Have you ever experienced the excitement of touchscreen games on your phone or tablet? At Encino Park Elementary School, the gym has been transformed into an enormous interactive touchscreen! Kids can engage with it by tapping it with their hands or throwing playground balls at the wall while learning in a dynamic, active environment. This innovative setup integrates classroom concepts into physical education, including math, social-emotional development, physical fitness, and mindfulness. Research shows that movement enhances neural connections, making it easier for students to retain what they learn.
This exciting project owes its success to the research and grant proposal work done by Liz Cheslock and Cameron Schmidt, the PE teacher. It was made possible through funding from the North East Educational Foundation, a nonprofit organization providing NEISD Student Impact Grants.