjoy the time with your family. We know from […]
A Personal Story: Importance of PE & PA for prevention & management of diabetes
In celebration of National Diabetes Month – I’m sharing a personal story with you. Purposely making it public that I have Type 1 diabetes is not something which I would have chosen to do as a child with such a diagnosis, let alone early in my professional career. However, I am proud of who I am, and […]
SPARKing a Connection with Parents through Physical Education
Are you interested in connecting your Physical Education classes with your community? SPARK it up by inviting family members to their child’s class and have them witness firsthand what it is all about inside your gym. Physical Education looks a lot different than it did when the parents of our students went to school, and […]
Finding the “SPARK” in Active Transportation!
If you know me, you know I am in LOVE with bicycles and kids—actually, any wheeled vehicle that kids can spin around on and be mobile. Bicycles, scooters, unicycles all have wheels. And when you learn to ride, all have fun, freedom, and serve as a functional way for students and families to move aerobically, […]
SPARK’s 30 Year Anniversary Series, Part 3
My path to SPARK differed from those of Jim and Paul. I grew up in rural Canada where my mother was my elementary school teacher and taught grades 1, 2, and 3 simultaneously in a 2-room schoolhouse. Although she had no background in physical education, she ensured all students had twice-daily physical activity breaks—even during […]
SPARK’s 30 Year Anniversary Series, Part 2
In the words of that famous physical educator from the great state of Massachusetts, “Ask not, what SPARK can do for you. Ask what you can do for SPARK.” When Julie approached me about writing an article in celebration of SPARK’s 30th birthday, a lot of different thoughts and approaches to the task entered my […]
SPARKuniversity Access
University educators are eligible to receive 1 year of professor-level access to the SPARKuniversity section on SPARKfamily.org (if requiring or recommending SPARK in your course(s)). Elementary and Secondary options are available. About SPARKuniversity:SPARKuniversity is a robust digital library of expert selected content from the popular SPARK K-2 and 3-6 and middle school and high school physical education manuals — and a source […]