PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

Curriculum
Bethel Christian Academy uses the Ohio Core Physical Education Standards as curriculum.

 

Pre-K, Kindergarten, & 1st Grade
The early years of a student's learning are vital, as they are the years in which children begin to develop habits. During the first few years of Physical Education, we focus on a variety of skills, movements, and fitness concepts. Throughout the year, we incorporate balance, weight transfer, locomotor and non‑locomotor skills and vocabulary, throwing and kicking stationary and moving objects (both while standing still and while running), eye‑hand coordination, identifying body parts and how they move, cooperative activities, and many other fitness concepts into games and activities that support students’ mental, physical, and emotional development. Highlighted activities include chasing, fleeing, dodging, tag games, parachute activities, and following‑the‑leader.
 

2nd & 3rd Grade
By this point, students have developed a basic understanding of movement skills and concepts. Throughout the second and third grade years, Physical Education focuses on combinations of locomotor and non‑locomotor skills in movement patterns, tumbling and balancing skills, rhythmic concepts, throwing and catching objects from various distances and heights (including throwing and kicking accuracy), continued development of eye‑hand coordination, applying movement concepts and patterns in activities and games, fitness concepts (aerobic capacity, muscular strength/endurance, flexibility), vocalizing solutions to challenges, striking and hitting objects, cooperative activities, and positive reinforcement/Christ‑like sportsmanship. These skills and concepts are incorporated into activities and games that enhance students’ mental, physical, and emotional growth. Highlighted activities include an introduction to team sports, chasing and fleeing activities, scooters, parachute activities, and jump rope.
 

4th & 5th Grade
Students in the fourth and fifth grades have developed a strong foundation in movement, manipulative, and locomotor skills. Refinement of these skills becomes a major focus in Physical Education, along with applying them to real‑life situations (playing with peers, participating in athletics, and engaging in personal physical activity). Walking for health is introduced, and fitness assessments now include the Presidential Fitness Challenge and/or The Fitnessgram (Mile Run, Sit and Reach, Sit‑Up Test, Push‑Up Test). Basic skills continue to be practiced but at a more advanced level (e.g., catching with an implement such as a glove or scoop, receiving a kicked or thrown object while moving, eye‑hand coordination, cooperative activities). Highlighted activities include basketball, soccer, Gagaball, and an introduction to aerobic/calisthenics circuits.

 

Middle School
Middle school students continue to enhance previously learned skills while applying fitness and movement concepts to authentic settings (e.g., using multiple locomotor movements during a basketball game). Students are introduced to new sports and activities, including Ultimate Frisbee and Nitroball. These activities incorporate assessment and evaluation of key performance elements, helping students apply learned skills to improve their performance. Aerobic fitness and calisthenics continues to be emphasized, with deeper exploration into how the body works (muscles requiring blood and oxygen, how exercise benefits the body, pulse, and anatomical names of bones and muscles used). Students at this level should be able to perform a task, evaluate their performance if the result is poor, and understand how to correct fundamental errors. Highlighted activities include basketball, soccer, Nitroball and fitness challenges that are fun and allow students to test their strength and endurance.

​

Health, Nutrition, and Wellness Policies
In addition to physical education classes, sports, and extracurricular activities that promote student health, we have guidelines and policies designed to help students maintain healthy lifestyles. For more information, visit www.bcakids.org/wellness.