More Than Games:

Take, for example, the four-square you may have played in elementary school. Now, elevate the chalk lines drawn on the pavement to a PVC pipe grid above air. And increase the size of that grid… you’ve got nine-square! A new favorite! Nine-square ups the ante — literally. The ball is bounced and tossed through the air, meaning there’s greater opportunity for hand-eye coordination development. With nine squares rather than four, boys are playing more often than they are waiting, which increases engagement and lowers frustration.

Our coaches didn’t just stop there. With a little neon paint and some black lights, they transformed the Lifetime Fitness Center into a glow-in-the-dark nine-square court. It’s a fresh take and exciting new element added to a classic game.

Boys are driven by competition — even competition against themselves. They also need guidance when it comes to good sportsmanship. In P.E., they get both. Not every boy can be the last man standing in the Gaga Ball court, but rather than sulk upon feeling the ill-fated tap of the ball below the knee, boys are expected to stay engaged and cheer on their classmates. Giving them the chance to flex the muscle of sportsmanship is just as vital as the muscle development that occurs with the Crusader fitness test.

Sometimes, it is easier to be a good sport when the other team wins than it is to be a good teammate when your buddy kicks the last out in an intense game of kickball. P.E. offers a chance for each boy to learn to fail positively and to encourage others as they fall short, too. It is important for young boys to develop both resilience and the ability to encourage others.

Research shows that boys today are more risk-averse than ever. Behavior associated with taking healthy risks (getting a driver’s license, asking a girl on a date, etc.) is trending down in boys. Learning to take healthy risks is an important part of development, as is giving boys the ability to move and play. We know a moving child is a learning child. Globally, children are becoming more sedentary than ever before, and activities like the rock wall, playing a new game, or attempting the Crusader fitness test tackle both of these challenges for our boys. They have the chance to try, to fail, and to try again while they are running, jumping, climbing, throwing, kicking, dodging, and more.

For our Early Childhood boys, P.E. is a wonderful opportunity to develop gross motor skills, or those skills that involve large muscle groups. Gross motor skills involve actions like running, jumping, climbing, and balancing, and these foundational abilities play a crucial role in their overall physical, cognitive, and emotional development. They help young boys improve coordination, strength, and body awareness. Physical activity has been shown to enhance brain function and concentration, so these activities strengthen other areas of learning like fine motor skills and academic tasks as well. Providing ample opportunities for gross motor development not only supports their physical health but also sets the stage for academic success and positive social interactions.

Engaging in play fosters social skills for young boys. In P.E., boys are challenged to develop turn-taking, conflict resolution, and teamwork skills. They are also participating in emotional regulation — boys must manage frustration and build resilience.

Boys need movement to stay engaged and effectively learn in the classroom. Physical activity helps them release pent-up energy, which can otherwise lead to restlessness or difficulty focusing. Movement also supports cognitive function by increasing blood flow to the brain, enhancing memory and concentration. When boys are allowed to move, they tend to be more alert, motivated, and better able to absorb information. Providing opportunities for movement doesn’t just benefit boys’ physical health but can also foster a deeper connection to their learning, helping them remain focused and engaged for longer periods.

P.E. isn’t just a fun addition to a PDS boy’s day. It is a vital part of the PDS curriculum. P.E. allows boys to learn about safe and healthy ways to move and play, but it does so much more for our boys.