Health and fitness
At Epiphany School, health and fitness are an essential part of the curriculum, building mind-body connections that benefit the whole child. Physical education supports curiosity, confidence, and courage and helps students develop respect, responsibility, and resourcefulness.
Our health and fitness specialist guides students to build endurance, foster self-esteem, and spark a desire for lifelong healthy living. With the values of good sportsmanship and best-effort as a foundation, students in every grade level develop physical skills by participating in team and individual sports as well as cooperative and recreational activities. They challenge themselves with fitness and endurance tasks. In addition to physical activity, our program teaches students basic human anatomy, physiology, and nutrition and encourages students to practice goal-setting and self-assessment to know whether they are engaging in activities at their best effort.
ATHLETES at PLAY
THE HEALTH & FITNESS CURRICULUM
Every grade participates in health and fitness classes. Our physical education specialist guides students to build endurance, foster self-esteem, and spark a desire for lifelong healthy living.
Our program focuses on building students’ sports skills and developing sportsmanship. Students at every grade level participate in team and individual sports, cooperative and recreational activities, and fitness and endurance tasks. In addition, our program educates students on health and fitness—from basic human anatomy and physiology to nutrition and goal-setting. Students self-assess individual and team performance to know whether they are engaging in activities at their best effort.
Movement education begins for our youngest students in pre-k. They learn through creative, exploratory activities that challenge them to take risks and learn about their bodies in motion. A focus on maximizing participation and success allows pre-k students to build self-esteem and lays the foundation for a healthy and active lifestyle.
Jump rope, tumbling, and circus arts help students develop their locomotor skills and spatial awareness, while large group games introduce the concepts of sportsmanship and cooperation. Students learn about bones, muscles, basic nutrition, and the physical changes that accompany exercise.
Students refine spatial awareness and work toward mastery of locomotor and non-locomotor skills through activities including rhythm and dance, agility ladders, and rock climbing. Team games place an emphasis on offensive and defensive strategy and sportsmanship during competition. Health and fitness topics for first grade include nutrition and the major muscles of the body.
Through jump rope, obstacle courses, and endurance running, second graders build aerobic capacity. Students learn the major muscles and bones of the body as well as the structure and function of the heart and lungs during exercise.
In third grade, students work on body control, space awareness, and skill development in cooperative games and competitive physical activities. The health-related components of fitness—strength, endurance, and flexibility—are central themes throughout the school year.
Fourth graders participate in sports that give practice and purpose to implementing sound strategies and sportsmanship. Students learn about the importance of a balanced diet, understanding food labels, and making informed decisions.
Students establish and work towards individual fitness goals, acquire new skills to expand their repertoire, and implement peer teaching and assessment. The study of nutrition focuses on personal responsibility in making informed decisions and establishing a healthy lifestyle.
The Latest...
Monthly grade-level updates from health and fitness.
- 5th Grade
Health and Fitness News in June: Fifth Grade
During the month of June, the fifth-grade students will continue to work on their baseball and softball skills with a strong emphasis placed on proper technique and teamwork. They will also be reviewing and participating in individual and small group stations that have been taught throughout the year. The stations will involve understanding and working on a variety fitness concepts such as coordination, balance, muscular strength, and agility. Enjoy your summer and I am looking forward to hearing about the graduating fifth graders’ future endeavors.
- 4th Grade
Health and Fitness News in June: Fourth Grade
During the month of June, the fourth-grade students will continue to work on their baseball and softball skills with a strong emphasis placed on proper technique and teamwork. They will also be reviewing and participating in individual and small group stations that have been taught throughout the year. The stations will involve understanding and working on a variety fitness concepts such as coordination, balance, muscular strength, and agility. Enjoy your summer and I am looking forward to working with our soon to be fifth grade leaders.
- 3rd Grade
Health and Fitness News in June: Third Grade
During the month of June, the third -grade students will continue to work on their throwing catching skills with a strong emphasis placed on proper technique and best effort. They will also be reviewing and participating in individual and small group stations that have been taught throughout the year. The stations will involve understanding and working on a variety fitness concepts such as coordination, balance, muscular strength, and agility. Enjoy your summer and I am looking forward to watching their progress as future fourth grade athletes.
- 2nd Grade
Health and Fitness News in June: Second Grade
During the month of June, the second-grade students will continue to work on their throwing and catching skills with a strong emphasis placed on tracking the ball and controlling their power. They will also be reviewing and participating in individual and small group stations that have been taught throughout the year. The stations will involve understanding and working on a variety of fitness concepts such as coordination, balance, muscular strength, and agility. Enjoy your summer and I am looking forward to watching their progress as future third-grade athletes.
- 1st Grade
Health and Fitness News in June: First Grade
During the month of June, the first-grade students will continue to work on their catching skills with a strong emphasis placed on tracking the ball with their eyes, moving their feet, and preparing their hands to grab. They will also be reviewing and participating in individual and small group stations that have been taught throughout the year. The stations will involve understanding and working on a variety of fitness concepts such as coordination, balance, muscular strength, and agility. Enjoy your summer and I am looking forward to watching their progress as future second-grade athletes.
- Kindergarten
Health and Fitness News in June: Kindergarten
During the month of June, the kindergarten students will continue to work on their catching skills with a strong emphasis placed on tracking the ball with their eyes, moving their feet, and having their hands ready to grab. They will also be reviewing and participating in individual and small group stations that have been taught throughout the year. The stations will involve understanding and working on a variety of fitness concepts such as coordination, balance, muscular strength, and agility. Enjoy your summer and I am looking forward to watching their progress as future first-grade movers.