Making Gym Class Engaging and Fun

by Cube Staff

Guest blogger: Shea Rate

For students in Junior grades, physical education is about more than skill development - it’s about building a positive relationship with movement. At this stage, students are developing coordination, confidence, and social skills, which makes it essential for teachers to design gym classes that are inclusive, motivating, and enjoyable.

1. Provide Variety
A balanced program goes beyond traditional team sports. Incorporating cooperative games, fitness challenges, and creative activities ensures that every student finds something they enjoy. Rotating activities also helps develop a wide range of motor skills.

2. Emphasize Participation Over Performance
Fostering an environment where effort and teamwork are celebrated reduces anxiety for less athletic students. Cooperative games such as “Mission Impossible” or circuit-based stations allow all students to contribute and succeed.

3. Offer Student Choice
Providing opportunities for students to select activities or vote on game variations promotes ownership and motivation. A “Choice Day” can increase engagement and help students feel their voices are valued.

4. Build in Success for All Students
Acknowledging improvement, persistence, and sportsmanship encourages students to take risks and stay active. Simple recognition strategies such as positive feedback, class shout-outs, or rotating leadership roles can boost confidence.

5. Maximize Active Time
Efficient transitions, station work, and small-group games ensure that students spend more time moving and less time waiting. Structuring activities to keep the majority of the class active at once increases both enjoyment and skill development.


An engaging gym class helps students associate physical activity with enjoyment and accomplishment. By focusing on inclusivity, variety, and student ownership, teachers can foster lifelong positive attitudes toward fitness and health.

Here are 2 gym games that I have used with my students, that they really enjoyed.

River Crossing:

Bean Bag Battle: