That Was So Much Fun: Meaningful Insights From Students There are moments in a Physical Education class where the sights and sounds tells you everything you need to know. Laughter between rallies. Music playing while students dance and celebrate points.…

"We’re willing to take risks. We’re not scared to make mistakes."
My students inspired me to write this week's #slowchathealth blog post on the feature of fun in our lessons.
slowchathealth.com/2026/02/03/t...

Creating Environments for “Classroom Moments” In a recent #Slowchathealth post, Andy Milne, shared a story about a “classroom moment” where his students took control of the learning environment and taught each other. The topic was menstruation and how to be supportive. A young man asked what more could boys do to be supportive, and this is what happened: “As I began to answer, I realized something: the class didn’t need…

Creating Environments for “Classroom Moments”

In a recent #Slowchathealth post, Andy Milne, shared a story about a “classroom moment” where his students took control of the learning environment and taught each other. The topic was menstruation and how to be supportive. A young man asked what more…

Wellness Dominoes: the Ripple Effects of Wellness When I first wrote about using Hexagonal Thinking to help students explore the 10 Dimensions of Wellness, I shared how powerful it was to see them physically (or digitally) connecting concepts toge…

New blog post alert!
"This hexagonal thinking activities reminds students that wellness is never one-dimensional and that our choices rarely stop at a single outcome."
slowchathealth.com/2025/09/11/w... #slowchathealth

Creating a Student Care Cart within the Classroom As educators, we know that our students cannot be the most successful version of themselves if their basic needs are not being met. As health educators specifically, I’m sure we are often asked by …

Does your classroom have a student care cart?

"It fills my heart to see my students visit the care cart before and after class time or ask me privately for something they need"

slowchathealth.com/2024/05/07/c... via Melanie Sjoblom for #slowchathealth

Crafting the Perfect Music Playlist If you’re looking to create personalized music playlists that are perfect for your classroom, gym, or workout needs, then this blog post is for you. Regular readers of the site will know that…

New #slowchathealth blog post alert.
I've had a lot of fun creating 20 minute themed playlists for my students.
slowchathealth.com/2025/08/18/t...

The #slowchathealth July Book of the Month comes from Dale Sidebottom.
Your family will love ‘365 Days of Play’. I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!

amzn.to/44nlhd7

Packed with creative challenges, uplifting stories, and science-backed activities, 365 DAYS OF PLAY is a fantastic book, and our Book of the Month selection for July! #slowchathealth
Order: amzn.to/4k8CAEN

As was recently recommended by Rebecca Winthrop in a recent podcast, the #slowchathealth Book of the Month for June is BLUEPRINT FOR REVOLUTION by Srdja Popovic on @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social
Purchase: amzn.to/43Y5Is3

Single Point Rubrics I once adored holistic rubrics, but when my students expressed their dislike for them, it led to a transformation in my approach. Now, I am committed to single-point rubrics, and there’s no t…

Michelle Rawcliffe asked students to build a rubric.
Their ideas made it more fair, more reflective, and more relevant.
slowchathealth.com/2025/05/28/s... #microblog for #slowchathealth

Five Questions I Asked My Middle School Students This Year I have taught middle school PE and Health Education in four countries, across three continents. Everywhere I have been, I’ve witnessed students navigating the challenges of adolescents, while learn…

Destined to be a classic #microblog post that you'll return to again and again. @msemilyzien.bsky.social shares the five question categories that she uses with her students.
slowchathealth.com/2025/05/26/q... for #slowchathealth Microblog Month.

50 Kids, No Problem—Thanks to What I Saw This is my second year contributing to this blog, and I truly enjoy reading every post. They’ve been such a valuable part of my journey—helping me grow, reflect, and evolve as an educator. Without …

The best PD isn’t always in a conference room. Sometimes it’s on the sidelines of another teacher’s class.
Here’s how watching others has transformed the way Austin Olson teaches #PhysEd.
slowchathealth.com/2025/05/21/5... #microblog for #slowchathealth

Thought Traps in Health Class After teaching a lesson, how often have we thought to ourselves, “My students said they loved the lesson, but they were just being nice”? Well, it’s time to stop discounting the positive and …

“I didn’t realize how we think can impact our health.”
That’s the kind of lightbulb moment Kayla Robertson sparked in her students.
Read her #microblog on thought traps & cognitive distortions.
slowchathealth.com/2025/05/19/t... for #slowchathealth

The Four Ps of Field Day What is it? Some say, it’s just a play day. Others would say it’s a day where students get to show off competition against others. My answer: it’s my passion. I never had an awesome Field Day going…

"Some will say thank you and will say this was the best day of their life. You have the power to create a memory that will last a lifetime for them." Drew Burris shares his Field Day wisdom in this #microblog post for #slowchathealth.
slowchathealth.com/2023/05/04/t...

How Can Esports Impact Sleep? Esports, or organized competitive video gaming (Jenny et al., 2017), have proven to be a global phenomenon that attracts millions of players and audiences. The esports industry is massive, with pro…

"Athletes and #esports players of all levels often have problems with sleep-related issues due to factors such as screen times, irregular schedules, high stimulation, and poor sleep hygiene." New #microblog post from Marc Lucente for #slowchathealth: slowchathealth.com/2025/05/15/e...

