Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) plays a powerful role in K–5 Physical Education, where movement and emotion naturally intersect. In PE, students are continually engaging in teamwork, navigating challenges, managing emotions, and building empathy. As their PE teachers, we have the incredible opportunity to equip them with the tools to thrive in these areas. By intentionally weaving SEL into our instruction, we create inclusive, supportive spaces where students build self-confidence and emotional literacy. This session will explore why SEL is essential in elementary PE and how it supports the development of the whole child, both inside and outside the gym.

We’ll take a closer look at how SEL is embedded in the SAS PX PE curriculum through daily language, systems of emotional support, intentional class discussions, end-of-unit reflections, and our early integration of AI to assist in this work. Alongside sharing real-life examples and practical strategies you can use in your own program, we also want this session to be a two-way conversation. We’ll carve out time to hear what’s working in your schools, what challenges you’re facing, and how we can continue learning and growing together as a community of educators. Let’s keep growing together!