K-5 Physical Education

The State College Friends School

Tr. Diane Lehman

Welcome to K-5 Physical Education!

The overall goal for the K-5th grade P.E. Program is to help students develop skills that will allow them to enjoy being more physically active throughout life. This program is designed to meet the needs of children who are already active and involved in sports and other activities, as well as meet the needs of those who need to find ways to become more active.

More specifically, the goals of the program are as follows:

Each student will feel successful and develop a sense of self-confidence.
Each student will experience a wide variety of motor and ball handling skills.
Each student will exhibit good sportsmanship and safety.
Each student will understand the importance of physical activity.

All skills are initially introduced through instruction and demonstration. Students then spend time practicing the skills through a variety of drills and activities. Once students seem to be comfortable with the skills, skill-specific games are introduced and played over several weeks. Each activity or skill is the focus of 4 to 6 weeks of classes.

For all grades, each class begins with a short walk to loosen up muscles, various stretches to increase flexibility and reduce the risk of injury, followed by a short jog or run. We then gather together to learn about the designated activity for the day.

The K-1 classes initial focus is on several different types of locomotion. Special attention is given to personal space and moving safely among our friends within our PE space. Several tag games are played, emphasizing chasing, fleeing and dodging. A variety of ball handling skills are also introduced at this level; underhand and overhand throwing and catching, as well as dribbling and passing as used in basketball, soccer, and floor hockey.

The 2-3 classes continue to practice several different types of locomotion. Attention is again given to personal space and moving safely within our PE space. Tag games become more challenging, continuing to emphasize chasing, fleeing and dodging. Ball handling skills continue to be developed at this level; underhand and overhand throwing and catching, as well as dribbling and passing as used in basketball, soccer, and floor hockey. Volleyball is also introduced using balloons and beach balls. Fitness activities are the focus of one month of classes, with an emphasis on aerobic activity. During the last month of classes, more traditional games, such as soccer, kick ball and capture the flag are included.

The 4-5 classes begin the year talking about respect in PE classes as it relates to rules, effort, safety, purpose, enthusiasm, challenge, and team. This sets the stage for expected behavior and participation throughout the year. Racquet skills are introduced at this level through badminton. Ball handling skills continue to be developed through more challenging activities and games involving dribbling and passing as used in basketball, soccer, and floor hockey. Volleyball is also introduced using beach balls. Fitness activities are the focus of one month of classes, with an emphasis on aerobic activity. During the last month of classes, more traditional games, such as soccer, kick ball, whiffle ball, and capture the flag are included.

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