PHE Journal

Une jeune fille fait face à une montagne et porte deux cerceaux.

TOP FEATURE

Indigenous Connections in Physical Education and Wellness: 3 Strategies to Get Started

As we work towards decolonizing our classrooms and responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s calls to action, we have identified three key strategies for fostering a more inclusive pedagogy in physical education, (a) adopting the medicine wheel to communicate classroom expectations, (b) building connections to the land through outdoor teaching and learning, and (c) integrating oral story telling into instructional practice. We hope this article provides teachers with actionable pathways to create a holistic, safe, and inclusive physical education environment that honours Indigenous perspectives.

Welcome to the PHE Journal: Your central hub for all things related to physical and health education. Dive into featured articles, stay up to date with relevant research, and enjoy insightful podcasts covering a variety of topics to support the teaching of quality physical and health. Learn more about the PHE Journal

A group of children with happiness shown on their face.

Research

Enhancing Confidence and Competence to Promote Physical Activity and Health in Children

A shot of a diverse young group of athletes sharing a discussion among themselves. One of the male athletes is an amputee with a bionic leg.

Feature Article

Sharing Teaching Experiences (Part Two): I Now Feel Confident and Prepared Having Pupils of All Abilities in My PHE Class

A teacher holding a net with balls in it in a room that seems to allow physical activity for pupils. She has 5 pupils in front of her, 3 girls and 2 boys. 3 of them raise their hands to get a ball from the teacher. / Une enseignante qui tient un filet avec des ballons dedans dans une salle qui semble permettre de l’activité physique à des élèves. Elle a en face d’elle 5 élèves, 3 filles et 2 garçons. 3 d’entres eux lèvent la main pour avoir une balle de la part de l’enseignante.

Feature Article

Embracing the Unpredictable: Tips for Building your PE Supply Teacher Toolkit

Most Recent

Educator Tips to Weight-Neutral Approaches and Conversations

[ Feature Article ] New Year’s resolutions often reinforce harmful body image standards and diet culture, but educators have a unique role in promoting body diversity and dismantling weight stigma. By fostering inclusive, weight-neutral classrooms, teachers can encourage students to critically analyze social media messaging, trust their bodies, and adopt holistic wellness practices. Practical strategies include exploring non-physical traits, creating courage cards, and engaging in digital literacy discussions. Supporting students with weight-neutral approaches and SMART goal setting can shift the focus from dieting to celebrating body diversity and fostering positive self-esteem.

Authored by: Cassandra Anastácio

Nervous System Regulation in the Classroom

[ Feature Article ] "In order to make better choices, we need to be calm." Nervous system regulation plays a vital role in creating a supportive classroom environment. Educator Keri Albert shares practical techniques like breathing exercises, movement, and mindfulness to help PHE teachers manage stress and guide students toward emotional balance. By fostering calmness, educators can enhance decision-making and promote a healthier learning experience for everyone.

Authored by: Keri Albert, Martha Gumprich

Hockey Success and Birthdate: The Relative Age Effect

[ Research ] Previously published in Volume 51, Issue 8 Abstract Hockey players from the National Hockey League (N.H.L.), the Western Hockey League (W.H.L.), and Ontario Hockey League (O.H.L.) were categorized...

Authored by: Roger H. Barnsley, Angus H. (Gus) Thompson, Paula E. Barnsley

Amplifying Student Voice in Physical Education

[ Feature Article ] Amplifying student voice in physical education actively involves students in decisions that shape their learning. Through concrete examples and creative activities, teachers can better understand student perceptions and adapt their practices to foster an inclusive and meaningful learning environment. Learn how active listening and co-creation can transform physical education.

Authored by: Carla Nascimento Luguetti , Laura Alfrey

“The Peer Mentorship Network Helped Me Flourish”: A Whole School Approach to Peer Mentorship

[ Research ] This paper describes the practices of Health Promoters working for Mental Health and Addictions at Nova Scotia Health and their experience supporting a whole school approach to peer mentorship at a high school with a population of 800+ students.

Authored by: Dr. Laura Kennedy, Emily Berrigan, Alyce Casey, Liane Khoury, Sara Brushett, MA, BSc, Dan Steeves BEd, D.A.U.S, MAEd

A Conversation with Spirit North: Celebrating Indigenous Youth and Unleashing Potential in Sport, School, and Life

[ Feature Article ] The PHE Journal had the pleasure of interviewing Jennifer MacPherson, Regional Director of Western Canada, and Taz Colbourne, Community Program Leader from an incredible organization, Spirit North, who are empowering Indigenous youth to become unstoppable in sport, school, and life.

Authored by: Jennifer MacPherson, Taz Colbourne, Caleb Poulin