#AdaptedPE Newsletter 19 (Week of 01/06/2025)

Your weekly source for innovative teaching strategies, tools, and trends in Adapted Physical Education. From engaging activities to equipment recommendations and professional development, we’re here to help you make a positive impact on students of all abilities. Stay inspired, informed, and connected all year long—subscribe today!

Contents

Welcome to the #AdaptedPE Newsletter!Support Our Work & Unlock Exclusive Resources Proudly Co-Edited with Students from CSULB!✨🌟 Teacher Spotlight 🌟✨Teacher Spotlight: Coach Sammi Stewart 📰✨ Adapted PE News ✨📰Creative Ways to Reuse Broken Hula Hoops in Adapted PE 1. Adapted Ring Toss 2. Adapted Jump Rope 3. Other Uses Introducing the Sensory Circuit Series Inclusion Tip from Sam Cameron Finding His Voice: A Heartwarming Story Connie Johnson’s Fit4Work 4th Edition Now Available!Adapted PE Beyond the Gym: A Moment of Courage Writing Effective Individualized Education Program (IEP) Goals 📚🚀 Professional Development 🚀📚MAPEC Professional Learning Session: January 9th at 4:00 PM EST Professional Development Opportunity from SHAPE Maryland 2025 Adapted PE Conferences:🌟🤝 Support and Stay Connected 🤝🌟Stay Connected Newsletter Archive

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👉 Support & Join Us Today! 🙏A huge thank you to our amazing Patreons: Tracy, Jill, Laura, Kathrine, Jackie, and Krissy. Your generous support makes this newsletter possible and helps us continue providing valuable resources to the community. We deeply appreciate you!

Proudly Co-Edited with Students from CSULB!

This newsletter was thoughtfully curated in collaboration with California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) and its dedicated Adapted Physical Education graduate students. Through this partnership, the newsletter brings together innovative ideas, research insights, and practical resources, all aimed at supporting educators in fostering inclusive and impactful learning environments. The collaboration ensures a blend of academic expertise and hands-on experience, highlighting the commitment of these future professionals to advancing the field of Adapted PE.

Congratulations to all the CSULB students graduating as part of the Project CAPE program! From what I saw during my brief visit to Long Beach, your dedication and enthusiasm for Adapted Physical Education have been nothing short of inspiring. It was wonderful to witness the impact you have on your students and the creativity and care you bring to your work.

The #AdaptedPE community is incredibly lucky to have such passionate and talented individuals like you entering the field. I’m excited to see all the incredible ways you will continue to grow and contribute to this meaningful work. Keep shining and making a difference!

Project CAPE Newsletter Fall 2024 Download

✨🌟 Teacher Spotlight 🌟✨

Each week, we highlight an inspiring educator in Adapted PE, showcasing their strategies, successes, and impact on students

Teacher Spotlight: Coach Sammi Stewart

We are delighted to highlight Coach Sammi Stewart, an Adapted Physical Education Specialist for the Conejo Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) and the 2023 SHAPE America’s National Teacher of the Year for Adapted Physical Education!

Sammi serves at Newbury Park High School, Sycamore Canyon School, Banyan Elementary School, and Conejo Elementary School. Her energy and dedication have been transformative for her students, playing a key role in achieving Unified Champion School statuses and organizing Unified Sports Tournaments at CVUSD high schools. Her work exemplifies inclusion, leadership, and innovation in Adapted Physical Education, making her a beacon of excellence in the field.

The recognition by SHAPE, the nation’s leading health and physical education organization, showcases her exceptional contributions. She was selected for this prestigious honor through a rigorous process that evaluated her ability to design inclusive lessons, support individualized needs, foster active lifestyles, and advocate for the profession.

On a personal note, I had the pleasure of meeting Sammi in Sharjah earlier this year, where we shared some unforgettable adventures. From sneaking into 5-star resorts in Dubai to nearly missing our first meeting when she got stranded, her humor and spirit left a lasting impression.

The Blades hit Santa Clarita early for Floorball coaching training! Huge thanks to our amazing partners and parents. Excited for an epic season ahead! 🏑💪 #TeamBlades #UnifiedFloorball pic.twitter.com/BM00oyoatz
— Coach Sammi (@coach_sammi_APE) December 21, 2024

Stop! Hammer Time!🛑

2 Legit 2 Split crushed it at the Ventura County Special Olympics Bowling 🎳 Tournament! Skills on display, champs in August! 🏆
Shoutout to the Unified Panthers for bowling and volunteering! 🐾
You can’t touch this! ✨
#2Legit2Split #SpecialOlympics pic.twitter.com/Cr6Qughunr
— Coach Sammi (@coach_sammi_APE) July 21, 2024

