What is EPEC PLAY?
EPEC PLAY was created to inspire youth to lead physically active lifestyles and is designed to work in an online content management system with print capabilities to meet modern standards including the following:
- Expands upon the award-winning original EPEC by extending the continuum of learning to embrace physical literacy concepts, equipping children with the skills, confidence, and desire to pursue meaningful and enjoyable physical activity throughout their lives.
- Meets the current SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards.
- The ability to build a layered digital curriculum to use when engaging with students in face-to-face academic settings, while keeping the flexibility to print lesson materials as needed.
- Provides educators with a comprehensive and flexible curriculum to meet students where they are in their physical literacy journey and empowers educators to adapt lessons with included tools to progress students toward grade-span learning outcomes.
- Developed with a trauma-informed lens that prioritizes physical and emotional safety for optimal student engagement.
What is Physical Literacy?
Physical literacy is about developing the skills, knowledge, and behaviors that give people the confidence and motivation to lead active lives.
Physical Literacy Core Principles
- Is an inclusive concept accessible to all.
- Represents a unique journey for each individual.
- Can be cultivated and enjoyed through a range of experiences in different environments and contexts.
- Needs to be valued and nurtured throughout life.
- Contributes to the development of the whole person.
As advocates for lifelong health and wellness, we teach, support, encourage, facilitate, and promote physical literacy as an essential component to improve one’s overall quality of life and to create and sustain healthy, active, and vibrant communities.
Guided by the Australian Sports Commission Framework, we view physical literacy as the development of skills, knowledge, and behaviors that enable individuals to effectively engage in physical activity with confidence. Our approach to physical literacy is also rooted in the core principles established by Physical Literacy Canada, which emphasize inclusivity, individuality, diverse experiences, lifelong learning, and holistic development. We view physical literacy as a journey unique to each individual that can be employed in a variety of environments and contexts.
Physical literacy is a key component of our educational programs and initiatives, from EPEC PLAY, Fork & the Road, Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities, and Rec-Connect to our SNAP-Ed social marketing campaign. By integrating physical literacy principles into our work, we aim to create a culture where everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background, feels empowered to embrace physical activity as a characteristic essential to one’s well-being throughout the lifespan.
With our dedicated team and statewide partners, we are committed to fostering physical literacy as a cornerstone of our mission to empower individuals and communities to lead healthier, more active lives.
As advocates for lifelong health and wellness, we teach, support, encourage, facilitate, and promote physical literacy as an essential component to improve one’s overall quality of life and to create and sustain healthy, active, and vibrant communities.
Guided by the Australian Sports Commission Framework, we view physical literacy as the development of skills, knowledge, and behaviors that enable individuals to effectively engage in physical activity with confidence. Our approach to physical literacy is also rooted in the core principles established by Physical Literacy Canada, which emphasize inclusivity, individuality, diverse experiences, lifelong learning, and holistic development. We view physical literacy as a journey unique to each individual that can be employed in a variety of environments and contexts.
Physical literacy is a key component of our educational programs and initiatives, from EPEC PLAY, Fork & the Road, Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities, and Rec-Connect to our SNAP-Ed social marketing campaign. By integrating physical literacy principles into our work, we aim to create a culture where everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background, feels empowered to embrace physical activity as a characteristic essential to one’s well-being throughout the lifespan.
With our dedicated team and statewide partners, we are committed to fostering physical literacy as a cornerstone of our mission to empower individuals and communities to lead healthier, more active lives.
EPEC Curriculum Effectiveness
The CDC Division of Adolescent and School Health summarized the effectiveness of EPEC based on a study published in the Health Education & Behavior Journal in 2009. The study evaluated 1,464 fourth and fifth grade students who received the EPEC curriculum and compared them with peers in 16 other schools using other PE programs. Findings showed that fourth graders in schools that implemented EPEC reported more physical activity and greater confidence in motor skills, and fifth graders had better knowledge about physical activity than peers in their respective comparison groups.
In 2014, a similar study assessed changes in physical activity among students in urban communities learning the EPEC curriculum. Alongside regular PE classes, students also had opportunities for physical activity during recess, after-school activities, and in the classroom with physical activity breaks. The results over an eight-month period showed a significant (58%) increase in moderate to vigorous physical activity throughout the school day among the participating students.
These findings support the positive impact EPEC has had on students’ physical activity levels and emphasizes its effectiveness in improving confidence and skills among school-aged children. Intended as a comprehensive reimagining and expansion to the original curriculum, EPEC PLAY has been designed to build upon this evidence-based foundation.
