Your Kindergartner and Physical Education
In P.E. class, kindergartners move about and learn to catch, throw and balance.
In Your Child's Classroom
Valuing fitness
In kindergarten, children begin to learn the value of being physically active. Your child practices movements he knows, learns new ones and works on important social skills, such as good sportsmanship.
An important goal in kindergarten physical education is being motivated to try new activities. Amy Kaiser, our physical education specialist, explains: "There are skills to learn and games to play. Nothing can be accomplished unless that child feels safe enough to try something new. Physical education is the 'laboratory of life.' Here, children challenge their bodies and brains to try new tasks, to accept difficult challenges and to learn a different vocabulary. When students fall down, they have to stand up again; if they drop a ball, they pick it up again; and if they lose, they learn to say, 'That was a great game,' and 'I want to play again.'"
Moving and grooving
In kindergarten your child is introduced to different movements, such as galloping, hopping, walking, running, jumping, leaping, skipping and sliding sideways. She practices these movements
Physical education is the 'laboratory of life.' Here, children challenge their bodies and brains to try new tasks, to accept difficult challenges and to learn a different vocabulary.
while changing their speed and direction. She does creative movements in time to music. She participates in jump-rope games designed to improve her coordination, ability to transfer her weight and aerobic capacity.
— Amy Kaiser
"Jumping rope is a universal game that has skills rooted in many sports activities." Kaiser says. "It is also fun, inexpensive and has generational appeal."
Your child does activities that require him to balance, stretch, bend, twist, turn, push and pull. Balance requires strength and concentration. He may work on this skill by walking across a balance beam or balancing beanbags on his head. Kaiser explains: "The definition of balance is to hold a position without moving for several seconds. Children have such great imaginations, they can create their own balance positions. Some ideas for home might be stretch and freeze in a lion pose, a cobra stretch or a crab balance. A favorite activity for kindergarten students is to form their bodies into the shapes of alphabet letters and have a good time laughing and [having other kids] guessing the letters they create."
She adds "Balance is a foundation for many sports activities, and is also a good tool for stress-reduction activities such as yoga. Young children who practice balance activities also are practicing to concentrate and focus, which are two very important skills for academic success as well."
Your kindergartener is introduced to throwing Frisbees, beanbags and balls, and learns the proper stance, step and follow-through moves. She develops her throwing, catching and kicking skills. She practices bouncing a ball using both hands, and then switching to one hand. She explores moving a ball using different parts of her feet, demonstrating control and stopping.
In kindergartner your child identifies different body parts and learns how to move them during stretching and exercise. He may demonstrate this knowledge in games of "Hokey Pokey" or "Simon Says." He can use his body to show that he understands the concepts ideas of "over," "under," "behind" and "through."
Learning social skills
Your child learns the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship. "Good sportsmanship in kindergarten is as simple and as important as taking turns and recognizing others during a game," says Kaiser. "Children at this age learn to work in pairs and in small groups, and can learn to appreciate others in their class. It is very satisfying to hear children compliment each other when they are trying a difficult task." Your child learns to follow the rules and procedures of various games and activities, such as sharing and taking turns. He's taught how to safely use and care for sports equipment, and how to prevent injuries.
What to Look for When You Visit
- Balls of various sizes
- Beanbags
- Frisbees
- Hula hoops
- Jump ropes
- Balance beam
Updated May 2008
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Related Links
- What's New In Physical Education?
- How Parents Can Help Kids and Schools Get Healthy
- Making Fitness a Family Affair
- Find your state's P.E. and health standards
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