The life-long value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression and social interaction is at the heart of our physical education program. Through developmentally appropriate experiences, children are physically active in ways that increase competency in motor skills and movement patterns needed to perform a variety of physical activities. Students gain an understanding of principles, strategies, and tactics, as they apply to team sports, in order to prepare them to participate in the athletic programs offered to students in grades 5-8. Students graduating from JRDS have the skills and knowledge to enjoy physical activity in group or individual settings. Students take responsibility for setting goals and monitoring their progress toward a physically active lifestyle. They learn to accept consequences for success or failure, to find acceptable solutions to problems, to display proper emotions during challenging situations, and to be responsible for their words, choices, language and actions in a physical activity setting. Health education is incorporated into PE classes, providing students with appropriate information about nutrition, fitness, stress management, physical development, alcohol and tobacco resistance, and overall healthy life-styles.
Physical Education Essentials
K-2nd Grades
3rd & 4th Grades
5th-8th Grades
Movement-control body in space
Ball skills-kick, trap, dribble with feet
Ball skills-toss, throw, roll, and catch
Ball skills-pass, shoot, and dribble a basketball
Jump rope while teacher turns the rope
Motor skills-jump, run, skip, gallop, leap, slide, and hop
Simple gymnastics
Game play- rules, co-operation, sportsmanship, and team work
Game Play-use a multitude of skills
Aerobic/dance/creative movement
Striking skills-using a bat, a racket, a hand, a foot
Rhythm and jumping rope
Jogging and stretching
Parachute play
Create-A-Game
PE Central Challenge
Aerobic/square dance
Skill work and lead up games for:
Football
Basketball
Lacrosse
Indoor Polo
Soccer
Volleyball
Tennis
Cricket
Newcomb
Softball
Kickball
Badminton
Adventure Education: The purposeful use of sequenced adventure activities, trust activities, and problem-solving initiatives for the physical & social development of students, leading to: increased sense of personal confidence; increased mutual support within the group; increased level of agility and physical coordination; increased appreciation for one's physical self while interacting with others.
Fitness Education: Following the five components of fitness, students learn to set a goal, create a plan, and monitor progress using the SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Action-based, Realistic, Timely)
Games for Understanding - A Tactical Approach to Sport Instruction: Students learn to understand that game situations present a "problem" and learning the skills and game strategies offer a solution to those problems. Problems include: invading a goal, striking an object, and positioning for net games. Game skills and strategies for the following sports are taught: Soccer, Flag football, Basketball, Lacrosse, Floor hockey, Volleyball, Badminton, Pickleball, Trapball, Wiffleball, Kickball
James River Day School cherishes children and challenges them to become scholars, leaders, and citizens for the 21st century, in a community of academic excellence.
