Breakthroughs
Wellness As a Way of Life
Tierra Webb teaches physical education at the K–8 International Baccalaureate World School in Prince George’s County. She is also a curriculum writer, mentor teacher, and professional development presenter for the district. In her school community, she leads the creative arts team and coaches basketball. Outside of school, she continues to support youth through community sports programs. Read more about Tierra’s program in SHAPE America’s Momentum Magazine, Winter 2025 “Moving the Mission: Bringing Physical Education to Everyday Life” by Tierra Webb.
Despite this, physical education still fights an old stigma seen by some as a break from “real learning” or an extended recess. But the
truth is, PE is the only content area paired with health education that teaches students about the very thing they bring with them every day: their bodies. From ages 5 to 18, students rely on us to help them develop physical literacy, motor skills, and self-awareness that extend far beyond a single class period.
That’s why bridging the gap between physical activity in school and movement in daily life is essential.
I believe physical education lays the foundation for lifelong wellness. Our students are learning not only how to move, but why movement matters. They’re gaining knowledge and tools that help them make informed choices. These choices shine light on how they take care of themselves, manage stress, connect with others, and show up in the world.
Being part of my district’s curriculum writing team gave me the opportunity to help update our physical education program using the National Physical Education Standards. These standards are more than checkboxes—they define what students should know and be able to do as a result of a high-quality program. They promote holistic development and ensure consistency in PE instruction across classrooms and communities in America.
When physical education is aligned with these SHAPE (Society of Health and Physical Educators) America standards, we’re setting students up not only for classroom success, but for informed, confident, and joyful movement in their everyday lives. There are several indicators that help lay the foundation that will help students understand and value locomotor and non-loco-motor skills, along with health- and skill-related components of fitness. The goal is to connect those concepts to what they already know and may experience outside of school.
So how do we move the mission forward? For educators, make it meaningful and make it fun. Start by connect-ing with your students early. Re-establish expectations and procedures each quarter to maintain a sense of safety and routine. Give students tools they can use at home—like simple fitness challenges or apps that track activity. Allow students to lead warm-ups or create short routines. Empower them to take ownership of their wellness journeys.
For students’ families and caregivers, encourage them to ask their child about what they’re learning in PE. Suggest going on walks together or trying a new activity as a family. Give them pointers on how and why encouraging movement can feel joyful. Let them know that even dancing in the kitchen counts! The goal isn’t perfection—it’s connection.
In my own teaching, I’ve seen success in student-led fitness activities, collaborative games, and even community circles where students reflect on how movement makes them feel. Small shifts like these can have a big impact, not just on their performance in class, but on their mindset around health and wellness for years to come.
The work we do in physical education is foundational. Let’s keep building bridges between the classroom and the real world in all our classes so that wellness becomes not just a subject, but a way of life.