EPEC PLAY Subscriptions
EPEC PLAY is available in a variety of subscriptions designed to best serve educators in a variety of settings.
What are the subscription options?
Foundational Unit Subscription – 38 lessons
The foundational units of EPEC PLAY are designed to meet the current SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards for children in grades K-5 and include the following units:
- Orientation (2 lessons)
- Locomotors (6 lessons)
- Ball Control: Hands (6 lessons)
- Ball Control: Feet (6 lesson)
- Jump Rope (4 lessons)
- Striking (6 lessons)
- Water Safety (4 lessons)
- Track and Field (4 lessons)
Foundational Unit Subscription – 38 lessons
The foundational units of EPEC PLAY are designed to meet the SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards for children in grades K-5 and include the following units.
- Orientation (2 lessons)
- Locomotors (6 lessons)
- Ball Control: Hands (6 lessons)
- Ball Control: Feet (6 lesson)
- Jump Rope (4 lessons)
- Striking (6 lessons)
- Water Safety (4 lessons)
- Track and Field (4 lessons)
COMING SOON: Playful Expansion Packages
Seasonal Adventures Package (20 lessons)
Designed to nurture the adventurous spirit of young learners, the seasonal adventures package offers a dynamic curriculum tailored for all four seasons. Each activity-filled unit ignites a passion for learning, discovery, and physical activity, with lessons that encourage students to embrace outdoor play and exploration. Ideal for seamless integration into school activities, the package ensures that every season presents fun opportunities for educational growth and active participation.
- Fall Adventures (4 lessons)
- Winter Adventures (6 lessons)
- Spring Adventures (6 lessons)
- Summer Adventures (4 lessons)
Specialized Movements Package (14 lessons)
The specialized movement package is a unique and innovative addition to EPEC PLAY that provides a diverse range of activities to teach non-locomotor and striking skills. Each unit invites students to delve into the less explored aspects of physical education, with lessons that help reinforce hand-eye coordination, enhance motor skills, and encourage self-expression and creativity.
- Non-locomotors (4 lessons)
- Striking: Ground Swings (4 lessons)
Coming soon: Playful Expansion Packages
Seasonal Adventures Package (20 lessons)
Designed to nurture the adventurous spirit of young learners, the seasonal adventures package offers a dynamic curriculum tailored for all four seasons. Each activity-filled unit ignites a passion for learning, discovery, and physical activity, with lessons that encourage students to embrace outdoor play and exploration. Ideal for seamless integration into school activities, the package ensures that every season presents fun opportunities for educational growth and active participation.
- Fall Adventures (4 lessons)
- Winter Adventures (6 lessons)
- Spring Adventures (6 lessons)
- Summer Adventures (4 lessons)
Specialized Movements Package (14 lessons)
The specialized movement package is a unique and innovative addition to EPEC Play that provides a diverse range of activities to teach non-locomotor and striking skills. Each unit invites students to delve into the less explored aspects of physical education, with lessons that help reinforce hand-eye coordination, enhance motor skills, and encourage self-expression and creativity.
- Non-locomotors (4 lessons)
- Striking: Ground Swings (4 lessons)
EPEC History
In 1996, Michigan Fitness Foundation developed EPEC (Exemplary Physical Education Curriculum) as a physical education program for youth to acquire the personal, social, and attitudinal characteristics needed to be physically active. Expanding on this foundation, this nationally recognized program has been restructured to embrace physical literacy concepts and renamed to reflect this update by including the acronym PLAY (Physical Literacy Active You). EPEC PLAY extends the continuum of learning by equipping students with the skills, confidence, and aspiration to engage in meaningful and enjoyable physical activities throughout the lifespan.
The original EPEC received the prestigious 2002 Achievement in Prevention Research and Research Translation in Chronic Disease Award by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The recognition cited EPEC as “an innovative physical education curriculum with solid scientific grounding that equips students to be active for life (US DHHS, 2001).”
The CDC also recognized EPEC as an evidence-based curriculum, which gave EPEC credibility, national recognition, and signified other states beyond Michigan could adopt the curriculum.
Tribute to Florine Mark
Long time Michigan Fitness Foundation board member, Florine Mark (1933-2023) was a supporter of children, school health programs, and physical education in schools. As a businesswoman, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and former president and CEO of Weight Watchers, she promoted movement, good nutrition, and sociability. She was a cheerleader for EPEC from its inception and championed EPEC PLAY. The children of Michigan will forever benefit from her encouragement and faith in this curriculum. We are honored to have had her leadership over the decades.
