Physical Education Program

In kindergarten through second grade, the primary focus of our program is on developing students’ basic gross motor skills and building teamwork through cooperative games, such as gymnastics, dance, parachute, and ultimate Frisbee. We also rely on other age-appropriate, teacher-created, and innovative games that utilize skill sets taken from soccer, basketball, baseball, and softball.

In grades three through six, the students begin to learn more about movement, mechanics, and how proper technique can lead to improved performance and reduction of injury. This is taught to students as they participate in a dynamic warm-up, skills practice, sports/lifetime recreational activities, and fun fitness games. Starting in 3rd grade students begin their healthy lifestyle portfolio, which includes assignments that help teach them about the benefits of exercise, sleep, nutrition, and stress-management. Students also start to develop a better understanding of fitness as they learn to individually assess and improve qualities like strength, endurance, agility, speed, stability, and power.

In addition to our core curriculum, we are proud of our global program and the games associated with it. One of our games, Tchoukball, originates from Sweden. In the spring, students also learn to play Sepak Takraw, a popular game from Thailand that is similar to volleyball. Our students are furthermore exposed to Australian -rules football, including its special kicking and hitting restrictions and its larger ball. Recently, guest teacher and former professional Australian football player, Ashley Clancy, visited our campus for a demo of this sport. Indeed, the Laurence community is committed to disseminating a global message from the classroom to the field.