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Monday, July 7, 2025

APP Review: Using Educational Apps to Strengthen Motor Skills in Elementary PE

 As the Physical Education teacher at KIPP Soul Primary in Atlanta, Georgia, I strive to incorporate innovative and engaging tools that help my K–4 students develop foundational movement skills. One of the key standards I focus on in my instruction is Standard 1 from SHAPE America: “The physically literate individual demonstrates competency in a variety of motor skills and movement patterns.” This standard is crucial because it establishes the foundation for physical literacy and supports students in developing confidence as lifelong movers. In searching for digital tools that can enrich instruction aligned to this standard, I reviewed three educational apps that support motor development through movement, visual feedback, and structured activity.

The first app I explored was Go Noodle Kids, which was reviewed on the Gopher Sport blog. Go Noodle is a popular classroom tool that offers short movement videos designed to get students active and engaged. The videos range from dance routines to yoga sessions and coordination games, which makes it an ideal resource for warm-ups or movement breaks throughout the school day. It is free to use, with an optional premium upgrade that provides access to additional content. The app is intended for students in Pre-K through fifth grade and is compatible with iOS, Android, and web-based platforms. I trust the Gopher Sport review because the organization is a long-standing, credible leader in the physical education space. Their blog offers curated recommendations from experienced educators, making it a reliable source for evaluating the app’s effectiveness.

Link: https://blog.gophersport.com/free-physical-education-apps/

Next, I examined Swork-It Kids, also featured on the Gopher Sport blog. This app provides structured workout routines specifically designed for children, including exercises that develop strength, agility, balance, and flexibility. Students can follow along with animated demonstrations and engaging voiceovers, making it easy to use during PE class or at home. Swork-It Kids is free to download, with premium options for users seeking more variety. It is best suited for children ages five to fourteen and works on both iOS and Android devices. Again, I considered Gopher Sport’s review to be a trustworthy source, as they offer insights from real-world educators who have tested the app in school environments. The app’s structured design and clear progression make it especially useful for reinforcing skill-building in younger learners.

Link:  https://blog.gophersport.com/free-physical-education-apps/

The third app I reviewed is BAM Video Delay, which I discovered through a blog post by S&S Worldwide, a reputable supplier of educational and recreational products. BAM Video Delay is a video feedback tool that records students performing physical tasks, such as throwing, jumping, or dribbling, and then plays back the footage after a short delay. This feature enables students to view themselves in real-time, identify areas for improvement, and make immediate adjustments. The app offers a free version, with paid upgrades for more advanced features. It is effective for all grade levels and works best on tablets with iOS or Android operating systems. I value the review from S&S Worldwide because their blog regularly features practical, classroom-tested tools for educators. Their write-up on BAM emphasizes how visual feedback can be a powerful instructional strategy, especially for young students developing motor awareness.

Link: https://www.ssww.com/blog/best-mobile-apps-to-use-in-your-pe-class/?srsltid=AfmBOorygv17__oS5hELuQCITN9LCes92qz-sEZWueGXoRtHeNc0lFjw

After considering all three apps, the one that is most effective for teaching SHAPE Standard 1 is BAM Video Delay. While Go Noodle and Swork-It provide excellent opportunities for movement and structured activity, BAM stands out because of its ability to offer instant visual feedback. Many of my students at KIPP Soul Primary are visual learners and benefit greatly from seeing their performance. This app allows them to reflect on their movement, build self-awareness, and become more intentional about how they execute physical tasks. Whether used during a skills station or a partner activity, BAM Video Delay can transform the way students learn and refine movement patterns, empowering them to take ownership of their physical growth.

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