Lower School Physical Education
Program Overview
The Lower School physical education program at Princeton Academy promotes physical growth, sportsmanship, cooperation, social development, and personal fitness through activities that develop strength, vigor, vitality, skill, and coordination. Through the use of age appropriate games and activities, boys develop self-confidence and the ability to act as part of a group.
Goals and Objectives
A primary goal of the physical education program is to instill an enthusiasm for athletics, thus promoting an enjoyment of and participation in physical recreation and personal fitness throughout the students’ lives.
Junior Kindergarten through Second Grade
From junior kindergarten through second grade, the boys work on gross motor skills, such as skipping, running, jumping, hand/eye coordination, catching, throwing and balance. Individual challenges and developmentally appropriate games allow the boys the opportunity to build their physical and interpersonal skills as well as their confidence and a sense of fitness.
Third and Fourth Grades
In the third and fourth grades, with basic skills intact, the boys are introduced to more advanced skills. These advanced skills provide the boys the opportunity to learn and experience “team sports” in a controlled and supportive environment. While playing the games the boys are learning about rules, cooperation skills, and sportsmanship. They will be exposed to team sports such as lacrosse, football, soccer, and basketball. The exposure to these team sports will help to encourage and prepare the boys to participate in the Middle School athletic program. The entire Lower School will also participate in the President’s Challenge, which is a national fitness program.