Physical education provides the greatest opportunity for learning. Students are challenged to break through comfort barriers physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially.

With every new movement, connections between neurons occur.  Through repetition, those connections become a permanent road for new learning (i.e. Instead of just throwing a ball, practice "elbow high, let it fly. Point your toe, let it go").

Intrinsic feedback from learning is instant in physical education. Learning is challenging; it takes effort.  In a classroom setting, many students may not understand what effort feels like.  Feedback from that effort may not happen until they struggle on a test weeks later.  During physical education class intrinsic feedback is instant, so students feel the effort immediately. That comfort barrier is the point at which we learn the most.  "It's not hard, it's just learning!"  

-"Raising my elbow when I throw doesn't feel right." "I can't jump rope."

Teacher response: "Great to know! That's actually a great feeling.  It's letting us know that we are  growing our brain."

-"I don't like kicking with my other (bad) foot."

Teacher response:  "Me too!  But that's how I know what to practice, so I can be the best."

-"Running makes my legs tired."  "I don't like to sweat."

Teacher response:  "Wow!  That is awesome feeling!"  As the students look at me strangely. "That means you are creating energy for your brain and body.  The more energy you create, the better your brain works. That's the feeling we want to have every day!"

-"I want to use my idea instead of theirs."

Teacher response:   "The best leaders, were great followers!  Patience is a skill, and because you are able to listen and try other ideas, You became a better leader".

-"It's my turn!"  "I want to be in front!" (When problem solving, taking turns may not be the best way).

Teacher response:  ""That feels frustrating, but that is your brain at a great learning point! To be at your best, and your smartest,  practice enough to learn to choose what you NEED to do, over what you WANT."  If you choose what you WANT, then you might get that one thing, but miss most of the things you really want later.  If you choose what you NEED, then your NEED's become your WANT's, and then you will have the opportunity for the things you really want.  The captain of a ship is never the first one off."