Benjamin Franklin Elementary School

Ben Franklin Elementary School is located in a suburb just west of Chicago, with a population of 620 students in kindergarten through fifth grade. There are two full time physical education teachers who are responsible for teaching PE for 20 minutes a day, and an adaptive PE teacher who comes regularly to assist with inclusion students.  Our mission is to ensure that all students reach their maximum potential for learning, and develop the skills necessary to succeed in life.  We do this by providing high-quality physical education activities based on Illinois state standards and benchmarks, with an emphasis on cooperation, teamwork, and life-long fitness.

Both teachers received the "Highlight Award" from the Northeastern District of the Illinois AHPERD, in recognition for the outstanding "Survivor Unit."  Classroom teachers, the math and literacy specialists, LLC coordinator, and the music and art teacher are involved in getting the students ready for a large scale team-building unit.   The unit incorporates creating chants and team tribal names, reading survivor books, and designing team flags, with an emphasis on working together to accomplish mental and physical tasks. 

Other distinctive features of the Ben Franklin Physical Education program include the Annual Food Pantry Run which feeds over 400 local families, the Punt, Pass and Kick Contest,  Dancing with the Stars unit (using dances and DDR), the Heart Challenge Course, and the PEC Challenge.  We are extremely lucky in having a large parent involvement group that helps throughout the year, especially with our cross country skiing and snowshoeing unit.

Please visit Ben Franklin Elementary's physical education website.