Press Pause and Play: The Family Habit That Changes Everything In the rush of daily life, school drop-offs, work meetings, dinner prep, washing, and a never-ending to-do list, it’s easy to let “playtime” fall to the bottom of the priority pil…

Play is not a luxury. It’s not something you earn after the ‘real stuff’ is done. It is the real stuff.”
Dale Sidebottom's latest #microblog post reminds us that play reduces stress, builds resilience, and deepens family connection.
slowchathealth.com/2025/05/14/p... for #slowchathealth

Making it Count: Organizing PE Around What Really Matters In most multi-activity curricula, when asked “what are we doing today?” the all too familiar response is “games, or aquatics, or dance and so on”. These activities are therefore “the organising cen…

PE isn't just about drills, games, and scores. It's about developing young people.
So let’s make conscious choices about what we center.
And let’s tell the kids what we value.
Here's a fantastic #microblog post from Professor Ash Casey
slowchathealth.com/2025/05/14/w... #slowchathealth #PhysEd

Cultures, Perspectives, Backgrounds Have you ever considered the cultural backgrounds of the students you teach? As an educator, I have come to realize that considering the cultural backgrounds of students is not just beneficial but …

“Considering the cultural backgrounds of students is not an add-on—it’s essential.”
This post reminds us what truly inclusive teaching looks like.
@leticarino.bsky.social is back with another #microblog post for #slowchathealth!
slowchathealth.com/2025/05/13/p...

From a fantastic #microblog that dropped earlier today on #slowchathealth.
slowchathealth.com/2025/05/12/i...

There's PLENTY of time for you to add your name to this global list of educators sharing their awesomeness with the readers of the #slowchathealth #microblog month event.
slowchathealth.com/2025/03/14/m...

Bite-Sized PD Professional development doesn’t always have to come from a conference or a new book. Sometimes the best inspiration is already in your pocket—literally. Like many teachers, I’m a collector of grea…

Bite-sized professional development idea (that costs nothing):
What if your next big teaching inspiration is already in your pocket?
Here's a #microblog post that provides a free, no-pressure, low-stakes way to recharge and reflect.
slowchathealth.com/2025/05/09/b... for #slowchathealth

Advocate like a Physical Education Teacher Let’s be honest: You already advocate every day, even if you don’t call it that. Holding firm on physical education minutes? Advocacy. Defending your gym space? Advocacy. Reminding folks that physi…

This #slowchathealth #microblog comes from Dr. Lisa Paulson, and it’s a must-read for anyone who has ever defended their gym space, fought for PE minutes, or reminded others what the “E” in PE stands for.
slowchathealth.com/2025/05/07/a... #advocacy

Fostering Open Conversations in Health Hey there! As a health teacher at Chestnut Hill Middle School, I’ve had the chance to work with some amazing students and watch them grow, learn, and figure out the many things that make up their h…

Health class shouldn’t feel awkward—it should feel safe, engaging, and empowering. 💡
In this #slowchathealth #microblog post, Andrea Kennedy shows us how she creates a space for real conversations with middle schoolers.
slowchathealth.com/2025/05/05/o...

After reading Drew’s reflections, what’s one change you’ll make in how you talk about or think about sexuality — either with students, colleagues, or friends? #slowchathealth

What Shawn Mendes Can Teach Us About Sexuality I woke up to what I thought was a normal Tuesday morning in October, only to open my phone to a flurry of texts and DMs. “Watch this vid! Shawn came out last night!”. My heart exploded in my chest.…

In today’s #slowchathealth post, @millerhealthed.bsky.social reflects on labels, assumptions, and how we can show more compassion for everyone’s journey.
This #microblog post is 🔥
slowchathealth.com/2025/05/05/s... #MendesArmy #ShawnMendes

Coming tomorrow to #slowchathealth:
@millerhealthed.bsky.social's #microblog shares personal lessons inspired by Shawn Mendes, vulnerability, and the messy beauty of figuring ourselves out. 🌈
You won’t want to miss this post. #MendesArmy #ShawnMendes

Intentional Intentions Being intentional with how and where we allocate our focus can be challenging and overwhelming in our hectic, busy lives. It is easy for me to experience cognitive overload … so many books, article…

“Intentions create the head space where I can focus my attention and awareness…”
Dr. Kristi Mally's wisdom is back on #slowchathealth today. Reboosting a timeless reminder for educators to slow down, ground, and open up to growth.
Read here: slowchathealth.com/2025/05/04/i...

Something for the Weekend One of my favorite traditions/rituals, both with students and colleagues, is sharing what I’m currently reading, watching, and listening to. I think there’s significant value in these exchang…

The weekend starts here!
Today’s #slowchathealth #microblog post is all about connection through what we’re into right now. I’m sharing what I’m currently reading, watching, and listening to — and I’d love to hear yours too.
slowchathealth.com/2025/05/03/s...

Something For The Weekend Sharing what I’m currently reading, watching, and listening to — and I’d love to hear yours too.

Weekend vibes incoming! 🎧📚📺
Tomorrow’s #slowchathealth #microblog post is a simple, feel-good one: I'll be sharing what I'm currently reading, watching, and listening to — and inviting YOU to do the same.
If you can't wait until then, check my Substack carmelhealth.substack.com/p/something-...

We CAN Do Hard Things This year I was offered the opportunity to do something I had always wanted to do: teach a PETE class. My first reaction was “Wow! I am so honored and excited to do this!”  Fast track to: “The…

"Action breeds confidence and courage."
In the latest #slowchathealth #microblog post, @megaerar.bsky.social reflects on overcoming fear, preparing for big opportunities, and trusting herself.
slowchathealth.com/2025/05/02/h...

Dropping tomorrow: @apewithmsl.bsky.social kicks off #microblog month with a powerful post on what it means to mourn the athlete you could have been — and how to build a better future for the next generation. #microblog #slowchathealth You won't want to miss it!