Q&A— Adapted PE: Your Biggest Questions About Building Relationships & Assessment

Let’s answer your Adapted P.E. questions—together.

Welcome to this month’s Adapted P.E. Q&A, where I respond to real questions from teachers in the field—because you're not alone in figuring it out! Whether you're teaching in a gym, a classroom, or on the go, we're all working toward the same goal: meaningful, inclusive physical education for every student.

This month, we’re focusing on three big themes:

• Building relationships with students

• Keeping assessments simple and effective

• Involving families in the learning process

Let’s dive in!

💬 Q1: How do you build trust with students who are hesitant to engage in Adapted PE?

Great question—and something every APE teacher faces. The key is consistency and genuine connection. Greet students by name, offer choices in how they participate, and celebrate effort (not just outcomes). Some students might need weeks before they fully join in—and that’s okay. Your presence and patience matter more than perfection.

💡 Try This: Assign classroom jobs or roles during warm-ups to build ownership and comfort.

💬 Q2: What’s the easiest way to assess without taking away from class time?

Keep it simple. I assess one skill per session using a quick checklist or visual tracker. I’ll jot notes on a clipboard during class, or ask paraprofessionals to help observe. You don’t need to record every movement—just look for patterns of progress over time.

💡 Try This: Use sticker charts, visual rubrics, or a thumbs-up/thumbs-down rating system for students who can self-assess.

💬 Q3: How can I better involve families in Adapted P.E.?

Start with a friendly introduction. Send a short, jargon-free welcome letter at the beginning of the year and invite families to share what motivates their child. Throughout the year, keep the door open with quick updates or celebration notes. You don’t need to send a newsletter—just a consistent connection.

💡 Try This: Ask families to send in a short note or video about their child’s favorite game, toy, or activity. It gives you insight and builds rapport.

📥 All September Resources: Free Download

Get everything mentioned in this post—relationship-building tools, assessment checklists, and family communication templates.👉 Download the September Resources

📘 Want More Ideas You Can Use All Year?

For step-by-step strategies, visual tools, monthly planning, and real classroom stories, check out: The Ultimate Adapted P.E. Manual

🔍 Keywords:

Adapted PE Q&A, special education, trust building, behavior strategies, physical education assessment, parent communication, inclusive teaching

💬 Got a Question for Next Month’s Q&A?

I’d love to hear from you! Drop your question in the comments or send a DM on Instagram @easy.adapted.pe. Your question might be featured in the next Q&A post!