The elementary physical education class is a time a time for experimentation, exploration, development and learning. The emphasis of the program is not to mold students into becoming Olympic athletes,but to introduce them to activities that may lead to a lifetime of fitness.

Our program is designed to introduce basic movement and coordination skills at the kindergarten level. These skills are expanded and refined as a student advances through the grades, eventually leading to individual and team activities in the fifth grade. Below are some of the concepts presented in class according to age level and ability.

K-2: -Movement exploration -Spatial Awareness
-Eye/Hand Coordination - Eye/Foot Coordination
-Throwing and Catching -Kicking Skills
-Low Level Tumbling -Low level Gymnastics
-Large Group Activities -Rhythms and Dance
-Physical Fitness -Basic Initiative Tasks

3-5 -Review Basic Skills -Eye/Hand Coordination
-Eye/Foot Coordination -Hitting and Striking Skills
-Individual Activities -Team Activities
-Tumbling and Gymnastics -Rhythm and Dance
-Physical Fitness -Initiative Tasks

The importance of physical fitness is also taught beginning in kindergarten. Through the years students learn about healthy living, body, awareness, and examine each fitness component- flexibility, strength agility and cardiovascular endurance- as it applies to total body fitness.

Through a daily workout at the beginning of each class, children will begin to explore ways incorporating physical activity into their daily lives while building self-esteem and confidence through activity, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Everyone is encouraged to participate in all of the activities to the best of their ability and comfort.

It is understood that some students enjoy physical education while others may not. Evaluation is not based entirely on the performance of skills and activities. Knowledge of the subject matter, effort, participation, being prepared, and attitude account for the major part of student evaluation.

The Presidential Fitness Test is given in September and May. All grades 2-5 take a series of tests designed by the President's Council on Fitness. These tests examine overall fitness levels through set standards based on age and gender. Students around the country participate in tests of upper body strength (pull-ups& push-ups) abdominal strength (Curl-ups), agility (Shuttle Run), flexibility (Sit and Reach) and cardiovascular endurance(Mile Walk/Run). In Wyckoff grades 2-5 are eligible to earn awards. First graders are introduced to a shortened version of the test but are not eligible for awards.

The Presidential Award is the highest award a student can achieve, scoring 85% or better in each of the five tests. The National Award is the second highest award. A student must earn a 50% or better on each test. Both awards are a symbol of excellence in physical fitness.

Outside of physical education, fourth and fifth grade boys and girls are invited to participate in an after school intramural program. Four sports are generally offered to the students. They have the option of playing in one, two three or all of the sports offered. The program enables students to develop and apply skills learned in class in a slightly more competitive situation. Information on the intramural program will be sent home.

Students are expected to dress appropriately for each class- comfortable clothes, sneakers that tie or velcro (no sketchers please), and no jewelry. Any student who must sit out should have a note from home. Long term injury or illness that restricts or prohibits physical education should have a doctor's note.

Any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at school.