PHYSICAL EDUCATION Through physical education, children learn how to become physically fit in an enjoyable, healthy environment where structure and guidance are provided for all participants. Team play, good sportsmanship, and a sense of individual success are the goals of the physical education curriculum. Participation, rather than competition, is stressed. The creation of class squads of boys and girls with different levels of athletic skills enables all children to participate in traditional and non-competitive games on a fair playing field. Strategies and teamwork are far more important than score keeping. During each year parents are invited to join their children in class during Parent P.E. Days. Each physical education class begins with a warm-up. Skill development activities related to the sports unit underway precede playing a game. Throughout the year, discussion of physical fitness includes nutrition, recreational fitness, and mind/body awareness. Examples of the physical education program: KINDERGARTEN & FIRST GRADE: Motor skills of hand-eye coordination, hand-foot coordination, balance, and the development of spatial awareness are a focus. Children play tag, dodge ball, handball, and kickball and participate in beginning physical fitness and specific skill development such as jumping, skipping, throwing, and catching. Children begin to understand what it means to be part of a team. SECOND GRADE: Students engage in various individual activities designed to foster physical fitness through running and chasing games and balance and coordination activities like jumping rope or using a hula-hoop. They learn skills and rules for team sports such as soccer, softball, and basketball. THIRD - FIFTH GRADES: Skills development and team play are the focus for activities. Sports practiced include dodge ball, basketball, soccer, softball, hockey, and volleyball. In addition, students play non-competitive games designed to promote physical fitness and encourage team play.