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Does Marathon Kids connect with National Physical Education Standards?

Marathon Kids naturally integrates into the National Standards and Grade-Level Outcomes for K-12 Physical Education.

Stefanie Ediger avatar
Written by Stefanie Ediger
Updated over a year ago

There are five National Physical Education standards set by SHAPE America, a Society of Health and Physical Educators.

These National Standards & Grade-Level Outcomes for K-12 Physical Education help define what a student should know and be able to do as a result of a highly effective Physical Education program.

The Marathon Kids program naturally integrates into the standards and grade-level outcomes. To print a pdf copy click here.

SHAPE: Society of Health and Physical Educators

Marathon Kids

Standard 1: The physically literate individual demonstrates competency in a variety of motor skills and movement patterns.

Participants will:

Perform and practice a variety of motor skills and movement patterns depending on activities selected for warm-ups, running games, running/walking laps, and cool-down activities.

Standard 2: The physically literate individual applies knowledge of concepts, principles, strategies, and tactics related to movement and performance.

Two of the six evidence-based pillars of the program are Goal Setting and Tracking.

Participants will:

  • Evaluate their performance and reflect on their contribution to the club.

  • Review and assess their own data as it relates to reaching their own goals and also helping their class, grade and club reach their cumulative goals.

  • Enjoy self-paced movement.

  • Learn vocabulary and strategies to improve endurance and overall health.

Standard 3: The physically literate individual demonstrates the knowledge and skills to achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical activity and fitness.

The program is designed to teach kids that being physically active is a fun, social activity that only requires a pair of shoes.

Participants will:

  • Experience a motivating and encouraging environment.

  • Feel a part of a team, their individual effort contributes to the overall goal.

  • Learn that consistency is key to staying physically active.

  • Develop a growth mindset through intrinsic motivation, achieving goals, and feeling an improvement in their endurance.

Standard 4: The physically literate individual exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others.

Three of the six evidence-based pillars of the program are Modeling the Way, Social Support, and Celebrating.

Participants will:

  • Observe adults who model healthy behaviors and respect for all participants.

  • Learn from observing others through the social environment, real-life situations, and watching their peers be successful.

  • Observe others’ work ethic, determination, and social interaction while getting to celebrate others’ achievements and feel a part of a team.

Standard 5: The physically literate individual recognizes the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and/or social interaction.

Participants will:

  • Have fun participating and feel included

  • Experience a motivating group that encourages staying active.

  • Get to socialize while being physically active

*SHAPE America. (2013). National Standards for K-12 Physical Education. Reston, VA: Author. These are currently being updated.

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