Connecting MPE to skateboarding.

Created by Braden Verge BS, MS in Education Physical Education Teacher, Curriculum Developer for First Push Syndicate, and RAD Dad

Skateboarding has always been more than just a hobby for me—it’s been a lifestyle, a passion, and a tool for self-expression. My journey with skateboarding has shaped who I am, not only as a skater but also as an educator. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing how skateboarding can deeply engage students, especially when it's integrated into physical education (PE). Through my work with First Push Syndicate, I’ve been connecting the principles of Meaningful Physical Education (MPE) to skateboarding to create a dynamic curriculum that resonates with today’s students.

The Core of Meaningful Physical Education

Before diving into the integration of skateboarding, let’s unpack what Meaningful Physical Education is all about. MPE focuses on six key features that drive student engagement: Social Interaction, Fun, Challenge, Motor Competence, Personally Relevant Learning, and Delight. These pillars are designed to make physical education more than just a class but an experience that promotes lifelong physical activity.

Here’s how skateboarding fits seamlessly into each of these MPE elements:

Social Interaction: Building Community Through Skateboarding

One of the most incredible aspects of skateboarding is its ability to build community. When students come together to learn, practice, and share their experiences, they’re not just learning tricks—they’re forming bonds. Whether it’s cheering each other on as they land a difficult trick or helping one another overcome a challenge, skateboarding promotes a supportive environment. 

In my curriculum work with First Push Syndicate, we structure group skate sessions that encourage teamwork and collaboration. Even though skateboarding can be seen as an individual activity, it’s these shared moments of success and failure that bring students together and foster strong social connections.

Fun: The Joy of Learning and Progressing

For physical education to be truly meaningful, it has to be fun. And what’s more fun than skateboarding? From the moment students step on a board, they’re engaged. The freedom of movement, the thrill of attempting new tricks, and the satisfaction of finally nailing them are unmatched. 

The skateboarding curriculum we’re building emphasizes this sense of freedom and creativity. Unlike some traditional sports, skateboarding allows students to express themselves through movement. Whether they’re perfecting their balance or working on an ollie, students feel a sense of joy and accomplishment in their progress. It’s this fun factor that keeps them coming back, eager to improve.

Challenge: Encouraging Persistence and Resilience

Skateboarding is all about overcoming challenges. Every skater knows that the road to mastering a trick is paved with failed attempts. But with each fall, students learn resilience and persistence—two essential qualities not just in PE, but in life.

The curriculum we’re developing offers a scalable approach to difficulty. Beginners can start with foundational skills like balancing and pushing, while more advanced students can tackle more complex tricks. This "just-right" challenge keeps students motivated, giving them confidence as they move from basic skills to more advanced maneuvers.

Motor Competence: Enhancing Physical Skills

Skateboarding isn’t just about cool tricks—it’s a full-body workout that requires balance, coordination, agility, and strength. When students learn to skateboard, they’re building essential motor skills that transfer to other sports and physical activities.

Through First Push Syndicate, we’re designing lessons that focus on these key physical skills. Whether it's maintaining balance on a moving board or coordinating foot movements for a trick, skateboarding helps students develop a higher level of physical competence. Plus, students get immediate feedback on their performance, allowing them to refine their movements and improve over time.

Personally Relevant Learning: Connecting to Students’ Lives

One of the reasons skateboarding resonates so well with students is because it’s already a part of their world. Many students are exposed to skateboarding through social media, pop culture, or their own neighborhoods. When they see skateboarding in the PE curriculum, they feel an immediate connection to the material.

I’ve seen firsthand how students light up when they realize they can integrate a hobby they love into their education. By aligning skateboarding with the principles of MPE, we’re not just teaching students a new skill—we’re connecting with them on a personal level. This relevancy boosts their engagement and gives them a deeper investment in their physical education journey.

Delight: Experiencing Joyful Moments in Physical Activity

While Fun is about the overall enjoyment of an activity, Delight captures those magical, unexpected moments that make skateboarding truly special. It’s the moment when a student lands their first ollie or rides down a hill for the first time with the wind in their face. These moments of delight aren’t just pleasurable—they’re deeply fulfilling.

In my work with First Push Syndicate, we emphasize the idea that physical education should create these moments of delight. When students experience joy in what they’re doing, it strengthens their emotional connection to physical activity. Delight makes learning stick, leaving students with positive memories they carry forward long after the lesson ends.

We build these moments into the skateboarding curriculum by creating opportunities for discovery, risk-taking, and surprise. Whether it’s through creative skate challenges or exploring different environments to skate in, we make sure students have the chance to experience the thrill and delight of skateboarding.

Designing the Future of Skateboarding in PE

As a curriculum developer for First Push Syndicate, I’ve been working closely with fellow educators to create a program that aligns with both national PE standards and the principles of MPE. The goal is to offer schools and teachers a way to incorporate skateboarding into their physical education classes in a meaningful, effective way.

We’re crafting lesson plans that cater to different age groups and skill levels, from elementary school students learning the basics to high schoolers mastering more advanced techniques. The curriculum also includes guidelines for safety, skill progression, and ways to incorporate social and emotional learning into each session.

A Meaningful Path Forward

Skateboarding has the power to transform physical education into something students not only enjoy but find deeply meaningful. By aligning it with the MPE framework, we’re providing students with opportunities for personal growth, physical competence, and social connection—everything that makes physical education truly meaningful.

Through my work with First Push Syndicate, I’m excited to continue exploring how skateboarding can be a powerful tool for engaging students in PE. Together, we’re shaping a curriculum that will inspire the next generation of riders, movers, and lifelong learners.

This post shares my journey of connecting skateboarding to Meaningful Physical Education. Stay tuned for more updates from the First Push Syndicate and how we’re bringing skateboarding to schools!  

Resources

Fletcher, T., Chroinin, D., Gleddie, D., & Beni, S. (2021). *Meaningful Physical Education: An Approach for Teaching and Learning*. Routledge.