More Than a Game: What Kids Are Really Learning in PE

 When people thing about elementary PE, they might picture kids running around a gym, playing games, throwing balls, and getting some energy out. And yes, we definitely do all those things! But there is much more happening in PE than simply getting kids moving. 

I teach kindergarten through 5th grade PE at White Pine, and one of my biggest goals is for students to walk into the gym excited to be there. I want PE to be a place where they feel safe and included, where they are challenged to try new things, and where they learn that doing something good for their bodies can also be a lot of fun.

PE is more than play games. There is a purpose behind what we do in PE.

Our lessons are based on the Idaho Physical Education Content Standards, which focus on helping students develop the skills, knowledge, fitness, confidence and behaviors necessary to live physically active lives. 

Throughout elementary school, students are developing fundamental movement and motor skills, coordination, balance, body and spatial awareness, fitness, teamwork, sportsmanship, and an understanding of how and why their bodies move.

The games are often the fun part kids remember, but there is learning happening inside those games. And whenever I can make that learning fun, I do!

I love incorporating holidays and seasons into PE. Around Valentine's Day, for example, we have a heart-healthy week and use themed activities to talk about cardiovascular health and why movement is important for our hearts. Students get to celebrate something they're excited about while still working toward the skills and concepts we're learning. 

If they're laughing, moving, learning, and asking when we're going to play something again, that's a win in my book. 

Learning to Do Hard Things

One of my absolute favorite parts of teaching PE is watching a student accomplish something that genuinely didn't think they could do. Jumping rope is a great example. A child may start out frustrated because they can't get the timing right. They see other students doing it and think, I can't do that. 

But then they practice. They miss. They try again. 

I encourage them. They make a small adjustment. They keep working. And then suddenly, they get it!

Watching their face in that moment is one of the best parts of my job. I love being able to tell that student, "See? You CAN do it." And then I encourage them to keep practicing, even outside of PE. 

Those moments aren't really just about learning to jump rope. Students are learning perseverance, confidence, and what can happen when they keep working at something that initially feels difficult. That lesson applies far beyond the gym. 

Fun, Respect, and Safety

I want my classroom to be fun, but fun works best when students also know the expectations and feel safe. I don't believe I need to raise my voice to have control of my classroom. I try to create mutual respect with my students. I respect them, and in return, they learn to respect me, their classmates, our equipment, and our routines.

Our classes have a predictable rhythm. Students come into the gym knowing what to do. They begin by running their laps and then come together for instructions before we begin the day's activity. 

We even have our own attention and emergency routine called "Mushroom". When students hear, "mushroom", they know exactly what to do: get low, become still and quiet, keep their hands to themselves, and listen. 

As we say in PE: Mushrooms are quiet. Mushrooms don't touch each other. And mushrooms don't move. It's a simple, kid-friendly routine, but it serves an important purpose. Whether I need everyone's attention quickly, I'm helping a student, or we're practicing an emergency procedure, students know how to respond. 

Safety is a major part of physical education. Along with creating safe activities and teaching students how to use equipment appropriately, I maintain training in first aid, CPR, and AED use. I want students to be able to have a tremendous amount of fun while parents can feel confident that safety is always part of the plan. 

Skills That Aren't Always on the Report Card

Some of the most important things children practice in PE aren't necessarily physical skills. They learn how to take turns. They learn how to communicate with teammates. They learn how to follow rules even when they really want to win. They learn how to handle losing. They learn that another students' success doesn't take anything away from their own. They learn how to include someone else. And they learn that being a great teammate can be every bit as valuable as being the fastest runner or the person who scores the most points. 

PE gives children opportunities to practice these skills in real time. 

PE is for Every Kid

I never want a student to believe that PE is only for the "athletic" kids. Physical education isn't about determining who is the best athlete in the class. Children develop at different rates, have different abilities, and enjoy different types of movement. My goal is to help each student make progress from wherever they begin. 

For one child, success might be mastering a new skill. For another, it might be pushing themselves a little harder than they did last week. For someone else, it might simply be having the confidence to participate in something that once intimidated them. 

All of those things deserve to be celebrated. 

I want students to discover that being physically active doesn't have to feel like work. Movement can mean sports, games, hiking, biking, dancing, swimming, playing outside, or dozen of other things. If children can find ways they genuinely enjoy moving their bodies, we're helping build habits that can stay with them for life. 

