Physical Education

PhysicalEducation

The Intervale Physical Education program starts immediately in Kindergarten and meets two times per week. Each session is thirty minutes

The primary focus for our program is to promote heart and muscle healthy behaviors such as those found in physical activity. Our lower primary grades learn how to perform gross locomotor movements, exercise programs and skills found in sports and games. These levels also learn about the physiological affects of movement on the body. The upper primary grades have more advanced lessons which focus on fitness progression and skills found in sports and games.

What should I wear to Physical Education Class?

Athletic sneakers with an arch in the sole and ankle supports are the best for physical education classes. Running sneakers are the safest variety. Skateboard sneakers and strap on sneakers are acceptable but do not provide as much support to an active student. Please remember that slip-on sneakers slip on very easily but they slip off just as easily.

Always wear long pants or shorts that are loose fitting. All pants and shorts are acceptable however it may be more comfortable to be active in loose fitting clothes. Girls should not wear dresses or skirts to Physical Education unless they are accompanied by a pair of shorts.

Shirts should also be loose fitting. Students can plan on raising their body temperature while in the gym. Shirts that are loose will allow the students to be comfortable while being active.

Always be aware of personal privacy when dressing for physical education classes.

Fitness Testing

All 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th graders participate in a series of fitness evaluations designed to foster interest in improving fitness through personal achievement and self-confidence. In a continuing effort to empower children to take personal responsibility for their own health and to promote fitness through personal motivation, students are encouraged to achieve their personal best within FOUR FITNESS CATERGORIES. Children are evaluated in the following fitness areas: CARDIORESPIRATORY FITNESS, MUSCULAR FITNESS, MUSCULAR STRENGTH, and FLEXIBILITY.

Flexibility: This refers to the ability to move a body part through a full range of motion. We assess flexibility using the Sit and Reach Test.

Muscular Strength: This refers to the ability to exert force against resistance. We assess muscular strength using a Pushup Test.

Muscular Endurance: This refers to the ability of muscles to keep working over a period of time without causing fatigue. We assess muscular endurance using a Curl-up Test.

Cardiorespiratory Endurance: This refers to the ability of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels to send fuel and oxygen to the body's tissues during long periods of vigorous activity. We assess cardiorespiratory endurance using a timed jogging event called the “Pacer Jog.”