Physical education yearly plan
General notes
I am available to discuss any concerns or comments you might have.
Second Step program
Dear Parents:
I would like to welcome the new kindergartners and new students in all grades who will be joining our yearlong trip toward a full exploration of movement capabilities.
I take this opportunity to acquaint parents of new students – and reiterate to current ones – with my ideas and philosophy regarding each 30-minute class in which your children participate in gym.
First, each gym day is planned to offer a positive, conflict-free experience for all students, and yet, plenty of time and thinking are also devoted to offering challenging physical activities for the most sports-minded students, as well as achievable physical goals for the majority.
I strive to design my lessons in a way that reflects the entire range of physical abilities - and range of interests - hoping to convey to each child that he/she will always be a fully participating and capable member of the group.
A child’s physical abilities will always suffice to make them a part of the fun.
I place a great emphasis on smiles. But smiles would not always be the end result of the gym classes if only some are allowed to go home as “winners,” or if kids mostly play against each other, when they could be playing with each other.
“To win the game and lose the child is a totally unworthy sacrifice,” say Orlick and Botterill in their book Every Kid Can Win.
It’s also important to me that the distinction between sports and physical activity be a clear one.
Children at Steward School, and anywhere else for that matter, should never be made to feel that they need to join organized sports in order to have an active, fun, and fulfilling physical life.
Everyone at Steward is really good at having a great time in gym.
We are a proud, sweaty, puffing crowd here.
• Please, make sure that on gym day your child is sent to school wearing attire that will maximize his/her participation in gym.
• Nylon and other synthetic material shoelaces simply do not stay tied up, making children waste a lot of gym time on their shoes. Cotton shoelaces seem to work better.
• Girls with long hair are advised to wear a headband or ponytail for safety.For more detailed information about the gym program - weekly and monthly planning – refer to "yearly plan" bellow, call me, stop by the school, or come to watch your child’s gym class anytime you want.
Sincerely
R. Dienstmann
Physical education yearly plan
September
"Falling in love with moving month."
A transition from vacation to back-to-school, exploring movement and games as extentions of their
summer activities.
October through March
"Developmental physical education curriculum."
Each month, the three categories of movement - balance, locomotion and manipulatives - are explored through
safe and fun games and activities, for one week each.
Affective development is also covered one week a month through cooperative games.
