Ditch the Laps.
Protect the Joy of Movement.
SHAPEAmerica asserts that withholding physical activity and physical education as punishment — or using exercise as discipline — is inappropriate and counter to best practice.
WHY IT MATTERS
Punishing with movement can harm how students feel about physical activity for life. Doing so also:
Undermines trust and psychological safety in your classroom; Disconnects students from the joy and purpose of movement; Disproportionately affects students who already feel excluded
Physical education should uplift every student and support their well-being.
OLD PRACTICES vs. BETTER APPROACHES
Instead of ...
Taking away recess to manage behavior
Requiring push-ups or laps as discipline
Excluding students for not dressing out
Using exercise as a threat or consequence
Disciplining using physical activity
Try this ...
Protect recess as essential time for learning and well-being
Use restorative conversations and reinforce class norms
Offer clothing alternatives that allow safe participation
Build positive, joyful movement routines
Promote positive behavior support
PROTECT MOVEMENT, INSPIRE LEARNING
Physical educators shape how students experience movement for life
Here are more ways to support students:
Design welcoming, inclusive spaces for all students; Use proactive routines, not punishment, to guide behavior; Normalize participation over perfection; Model respect and care in every interaction; Partner with school leaders to protect movement time.
