Adapting Activities for Individual Needs—Right from the Start

Every student deserves to participate fully.

In Adapted Physical Education, inclusion isn’t just a goal—it’s a mindset. From the very first class, our job is to make sure every student feels supported, successful, and part of the team. That means adapting activities not as an afterthought, but as a foundational practice.

In this post, I’m sharing my go-to strategies for adapting games and activities right from day one—so that every student can participate meaningfully, regardless of ability, behavior, or sensory needs.

🔄 Why Start with Adapting Activities?

When you build adaptation into your lesson planning from the beginning, you create a more inclusive environment where:

• Students feel safe to try

• Paraprofessionals know how to support

• Expectations are clear and flexible

• Engagement goes up—and frustration goes down

🧰 My Favorite Activity Adaptations

1. Offer Choices for Equipment and Movement

Not every student needs to use the same tool to practice the same skill. Offer lightweight balls, larger targets, or alternative grips. Let students choose how they participate—rolling instead of throwing, jumping instead of hopping.

💡 Tip: Have a “choice board” or bin of preferred equipment ready at the start of class.

2. Use Visuals for Instructions

Pair verbal directions with pictures, symbols, or live modeling. For students who are nonverbal or who process language differently, visuals make expectations accessible.

💡 Tip: Create a simple visual cue card for each activity step, or post icons on a board near each station.

3. Celebrate Participation, Not Just Results

For some students, showing up and trying is a huge win. Reinforce effort, persistence, teamwork, and joy—not just technical success. This encourages ongoing engagement and helps build trust.

💡 Tip: Use sticker charts, token boards, or verbal praise to recognize even the smallest victories.

👟 Real-Life Example: Modified Tag

Instead of traditional tag, try:

• "Shadow Tag" – students tag by following in someone’s footsteps

• "High-Five Tag" – gentle tags with consent

• "Color Zone Tag" – students move only to matching colored spots

These versions maintain the spirit of the game while supporting varied needs.

📥 Free Resource: Adapted Activities Cheat Sheet

Download my Adapted Activities Cheat Sheet with quick modifications for common PE games and skills.👉 Download Here

📘 For More Ideas and Tools

Find hundreds of adaptations, visuals, and lesson plans inside The Ultimate Adapted P.E. Manual

Perfect for teachers looking to support all learners with confidence.

🔍 Keywords:

Adapted PE, inclusive teaching, activity modifications, special education, visual supports, differentiated instruction, universal design in PE

💬 What’s Your Go-To Adaptation?

How do you modify games to support your students? Drop a comment or tag @easy.adapted.pe to share your favorite inclusive strategy—you might inspire someone else’s breakthrough!