The Brain-Body Connection: Adopt Cross-Curricular Approaches in Elementary PE

In elementary schools, physical education is often treated as separate from literacy, math, and science. However, physical education can become a strong partner in academic learning. When movement is paired with classroom content, students gain more opportunities to connect ideas, practice essential skills, and engage in ways that reflect how they learn best.

Some students learn most effectively through physical activity. Others process information visually, verbally, or through social interaction. Cross-curricular physical education offers flexible and inclusive learning experiences that allow all students to participate, grow, and succeed.

Movement as a Pathway to Academic Success

Cross-curricular physical education blends movement with content from core subjects. Students might spell words by moving to letter markers, practice measurement by jumping certain distances, or learn about human anatomy while exercising. These experiences reinforce classroom learning while building motor skills, confidence, and collaboration.

This kind of integration does not require overhauling the school day. It simply means being intentional about linking concepts across subjects so students experience learning as connected, not compartmentalized.

Designing with Inclusion in Mind

Inclusive education recognizes that students learn in different ways and may need varied supports. Physical education provides a natural opportunity to offer multiple entry points for students to engage with academic content.

Edutopia highlights the importance of inclusive physical education environments where all learners, including students with disabilities, have meaningful opportunities to participate. Effective strategies include offering choices, adapting equipment, and encouraging peer collaboration.

Research from Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance shows that when inclusive practices are used intentionally, all students benefit. General education peers gain empathy and social awareness, while students with disabilities experience increased confidence and belonging. These outcomes align with broader equity goals and whole-child development priorities.

Simple and Effective Cross-Curricular Activities

Cross-curricular learning in physical education can be implemented through practical and adaptable activities. Many of these are easy to integrate into existing PE time or classroom routines and work well across a range of student needs.

Here are a few simple ideas, inspired by strategies shared through Gopher Sport, Edutopia, and real-world school practice:

• Math in Motion: Physical education offers opportunities for students to practice math skills through movement. For example, students might roll two dice, add the numbers, and perform that number of jumping jacks or squats. Teachers can modify the operation for different grade levels by introducing subtraction, multiplication, or even number patterns. These kinds of activities help students build fluency while engaging their bodies and minds.
• Literacy through Movement: Students can participate in throwing and catching activities where they spell words as part of the task. Points can we assigned based on length of word, categories can be given, or educators can align the word choices with weekly reading or content-area terms for added integration. These games help reinforce spelling and word recognition in a physical and engaging way.

• Strategies to Support Diverse Learners: While the Edutopia article on inclusive physical education does not list specific cross‑curricular games, it does recommend thoughtful adaptations that make activities accessible for students with differing abilities. This includes modifying exercises to meet individual student needs, adjusting rules so participation is equitable, and structuring activities so students of all abilities can feel successful and challenged.
• Science and the Body: A powerful example comes from Benton Community School District, where students explore human body systems through physical activity. During PE, they learn which muscles are used in different exercises, how the cardiovascular system responds to movement, and how to monitor heart rate. These concepts are reinforced in the classroom and revisited in PE, creating strong cross-subject connections.

Each of these examples is designed with flexibility in mind. They can be adapted for different grade levels, instructional goals, and student needs. Most important, they show how movement can support not only physical development but also cognitive engagement, social connection, and academic growth.

Leading a Connected School Culture

Cross-curricular physical education is most effective when educators work together. Classroom teachers, physical educators, and support staff can align learning goals and reinforce shared vocabulary across the school day. Even small moments of collaboration can strengthen student understanding and engagement.

School leaders play a critical role by encouraging collaboration, protecting planning time, and supporting inclusive instructional practices. When adults model connected learning, students benefit from a more consistent and supportive educational experience.

This work does not require adding more to an already full schedule. It is about using time intentionally and recognizing that learning takes many forms. By combining movement with academic instruction and inclusive practices, schools create environments where every student feels seen, supported, and successful. Physical education becomes not just a break from learning, but an essential part of it.