Physical Education Curriculum

Kindergarten

There is a greater awareness of the characteristics at this level. With this more attention is placed on the learning process and the child.  Play-type activities are highly important in the kindergarten program mainly because young children are naturally active and learn best when they enjoy what they are doing.

A large majority of suggested activities for kindergarten children are individual in nature, centering on movement and rhythmics.  Some emphasis is given to simple stunts and simple games.  There is little emphasis on team play.  The activities are such that the child has a chance to explore and create.

First Grade

The first grade program embraces some of the same areas as the kindergarten program with more emphasis on tumbling.  Most of the program is devoted to movement.  Locomotor skills are very important.  A foundation is laid for important play skills of throwing and catching.  Beanbags, yarn balls, and playground balls are important tools for this.

Second Grade

The second grade program follows the pattern of the first grade program, with the exception of the introduction of simple relays based primarily on locomotor skills.  Ball bouncing and dribbling to rhythm are use on this level.

Third Grade

Movement still has an important function on this grade level.  However, the emphasis on body management is secondary to improvement of fundamental skills.  It is at this level that the child begins to find himself or herself in skills.  The third grade program provides transition between the simplified activity program of the lower grades and the sports interest. A major difference in activity for the third grade is the introduction of simple sports skills and activities.  The student will start to use different techniques to roll, bounce, kick, bat, dribble, throw, and catch balls.  Attention is directed to specific sports skills in softball, basketball, and soccer.

Fourth and Fifth Grade

More specialized skills are beginning to be taught in at this level . Simple games and relays become more challenging at this level in preparation for more sports skills. More time is allotted for games geared toward major sports.

Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Grade

Sports are the largest increment in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade. When a child finishes at this level, he or she should have had experiences in regular or modified versions of basketball, softball, soccer, volleyball, flag football, speedball, and hockey.