📘 Kick Off Your Adapted PE Year with Confidence | August Setup Tips

Sarah Fuller, MS CAPE
Aug 21, 2025
2 min read

Start strong with structure, support, and student connection.

Welcome to EasyAdaptedPE—I’m Sarah, and after more than a decade of teaching Adapted PE, I’m here to help you feel confident, prepared, and supported in your teaching journey.

This post kicks off a monthly strategy series based on my book, The Ultimate Adapted P.E. Manual. Each month, I’ll guide you through simple, effective practices to help you stay organized, meet student needs, and reduce overwhelm—no matter where you teach or how long you’ve been doing it.

Let’s dive into August!

🛠️ This Month’s Focus: Setting the Foundation in Adapted PE

A little planning now saves hours later—and creates a calm, supportive environment where all students can succeed. Here’s where to begin:

✅ 1. Set Up Your Physical Space

Whether you have a full gym, a hallway, or a traveling cart, the way your space is arranged impacts everything. Organize equipment with portable bins or carts, use visual zones for activities, and create a calm-down area if needed.

💡 Tip: Keep it minimal at first—too much equipment or décor can overwhelm students with sensory needs.

✅ 2. Establish Consistent Routines

Predictable routines create security. Start building your structure with visual schedules, a set warm-up, and a familiar cool-down. Stick with it—even if it feels repetitive at first.

💡 Tip: Practice transitions like “start/stop” signals and group gathering using visual prompts or music cues.

✅ 3. Build Strong Student Relationships

Your students are more likely to engage when they feel connected to you. Greet them by name, get to know what motivates them, and celebrate every success—no matter how small.

💡 Tip: Try a simple “get to know you” activity during Week 1 that includes movement and choice.

✅ 4. Reduce Chaos and Maximize Engagement

Prepare a few low-prep, structured activities with built-in success for all ability levels. Use visuals, assign support staff roles, and avoid too many transitions early on.

💡 Tip: Choose one or two activities per lesson and repeat them throughout the week—familiarity builds confidence.