And then there's Field Day...

Field Day is easily one of my favorite parts of the school year. It takes a lot of planning and preparation behind the scenes, but seeing the students experience it makes all of that worth it. There is something pretty special about hearing a child announce, "This way the best day ever!" or "This is the best day of the whole year!" 

That's exactly what I want Field Day to feel like. It's a chance for students to move, play, laugh, work together, challenge themselves and make memories with their classmates. In many ways, it represents what I hope students experience throughout the year in PE: physical activity doesn't have to be something we have to do. It can be something we genuinely look forward to.

What I Hope My Students Take With Them

Years from now, my students probably won't remember every game we played or every PE standard we practiced. And that's okay. 

I hope they remember having fun.

I hope they remember finally accomplishing something they once thoughts was too hard.

I hope they remember being encouraged to keep trying. 

I hope they remember learning how to be a good teammate and how to include others.

Most importantly, I hope they leave elementary school believing that their bodies are capable, movement can be joyful, and they don't have to be the "best" at something for it to be worth doing.

If a student walks out of my gym a little more confident than when they walked in, excited to move their body, and knowing that Ms. Wolf believed they could do hard things, than I've done an important part of my job.

By: Ms. Wolf

K-5th PE Teacher

Student Essay: Idaho State Capital Visit

For the first time ever, 5 exemplary students were chosen to travel to Idaho's state capital. Boise. After a long drive and a few stops along the way, students Alina Henman, Devin Kerr, Jace Miller, Laneah Knickerbocker, and Rafe Herris made it to the capital building. Accompanied by math and science Instructor Rachelle Paxman and head community outreach coordinator Heather Smith, students were led into the capital building for a school choice rally. After signing in, students were allowed to mingle with other schools and prepare for the next part of the rally. The rally was put on by the Coalition of Idaho Charter Schools. After introductions, the national anthem, and the pledge of allegiance, schools were given their chance to shine. After a dance performance and a few heartwarming stories about school choice, one of our students was given the opportunity to speak. When asked his favorite part of our school, Devin Kerr gave this response: “ White Pine is unique because the relationships between teachers and student; and the adaptability of teachers.” as I’m sure many students can agree with - White Pine really does have amazing teachers and administrators who love to help you succeed and give you marvelous opportunities, such as this one was for us.

By: Laneah Knickerbocker

White Pine Attends Idaho’s National School Choice Week Flagship Event at the State Capitol

This week, White Pine Charter School was honored to attend the Idaho National School Choice Week Flagship Event, hosted by the Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families at the Idaho State Capitol Rotunda. This statewide celebration brought together students, families, educators, and school leaders to recognize the value of educational choice and to elevate the stories of schools and students across Idaho.

The event served as an important opportunity to spotlight the impact of charter schools and the meaningful learning experiences happening in communities like ours. As part of the program, schools in attendance were formally recognized, and student voices were placed at the center of the celebration.

One of the most powerful moments of the rally was the Lightning Round, where students from across the state shared brief reflections on what school choice means to them. We are especially proud of Devin Kerr, who represented White Pine by speaking about the importance of having access to a learning environment that supports individual strengths, goals, and passions. Hearing students speak directly about their educational experiences was a meaningful reminder of why school choice matters.

Each year, Governor Brad Little signs a proclamation recognizing Idaho School Choice Week, and he was invited to present this proclamation in person at the event. This annual recognition reinforces the state’s commitment to empowering families to choose learning environments that best serve their children.

As one event organizer shared, “This rally is an important opportunity to positively highlight the schools and students whose stories deserve to be seen and understood.” We are grateful to have been part of this celebration and to stand alongside schools across Idaho that are committed to innovation, student voice, and educational opportunity.

Thank you to the Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families for hosting this impactful event and for continuing to advocate for families, students, and high-quality school options throughout our state.

Honoring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future: The 20-Year Time Capsule

Earlier this year, members of our administrative team took a quiet but meaningful step in marking White Pine Charter Schools’ 20-year anniversary. Together, we buried a time capsule filled with items chosen earlier this year by students to represent life at White Pine in 2025.

