Lower School Curriculum

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Physical Education

Lower School physical education (PE) stresses awareness and control of one’s body, coupled with the development and mastery of age-appropriate skills. Children play games and use equipment designed to develop balance, a sense of their bodies in space, and both gross- and fine-motor control.
  • Threes Physical Education

    The Threes PE program allows young students to grow and develop at their own pace in a safe, fun, and exciting environment. Classes are a balance of structured activities and guided play that encourages curiosity, reasoning, and information gathering. During the year, students learn how to perform different age-appropriate physical challenges, such as rolling and bouncing balls, tossing bean bags, and catching scarves; they also focus on locomotor skills, including hopping, jumping, and galloping. The goal is to foster self-discipline and self-direction by providing students with learning activities that help them make independent decisions.
  • Pre-K Physical Education

    In Pre-Kindergarten PE, students are introduced to basic locomotor movements and manipulative skills through carefully structured games that are playful and creative in nature. They are introduced to a wide range of materials, including different types and sizes of balls, beanbags, and balloons, all of which encourage the development of eye-hand and eye-foot coordination skills. These concepts, along with a variety of physical skills, are taught in individual, partner, and group settings. Using both structured activities and guided play, students develop their physical, social, and cognitive skills while being engaged in a fun, safe, and stimulating environment. Pre-K students are also introduced to basic gymnastics skills, moving through progressions in a structured setting, using mats, balance beams, and springboards.
  • Kindergarten Physical Education

    Kindergarten PE introduces students to basic locomotor and non-locomotor skills and concepts. Spatial awareness and basic manipulative skills are also practiced. Students engage in activities designed to build a sequential foundation for more advanced physical activities. To foster social growth, students receive guidance in the development of social skills, emotional expression, and self-control through participation in group games. In addition, they learn to follow directions and interact positively with classmates in a physical setting. They work to gain an understanding of physical fitness concepts as well as the benefits of an active, healthy lifestyle. Kindergarten students are also introduced to basic gymnastics skills, moving through progressions in a continued structured setting using mats, balance beams, and springboards.

Faculty

  • Photo of Kevin Doherty
    Kevin Doherty
    Lower School Physical Education Teacher
    Bio
  • Photo of Alyze Rodriguez
    Alyze Rodriguez
    Lower School Physical Education Teacher
  • Photo of Mikhail Ryzhikov
    Mikhail Ryzhikov
    Lower School Physical Education Teacher
    (212) 426-3311
    Bio