PHYSICAL EDUCATION – Mr. Shane Howard

        The primary focus of the Physical Education program at New Searles is to promote physical fitness, lifetime activities, and well being throughout one's life.  In addition, to teach unites / skills that will prepare students for the physical education program at the middle school level.

Through discussion and activities, students learn the three components of fitness:  cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility.  A warm-up, which targets these three components, is performed at the beginning of each physical education class.

            Physical education classes are also designed to teach students various athletic skills.  Older grades (3-5) typically follow the seasonal sports themes and learn skills/concepts through these 2-3 week block units.  For example, soccer, football, and golf are taught in the fall.  Winter units include: basketball, floor hockey, volleyball, and long jump rope.  In the spring, students would learn cooperative activities, track & field, and lacrosse skills.

Younger grades (1-2) focus on basic skill themes and movement concepts.  This focus will aid primary-age students in the preparation of more intermediate sports skills covered in grades 3-5.  Space awareness and safety while moving in free-space is also emphasized during these first two years.

            Finally, all students learn the importance of good sportsmanship, fair play, honesty, and working together as a team.  These concepts are important for physical education classes, playground safety, and hopefully will foster good personal habits throughout each student’s life.