Inside are handwritten notes, small keepsakes, student work samples, photos, and reflections—pieces of everyday life that may seem ordinary now, but will hold great meaning when they are uncovered years from today. These items were selected as a way to share our story with the future: who we were, what we valued, and what made this place special.

The time capsule serves as a reminder that every student, every educator, and every family contributes to the living story of White Pine. The experiences happening in classrooms and hallways today will one day be someone’s history—someone’s starting point.

One day, future Cougars will open this capsule and rediscover moments that were once “right now.” They’ll see the creativity, curiosity, and community spirit that shaped us. They’ll be reminded that the White Pine story has always been built together.

Here’s to the past that shaped us, the present that inspires us, and the future that’s waiting to be uncovered. 

Building Strong Parent-School Partnerships: Why Collaboration Between Home and School is Key to Student Success

At White Pine, we’re all about shaping students into well-rounded individuals—ready to take on the world as compassionate, ethical, and involved citizens. But raising kids to be more than just academically prepared, especially in today’s fast-paced world, requires a strong partnership between home and school. As Henry Ford said, “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”

Where do you think we are? Are we coming together, keeping together, or working together? What can we all do as stakeholders to help us reach success?

This kind of partnership is essential to helping our students thrive, and it takes mutual respect, open communication, and a lot of collaboration.

We all have the same goal: to see kids succeed—not just in school, but as people. We’re all invested in their growth, which is why we need to show respect for each other’s roles. That means when things get tough, we need patience and dialogue to keep things moving forward.

Communication is a big part of making this work. We’ll keep families updated regularly and reach out if there are concerns, but we need families to do the same. If a student is struggling or has an issue, it’s best to bring it directly to the teacher or staff member involved. That way, we can solve the problem together, with everyone’s input. Educating children is a team sport.

While we encourage open dialogue and value the perspectives of our families, the most effective solutions come when we work directly together. Addressing concerns through the right channels allows for constructive conversations and ensures that everyone’s voice is heard. This partnership—built on mutual respect and open communication—will lead us to stronger outcomes for our students. After all, progress is made when we’re focused on solutions, not distractions. 

We set high expectations for all our students, and we need families to back those up. Kids tend to rise to what’s asked of them, so instead of lowering the bar, we focus on building trust—trust that they can meet those expectations with our support.

At the end of the day, we’re here to help kids develop character. Sure, their grades matter, but it’s their perseverance, responsibility, and integrity that will really carry them through life. Mistakes will happen—we all make them!—but we can help them see those setbacks as opportunities to grow.

Parenthood and teaching aren’t easy, and the road ahead won’t always be smooth. There will be bumps, setbacks, and hard days—days when it feels like nothing is going right, and the weight of it all might feel too heavy. But through it all, the most important thing we can offer our children is unity. When we stand together, communicate openly, and respect one another’s role in their lives, we show them the power of collaboration. We show them that, no matter what, they are not alone.

It’s easy to get caught in the chaos of our busy lives and let frustration cloud our judgment. But at the heart of this work, of teaching and raising children, is a shared love for them. Every teacher, every parent, every staff member—we are all here because we care deeply. And we are in this together, through the challenges and the triumphs, hand in hand, working to give our children the foundation they need to rise.

By: Alysa Trust

K-3 Principal

How to Make Reading at Home More Enjoyable: Tips from a Mom who Loves it!

I recently saw a post in a Mom’s Facebook group from a mom asking how other moms manage to get reading homework done. The comments were full of other stressed-out moms with the same struggle. It actually made me a bit sad. Reading “homework” is by far my favorite part of the day. I am by no means an expert, but I thought I’d share some ideas that keep reading homework enjoyable for my family:

1.)     Change your mindset! Reading is not a chore. Reading is not something to rush to get done or something to check off a to-do list. Instead, think of reading as something you GET to do. Kids pick up on energy, so if you are looking forward to it and enjoying it, they will most likely follow.

2.)     Use reading to relax! Are you or your child frustrated or just having an annoying day? Take a “book break”. Dr. David Lewis’ research revealed that reading as little as 6 minutes a day can reduce stress by 60% by reducing your heart rate, easing muscle tension and altering your state of mine. Literally and simply, reading relaxes you!

3.)     Routine, routine, routine. Get into a routine that works for your child. I don’t like forcing or scrambling to get in some reading time. Just like there are certain parts of the day that I do and don’t want to read, the same goes for kids. My son and I prefer to read right before bed (which is no surprise considering #2), so that’s what we do.

