Heathcote

 

Kindergarten classes meet twice per cycle and first-grade classes meet 3 times per cycle.

 

With the extra meeting for first graders, Mr. Borgia and I, along with other elementary physical educators in the district are working on rolling out a program called Movement Enhanced Learning (MEL). This program takes advantage of the latest research on the relationship between learning and physical activity, and it brings many of the concepts students are working on in the classroom into the gym in exciting station activities. We hope to start offering this program in December or January.

In general, Physical Education encompasses the acquisition of knowledge, physical fitness, motor skills, social skills, and positive attitudes that foster and empower students to sustain regular, lifelong physical activity as a foundation for a healthy, productive, and fulfilling life.   

 

The goal of the Physical Education program at Heathcote School is to ensure that all students have the opportunity to develop physical, cognitive, and social skills in a fun, safe, and encouraging manner.  The students participate in developmentally appropriate activities and lessons that are essential to the educational process and contribute to the overall growth and development of each child.

 

In grades K-2, the emphasis is on learning basic movement and motor skills, understanding healthy fitness levels, and providing opportunities to develop effective personal and social skills.  Fundamental movement skills include locomotor movement patterns such as walking, running, jumping, leaping, galloping, hopping, and skipping.  Non-locomotor movement skills include, but are not limited to, bending, stretching, and balancing.  Concepts such as spatial and body awareness, understanding directions and patterns, and following/applying game rules and strategies are also emphasized in the curriculum.  Manipulative skills include rolling, throwing, catching, kicking, striking, and volleying.

  

All students are encouraged to put forth an honest effort on a regular basis.  Throughout the year emphasis is placed on sportsmanship, cooperation, and teamwork.  Participating in an unselfish manner, following rules, and playing safely are also important aspects of the Physical Education program.