 The spacious and
beautiful outdoor environments of the San Francisco School preschool
classes provide ample opportunities for gross motor development,
cooperative games and sports, as well as free and active play. Physical
apparatus includes swings, slides, parallel ladders, sliding poles,
climbing structures, climbing trees, balance beams, trikes, and balls
of all types (basketballs, soccer balls, softballs, tee balls, nerf
footballs, utility balls). Large motor development is also encouraged
through the use of tools: Child-sized brooms, shovels and rakes and
woodworking tools such as hammers and saws are available. The proper
use of all apparatus is carefully presented by the teacher and
activities involving tools are closely supervised for safety. Teachers
lead children in games such as: Duck, Duck, Goose; Red Light/ Green
Light; or various tag games. 
Four and five-year olds participate in formal physical education by
attending a weekly class in elementary outdoor areas with the PE teacher.
The goals of this program can be summarized as follows:
- Developing efficient movement skills
- Improving and maintaining physical fitness
- Enhancing coordination
- Reinforcing skills needed to cooperate with others
- Offering methods to resolve issues of cooperation in a mutually
satisfying manner
- Stimulating interest in anatomy, health, safety and the environment.
It is important in this experience with a more structured group that the
children feel excited and enthused about PE. By intertwining a variety
of small group games, cooperative games, obstacle courses with holiday
and seasonal themes, and individual skills practice sessions throughout
the year, the broad goals of the program can be met.
|