4.)     You don’t have to finish every book you start. Just like we turn a movie off if it isn’t interesting or stop watching a TV series if it is boring, you can stop reading a book that just isn’t keeping your child interested. A child will be more likely to give different books a try if they know they won’t be forced to finish it. It also helps to have a conversation on why they don’t like it, so you can help with book selections next time.  

5.)     Don’t rush to get a book or chapter finished. During reading time, it is o.k. to spend more time talking about the book’s characters, settings, predictions, etc., than reading it. Some books have cool illustrations that need a little extra time to take in. Slow down and really enjoy the book and all that it has to offer!

6.)     Always have a book with you. You never know when you will get some unexpected time to read. Reading has helped during traffic jams, waiting time before doctors or dentist appointments and at the airport!

7.)     Make reading fun!

a.       Use silly voices for each character.

b.       Alternate pages. If I’m sitting on the left side, I read the left page, and my son reads the right page or vice versa.

c.       “Would you rather” questions always keep us laughing during books. (E.g., “Would you rather have Captain Underpants or Amelia Bedelia as your best friend? I am Team Amelia Bedelia in case anyone cares.)

d.       Incorporate different locations every so often. Read at park, along the River Walk, in a fort you make, at a soda shop, etc.

e.       Ambiance is everything. Try reading a mystery or spooky book in the dark with a flashlight. Build a fort to read inside of. Get a giant fluffy blanket and some hot chocolate to read with.

f.        Utilize libraries. Ammon and Idaho Falls have great libraries. Kids love getting to pick out as many books as they want and can hold. The board games, 3D printer, table toys, art supplies and picking movies to rent also makes it fun for kids. While there, find a cozy spot and read for a bit in between other activities.

g.       Text! Reading a text is reading, so engage via text for awhile.

h.       Browse different stores online! Reading product descriptions is still reading. My son’s personal favorite right now is reading about different Lego Sets.

i.         Try a real newspaper. This is not a joke. Kids feel like you’ve taken them back in time when you pull out a newspaper. It is even better if you have a newspaper from 10+ years ago. This one is fun for elementary through high school aged kids.

Please comment on this blog with your tips and tricks! I’d love to hear what others enjoy about reading and ways you keep it fun!

By: Michelle Brown

Mother of 3^rd Grade WPSC Student

Love of Reading

When I was a kid, I hated reading.

I know that might be controversial to say as an English teacher, but it's the truth. I had a difficult time seeing the 'point' in my education in general, and because reading did not come as easily to me as art did, I was determined not to do it at all.

And then my teacher read Black Beauty by Anna Sewell. 

It is my personal belief that everyone has a story that was written just for them. And my hope for everyone I meet is that they have either already found that story or that they continue their journey to find it.

Black Beauty was my story. As our teacher read aloud to us, my heart caught fire on the magic that is the written word. Sewell's engaging narrative pulled me into her world of horse-drawn carriages and class struggles, then pushed me back into a reality where I could either remain stagnant or grow into the potential that I always had. 

Because of that story, and because I made the choice to grow, I went from the lowest level student to the highest in one year. 

It is because of that experience and many similar to it that I became a teacher. While it is true that every student's journey is unique and that much of their success depends on their willingness to grow, I also know that my teacher's choice to read to us is the catalyst that cased that change in myself. I know that, without her and many other incredible people in my life, I would not have gained the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed.

So, while I do not consider myself the ultimate reason behind my student's success or failures, I take into account the importance of my role in their life every day. It is my job to provide those catalysts for growth and a love of learning that can only be sparked by those who have found it themselves.

The one universal truth I have found in educators is a genuine love of learning and developing forever.

For me, that love of learning came through the written word. For others, it may by that first science lab or math equation where everything just clicks. And for still others, that love could be seen on a football or soccer field while surrounded by the teammates who support you through any and everything. 

So, from one lost kid to another, please stay open to the possibilities all around you. Who knows? That history lesson or math worksheet could be the spark that sets off a lifetime dream - and even if it isn't, just take it one step at a time. It takes real bravery to keep trying...so let's keep trying together.

By: Amber Griffin, 6th Grade English/History