SHAPE America

National Standards & Grade-Level Outcomes

Alignment Chart with Montessori Physical Education

Why I Chose Shape

I chose SHAPE because I didn't want to use only one state's standards. People around the country and the world use these lessons, so I wanted a larger framework than just one state. SHAPE used Common Core State Standards, current research in PE, and other curriculum frameworks to create their list of standards and outcomes. Regardless of where you teach in the US, you can cross-reference what physical standards are met by the lessons. If you are out of the country, I hope the chart is still easily usable for determining what physical standards are met.

In crafting a chart to align my lessons with SHAPE’s standards, I wanted to respond to school requests to clarify how my physical education program meets these essential benchmarks. This chart not only serves as a resource for educators but also helps me, as an instructor, evaluate and enhance my curriculum.

By aligning physical education lessons to recognized standards, I feel more assured that we are not just enhancing the classroom curriculum but actively teaching valuable PE skills essential for student growth. One of the greatest concerns of educators who love the integrated teaching approach I use with my PE lessons is whether they meet the national standards of traditional PE. If a teacher or head of school can't show how these lessons teach PE, while they love the idea of Montessori PE, they can't use it. Now, I hope that with this alignment chart, educators who have been on the fence can confidently test and use my lessons, knowing they meet the national standards that parents expect.