📰✨ Adapted PE News ✨📰

Stay informed with the latest news, professional development opportunities, and research

Creative Ways to Reuse Broken Hula Hoops in Adapted PE

Repurposing equipment in Adapted PE not only promotes sustainability but also opens up creative possibilities for engaging and inclusive activities. Broken hula hoops, for instance, can be transformed into versatile tools that meet a range of student needs. Here are some innovative ways to reuse them:

1. Adapted Ring Toss

A broken hula hoop can be positioned vertically by placing its ends into two cones, creating a guiding frame for a ring toss. Adding deck rings or other soft items for students to toss provides a focused target and increases success for learners developing motor accuracy. The rigid hoop offers a structure that naturally guides the rings, reducing frustration and enhancing engagement.

2. Adapted Jump Rope

The rigid nature of a broken hula hoop makes it an excellent tool for jump rope activities. Unlike traditional ropes, the hoop can be swung more predictably, allowing students to control the speed and rhythm. This is especially beneficial for learners who need extra time to coordinate movements, as they can slow down the swinging to practice jumping at their own pace. For more ideas on adapting jump rope activities, check out this resource: Adapting Jump Rope Activities for Inclusive Physical Education.

3. Other Uses

Broken hoops can also be used as arches in obstacle courses or mini goals for ball activities, adding flexibility to your PE setup.

Repurposing broken equipment fosters creativity, sustainability, and inclusivity in PE!

Introducing the Sensory Circuit Series

I’m thrilled to introduce the Sensory Circuit Series, a collection of engaging activities designed to enhance balance, body awareness, and coordination by stimulating the proprioceptive and vestibular systems. This series was inspired by Mike Webb’s insightful presentation in Sharjah, UAE, in March 2024, which highlighted how essential these systems are for children’s physical and cognitive growth—and how vital it is for educators and parents to understand them.

Each post consisting of 5 activity ideas will have its own unique theme, making it easy to find activities that suit your needs. From head-to-head challenges to boost strength and coordination, to gymnastics-inspired activities for balance and control, and even boxing-themed games for sensory integration, there’s something for everyone. Stay tuned to explore simple, impactful ways to bring sensory learning to life!

Sensory Circuit #1: At-Home Activities For Body Awareness

Inclusion Tip from Sam Cameron

Sam Cameron, a top contributor in the Elementary PE Teachers Facebook group, shared an inspiring inclusion idea for students without hands. Sam successfully used adaptive equipment to ensure full participation in activities like DrumFit and jump rope, allowing students to engage without needing adult assistance. This creative approach highlights the importance of making physical education accessible and inclusive for all students.

If you have similar stories or ideas to share, feel free to contribute – your experiences can inspire others to create more inclusive environments!

Finding His Voice: A Heartwarming Story

This week, we’re featuring an inspiring video originally shared by the BBC and later shared on Facebook by Sammi Stewart. Meet Stephen Robotham, a 22-year-old from Warwickshire with verbal dyspraxia, a condition that makes it challenging to coordinate the muscles needed for speech. Thanks to Martin Brennan from Birmingham, Stephen now has a voice uniquely crafted to reflect the Brummie/Warwickshire accent he dreamed of.

This heartwarming story highlights the power of innovation and collaboration in creating life-changing solutions. A true testament to the incredible impact of community and technology—don’t miss it!

Connie Johnson’s Fit4Work 4th Edition Now Available!

Connie Collins Johnson, a passionate and innovative physical therapist in our county, has just launched the 4th edition of her book, Fit4Work! This invaluable resource is now available in both Kindle and paperback formats and is perfect for adapted physical education teachers, as well as occupational and physical therapists. The book delves into the barriers to employment and fulfillment for individuals with disabilities, offering strategies to create meaningful opportunities, improve programs, and transform systems. APE teachers will find practical insights to enhance their work in fostering essential life skills and independence for students with disabilities. Learn more about Connie’s impactful work at Fit4Work Activity Program and get the book here. Congratulations, Connie, on this outstanding achievement!

Fit4Work: Functional Fitness to Improve Health and Vocational Opportunities for Youth with Disabilities

Disclaimer: Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These commissions help support the ongoing work of creating and sharing adapted physical education resources, guides, and inclusive activity ideas so that everyone can thrive in PE. Your support makes it possible to keep this site running and the content free for educators and families. Thank you!

Fit4Work is a comprehensive program and resource designed to help individuals with disabilities develop the physical, social, and functional skills necessary for meaningful employment and independent living. The program emphasizes tailored interventions to address barriers to employment, combining evidence-based strategies with practical activities that support motor coordination, endurance, workplace communication, and task-specific physical readiness. By addressing individual needs and systemic challenges, Fit4Work equips educators, therapists, and APE teachers with tools to improve opportunities for individuals with disabilities, empowering them to achieve fulfilling and sustainable employment while fostering independence and an enhanced quality of life.

Adapted PE Beyond the Gym: A Moment of Courage

Adapted PE is about so much more than what happens inside the gym—it’s about creating opportunities for students to explore, grow, and achieve new heights. Fellow district Teacher of the Year, Brad (@BHunterinBmore), recently shared a heartwarming moment on Twitter.

At a school winter festival, one of Brad’s students faced her fears and rode a horse for the first time. Though initially hesitant and considering dismounting, with Brad’s encouragement and a little hand-holding, she found the courage to ride.

This touching moment reminds us of the incredible breadth of Adapted PE and the impact of nurturing confidence in our students

Had a first today as an #AdaptedPE teacher.

A school had a winter festival that included a chance to ride a horse!

My student was very unsure, even thought about dismounting once in the saddle, but with some reassurance and a little hand holding she did it! #Soproud pic.twitter.com/ziadZ4QHcG
— Brad (@BHunterinBmore) December 19, 2024

Writing Effective Individualized Education Program (IEP) Goals

This guide provides educators and families with essential strategies for crafting clear, measurable IEP goals that support students with disabilities in achieving academic and functional success. The document breaks down the components of effective goal-setting, including specific conditions, behaviors, and performance criteria, and offers practical examples to ensure alignment with state standards like the Pennsylvania Core Standards. It also highlights methods for evaluating progress and incorporating necessary supports to foster meaningful student outcomes.

A special thank you to Brad Weiner for sharing this and many other invaluable resources in his Fairfax County APE Newsletter (sorry you have to come work with Fairfax County to get it!), which served as the inspiration for starting this JustAdaptIt newsletter. Your dedication and leadership continue to motivate and guide this work.

Access the full document here.

📚🚀 Professional Development 🚀📚

Stay up to date with the latest workshops, training sessions, and resources designed to enhance your skills and knowledge in Adapted Physical Education. Explore opportunities for growth, learn new strategies, and connect with experts to continue improving your teaching and support for all students.

MAPEC Professional Learning Session: January 9th at 4:00 PM EST

Join MAPEC for an engaging discussion on the topic:
“How #PhysEd, #AdaptedPE, and #UnifiedPE Are Similar Yet Different.”

Led by the MAPEC Board, this panel will explore the unique and overlapping traits of each field, providing insights for educators and advocates alike.

📅 Date: January 9th, 2024
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM EST

✅ Register here: [https://forms.gle/mPFefVd7vbpL5

View MAPEC’s previous professional development by clicking here

Professional Development Opportunity from SHAPE Maryland

SHAPE Maryland is hosting an exciting webinar on January 22, featuring Jeff Watkins (@LongviewAPE) from @MCPSHPE. He’ll share practical strategies for creating low-tech, budget-friendly adaptations for your classroom.

📅 Date: January 22, 2024
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM EST (or specify if different)
✅ Register here: https://forms.gle/45UpR8iqhbmqDcd5A

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable tools and insights for making your classroom more inclusive and adaptive. Don’t miss out!

2025 Adapted PE Conferences:

Conference Name	Date	Location	Link
National Adapted PE Conference (with CAHPERD)	January 22-25, 2025	Pasadena, CA	Link
Fairfax County’s Fourth Annual Adapted P.E. National Conference	February 2025 (Exact Date TBD)	VIRTUAL	TBD
11th Annual Adapted Physical Education Conference	March 7, 2025	University of New Hampshire	Link
Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability and Diversity	April 15–16, 2025	Honolulu, HI	Link
Colorado Adapted Physical Education Conference	May 18-20, 2025	Mt. Princeton Hot Springs, CO	Link
JMU CTA Adapted PE Conference	June 23-27, 2025	James Madison University, VA	Link
NCPEID Annual Conference	July 14-16, 2025	Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport, Arlington, VA	Link
Minnesota Annual Adapted PE Conference	October (Date TBD), 2025	Minnesota	Link

🌟🤝 Support and Stay Connected 🤝🌟

Building a supportive community ensures we grow stronger together, sharing ideas and strategies that make Adapted PE inclusive for all. Staying connected keeps us inspired, informed, and united in creating positive change!

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Thank you for taking the time to read our Adapted PE newsletter! Your dedication to creating inclusive and engaging physical education experiences is what makes our community so strong. We’re always looking to collaborate and would love to feature your innovative ideas and success stories in future editions. Together, we can continue to improve and inspire each other. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update, and let’s keep the conversation going!

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Proudly Co-Edited with Students from CSULB!