Physical Education
Physical education is an important part of the curriculum at Aurora. Through discussion and activities the children learn the definition of physical education and are introduced to how and why physical activity is an important life-long endeavor. In grades K/1 students meet for physical education once a week and have movement as their second physical activity of the week. Grades two through five meet for physical education twice a week for 45 minutes each.
Grades K/1
During the early elementary years, Aurora's physical education classes focus on refining gross motor skills and beginning to develop fine motor skills. Early in the school year, students work on kicking, catching, throwing and spatial awareness. A beginning level of physical fitness is also introduced with stretching and finding ways to use different muscles. Learning to work together as a team is also emphasized, whether playing traditional sports like soccer or working with the parachute. Activities at this age group include: soccer, kickball, tag games, parachute, t-ball, scooters, relay games, and a variety of other activities.
Grades 2/3
During these years, the program provides opportunities to develop kinesthetic awareness and introduces the concept of exercise physiology, such as how the heart and lungs work together and how to monitor your pulse. Learning to work together as a team is also emphasized, whether playing traditional sports like soccer, or jumping over hurdles in a relay race. We stress a non-competitive environment where all students have fun. The students work on basic skills in many of the popular team sports, including basketball, soccer, hockey, wiffle ball, flag football, volleyball and lacrosse.
Grades 4/5
During each class, an increased level of physical fitness is emphasized as students begin to increase muscular strength and muscular endurance. Students at this level refine their eye-hand coordination and fine motor skills are more proficient. Students begin to accept success/failure, while appreciating their differences. Learning to work together as a team is also an important emphasis, whether playing traditional sports like soccer, or jumping over hurdles in a relay race. We have stressed a non-competitive environment where all students have fun. The students work on basic skills in many of the popular team sports, including basketball, soccer, hockey, wiffle ball, flag football, volleyball and lacrosse.
With a good balance between individual and group activities, students learn the concepts of fair play, cooperation, sportsmanship and teamwork. Other games, such as 'Person From Mars' and 'Capture the Rings' improve students' spatial awareness and agility.