A smiling student in a black hoodie runs forward in the gym while holding an orange cone, with other students playing in the background.

Engaged & Inspired: Stories from Our Schools

DD4 Communications

August 29, 2025

Woodland Middle PE Brings Energy with “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Cones”

Woodland Middle School’s gym came alive this week as Mr. Marvel and Mr. Dorsey introduced their students to a high-energy game called “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Cones.” The activity combined laughter, competition, and learning in a way that made physical education both fun and purposeful.

Two girls crouch low and face each other intently during the game, with a yellow cone between them on the gym floor.

In this game, students paired up with classmates, each standing across from one another with a cone placed on the floor between them. At the teacher’s signal, students followed a series of quick commands: “head,” “shoulders,” or “knees,” touching the body part called out. The pace varied, sometimes building suspense, until the word “cone” rang out. In that moment, both players raced to grab the cone first.

A girl holding an orange cone smiles while standing next to a boy in a gray shirt, with a PE teacher in the background also smiling.

The student who didn’t secure the cone performed a basic calisthenic exercise chosen by another student with teacher guidance. This approach kept everyone active, engaged, and smiling. After each round, students rotated partners, ensuring that everyone had a chance to play against a variety of classmates. Even the teachers joined in, much to the delight of the students.

A PE teacher in a blue shirt and headband leans forward as a student in a camouflage hoodie crouches down, both fully engaged in the game.

The benefits of this simple yet engaging activity go far beyond entertainment:

  • Body Awareness: Students learn to identify and react to different body parts, sharpening physical knowledge.

  • Auditory Processing: Quickly following commands develops listening and response skills.

  • Gross Motor Skills: Fast reactions and quick bursts of movement build coordination.

  • Cardio & Stamina: The short, energetic sprints provide a strong warm-up for the body.

  • Engagement & Joy: Students stayed fully involved, eager for the next round, and motivated by the lively atmosphere.

The excitement on the students’ faces said it all, physical education at Woodland Middle is about more than exercise. It’s about teamwork, skill-building, and discovering that learning can be active and fun.
Two boys face each other in a crouched stance, focusing on a blue cone placed on the gym floor between them during the “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Cones” activity.

Look for more “Engaged & Inspired” stories highlighting creative classroom activities across Dorchester School District Four in upcoming editions.