All grade level Physical Education classes at St. Joseph Catholic STEM School are designed to emphasize Personal and Social Responsibility while instilling virtues of the Christian Behaviors and Good Sportsmanship.
Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
Kindergarten through 2nd Grade students are introduced to a variety of age-appropriate activities that provide opportunities to let the child show competency in motor skills such as jogging, skipping, running and hopping. Teacher-directed activities help the child learn “start and stop” patterns, as well as introducing the concept of teamwork and playing fairly.
At this age, it is also important to be able to play with others, use kind words and share equipment. . K-2nd Grade students get the opportunity to demonstrate these skills through several activities and units including variations of Chase/Tag Games, Soccer, Football, Softball, Volleyball, and Basketball. Other examples of activities also include Tumbling, Jump Rope, Dance and Rhythm and Archery.
3rd and 4th Grade
3rd and 4th Grade students should be able to demonstrate basic strategies as well as responsible behavior such as tagging others with appropriate force during tag type games and be able to participate for the entire class time.
In 3rd Grade and 4th Grade Physical Education Classes, age-appropriate activities provide opportunities for the student to demonstrate the ability to combine locomotor skills such as hopping, skipping, and jumping in a sequence or pattern. The student starts to be able to use feedback from an instructor and improve a skill such as dribbling or shooting a basketball. The student should also be able to identify bones and muscles and implement the “Action Prayer” warm-up activity before each class.
3rd and 4th Grade students get the opportunity to demonstrate these skills through several activities and units including variations of Soccer, Football, Softball, Volleyball, and Basketball. Other examples of activities also include variations of Capture the Flag, Dodge Ball, and Team Building Challenges as well as Tumbling, Jump Rope, Dance and Rhythm, Badminton, and Archery.
In 4th Grade, as student skills advance, they should be able to show competency in activities such as effectively serving volleyball or moving to an open area to receive a pass.
5th – 8th Grade
These courses provide students the opportunity to learn through a developmentally appropriate, comprehensive sequentially planned Physical Education Program. Students are introduced to a variety of sports throughout the year. Students will learn and understand physical activity concepts that will allow them to make informed decisions about their personal health. Students will develop body, spatial and temporal awareness. Students will develop self-confidence and interpersonal skills.
5th Grade emphasis is on manipulating objects with accuracy and speed. Students will continue to learn the correct techniques for using manipulatives including throwing, catching, striking, kicking, trapping, and dribbling. Working in small groups, students will learn to accept personal differences (maturity levels, physical differences, physical abilities, cultures, and gender differences).
6th Grade emphasizes the content standards emphasize working cooperatively to achieve a common goal. The focus of this course is the development of movement skill combinations and movement skill knowledge.
7th Grade focuses on the content standards emphasize meeting challenges and making decisions. The focus of this course is the application of movement skills and knowledge to individual and dual physical activities; the assessment and maintenance of physical fitness to improve health and performance, and the knowledge of physical fitness concepts, principles, and strategies; and the application of psychological and sociological concepts, including self-responsibility, positive social interaction, and group dynamics, in the learning and performance of the physical activity.
8th Grade emphasis is on the content standards emphasize working as a team to solve problems. The focus of this course is the application of movement skills and knowledge, the assessment and maintenance of physical fitness to improve health and performance; the knowledge of physical fitness concepts, principles and strategies to improve health and performance; and the application of psychological and sociological concepts, including self-responsibility, and group dynamic. Students will become knowledgeable consumers in the areas of health and fitness. They will be exposed to a variety of Movement Concepts and develop an understanding that physical activity provides opportunity for enjoyment, challenge, self-expression and social interaction.
Units taught in 5th through 8th Grade include but are not exclusive to:
- Fall: Team Games (Dodge Ball, Kick Ball) Team Handball, Soccer, and Football
- Winter: Team Games (Dodge Ball, Kick Ball), Volleyball, Badminton Basketball, Dance and Rhythm, Archery
- Spring: Team Games (Dodge Ball, Kick Ball), Soccer, Softball, and Ultimate Frisbee
