Stay ConnectedThe PE Umbrella is a podcast for primary teachers & those working in the primary PE space who want practical, actionable ideas they can use straight away.
Hosted by Ryan Ellis, each episode features honest conversations with educators from around the world, sharing real strategies, lessons, and experiences from the field.
With over 200 episodes to date, the focus is simple: cut through the noise and help you deliver better primary PE with confidence, clarity, and impact.
Episode 41 is the third and final part of my '8 Minute Musings' series of podcasts. During this episode, I discuss the concept of keeping and displaying school sport and athletics records from KS2 (8-11 years old) upwards. Inspired by a recent sports day at a private school that I worked on, my eyes were opened to the fact that every other state school that I have/still do work in do not have such a thing. In my opinion, keeping records can only be a good thing surely? I explain how I think they are of benefit, what I'll be doing to set the wheels in motion in some schools next year and how to keep it sustainable! So what are you waiting for? Come and join me under the umbrella and let me know if you too keep, or are planning on keeping school sporting records! Simply email ryanellis.peumbrella@gmail.com or tweet me @ryansporting
Episode 40 is the second of a three part series of my '8 Minute Musings'. During this episode, I discuss the statistics behind a recent Twitter Poll that I conducted. Primary Teachers, Do You Enjoy Teaching PE? I voice a breakdown of the answers I received and offer my take on what this means for the current state/future of Physical Education for our children. So what are you waiting for? Come and join me under the umbrella and share your opinions by emailing ryanellis.peumbrella@gmail.com or by tweeting me @ryansporting
In episode 39, the first of three special '8 minute episodes' I talk about the app BAM Video Delay. Although the app itself has been around for some time, I myself am still relatively new to the scene and finding ways to maximise its use in my classroom. After my interview with Jarrod Robinson in episode 19 in which he shared this as his MUST HAVE app, I knew I had to take the plunge. This week, I used it to great success in a year 4 cricket lesson teaching the 'front foot drive' batting shot. During this episode, I explain how the app works, the context in which I used it, why I felt it was of benefit, my setup and what I intend to do next. Whether you are new to this app or an old timer, I'd love to hear about your BAM video delay experiences too, so come on over and join me 'Under the Umbrella'
In this interview episode of The PE Umbrella, I am joined by Amanda Stanec. Born in Canada, her journey in education has led her to founding Move, Live, Learn, speaking at a number of physed and sport events in the USA and working as a Physical Education and Sport Contractor. In this episode we talk about Physical Literacy, the importance of motivation and goal setting, and share books and articles that are a must read! As always there is so much useful advice to take away and apply! So what are you waiting for? Come and join us 'Under the Umbrella'
In this interview episode of The PE Umbrella, I am joined by 1:1 health and PE teacher, presenter and iBook writer Andy Milne. Originally from England, his teaching journey has seen him teach across the globe before finally settling in the Chicago suburbs. In this episode we talk about the importance of health education, how writing iBooks has revolutionised the way he teaches and his top things to read, watch, listen and do this summer!. It was a real pleasure recording this episode with Andy and his enthusiasm is infectious! As always there is so much useful advice to take away and apply! So what are you waiting for? Come and join us 'Under the Umbrella'
On this episode 'Under the Umbrella', I bring you yet another tremendous activity that is perfect for our sunny summer afternoons and complements traditional summer sports perfectly! The game has a central focus on throwing and catching but you will soon discover there is so much more to it than that. I explain how the game is set up, how to play, draw out key teaching points and even sprinkle in a selection of excellent progressions for good measure. All of this and more is discussed 'Under the Umbrella' today so come and join me to listen, and head over to www.peumbrella.com to download the FREE PDF so you can start playing King Ball with your class NOW! Who will Reign Supreme?
In this Episode of The PE Umbrella Podcast, I reflect on the importance of 'Enthusiasm' as a key teacher trait and argue that true enthusiasm is only achieved if you Love what you are doing. I use the example of the famous quote" 'A fish will forever think it's stupid if it's judged by its ability to climb a tree' Why do so many people focus on improving their weaknesses rather than perfecting the things that are already their strengths? If we focus on our strengths, we are likely to be happy and more enthusiastic in what is is we are doing. This has certainly been the case for myself as I have transitioned from full time primary classroom teacher delivering the whole national curriculum into a primary PE adviser and specialist, my true passion. I explain why I no longer have the 'living for the weekend' mentality and urge you to be a fish that swims, not one that tries to climb trees. I would love to hear your own views on my reflections, so what are you waiting for? Come and join me 'Under the Umbrella'
In this Episode of The PE Umbrella Podcast, I share my equipment list that absolutely MUST be in any primary school PE cupboard. With the PE funding in full flow there are no more excuses for having a sub par PE cupboard that lacks equipment. However, the equipment, or lack of it, is still a barrier to high quality PE in many primary schools. In this episode I take you through the bare minimum 'must have's' for your school PE cupboard and explain why it is essential! I would love to hear your thoughts on any items that I have missed and what your own 'must haves' are too so please get in touch! What are you waiting for? Come and join me 'Under the Umbrella'
In this reflection Episode of The PE Umbrella Podcast, I talk about the game of Four Square. A staple of playgrounds of Elementary and Middle schools across America during recess, this fun, fast paced and adaptable game surely has a place across the pond here in the UK? I break down the fundamental rules of the game, share my experiences of using it for the first time this week and offer my views as to whether it needs to be introduced into more UK schools! I would love to hear your own stories and views on this game, so shoot me a tweet @ryansporting or email at ryanellis.peumbrella.com. What are you waiting for? Come and join me 'Under the Umbrella'
In this Episode of The PE Umbrella Podcast, I reflect on the impact (positive and negative) that rewards can have on the motivational drive of children. Specifically, I discuss the implications of using contingent 'If-then' rewards and the outcomes of doing so. I delve into 3 elements that drive intrinsic motivation and share thoughts on how, as teachers, we can incorporate them into our PE lessons to nurture self directed, intrinsically motivated children, and not disengaged, compliant externally motivated individuals. How do you manage this at your school? I would love to hear your own views on my reflections so what are you waiting for? Come and join me 'Under the Umbrella'
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
