Curriculum: Physical Education at the School for Children

Physical Education Overview
Physical Education in the Lower School, 6/7s and 7/8s
Physical Education in the 8/9s through 13/14s

Physical Education in the Lower School, 6/7s and 7/8s

Young children experience the world physically as they begin to explore with their senses and get to know what their bodies can do. In movement, gym class, on deck, or in the park, children utilize many opportunities to explore and expand their physical capacities. Curriculum for the youngest children involves experiences that orient them in space as they learn the art of letting go, reigning in, and controlling their bodies. In physical education classes, the introduction of games provides a foundation for later, more elaborate team-oriented games. There are many games with simple rules that are aimed especially at the younger students in this age range. Gymnastics and tumbling provide excellent contexts for individual development. All of these activities emphasize both repetition and variations of basic movements in order to give children the practice they need to refine and sharpen skills.

The important role of social learning in a physical education program is provided by tag games and rudimentary team games. There is a strong emphasis on learning to play well together before children proceed to learning how to play well against each other in competitive activities. By postponing the experiences of winning and losing, children become more relaxed and willing to take risks, and to focus on learning strategies.

In the early years, the Physical Education program includes movement classes. The creative movement program provides group classes for children three through eight, which focuses equally on technique and creative expression. Technique develops coordination, gross motor skills, rhythm, and spatial awareness. Improvisation involves using imagination, taking risks in positive ways, and understanding movement qualities. Initial themes, drawn from the natural world, evolve to include fantasy as well as subject matter related to classroom social studies. Children realize greater body awareness and acquire socialization skills in this supportive and challenging environment.