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 November: Fifth Grade
During the month of November, the fifth grade students will practice their basketball skills of passing, dribbling, and shooting. Their basketball unit will conclude with either shooting games or a modified basketball game. A strong emphasis will be placed on sportsmanship skills and positive teamwork. The fifth graders will also focus on enhancing their aerobic endurance and participate in the PACER run during class. They will then transition to winter theme activities and cooperative challenges. The fifth grade students can soon look forward to participating in challenging fitness stations and the beloved game day activities.
- 4th Grade
Health and Fitness News in November: Fourth Grade
During the month of November, the fourth grade students will practice their basketball skills of passing, dribbling, and shooting. Their basketball unit will conclude with a variety of shooting games. They will also focus on enhancing their aerobic endurance and participate in the PACER run during class. They will then transition to winter theme activities and cooperative challenges. The fourth grade students can soon look forward to participating in challenging fitness stations and beloved game day activities.
- 3rd Grade
Health and Fitness News in November: Third Grade
During the month of November, third grade students will practice their basketball skills of passing, dribbling, and shooting. A strong emphasis is placed on using proper technique and controlling their power. They will also have the opportunity to work on enhancing their aerobic endurance while participating in the PACER run. The third grade students can soon look forward to participating in several cooperative games such as “Move and Build” and winter theme activities that work on communication skills and applying strategies.
- 2nd Grade
Health and Fitness News in November: Second Grade
During the month of November, second grade students have been finding fun in fitness. They have been working on their muscular and aerobic endurance through a variety of challenges. They have also been participating in a soccer unit with a focus on enhancing their passing, trapping, dribbling, and shooting skills. Soccer is an excellent form of exercise. Its continuous action helps kids build endurance, strengthen their heart and muscles, and develop coordination. Second grade students can soon look forward to winter theme activities and working on their bowling skills.
- 1st Grade
Health and Fitness News in November: First Grade
During the month of November, the first grade students are finding fun in fitness. They have been working on enhancing their balance and muscular strength while participating in a variety of small group stations. They will also begin to practice their soccer skills of passing, trapping, dribbling, and shooting. Soccer’s continuous action helps kids build endurance, strengthen their heart and muscles, and develop coordination. First grade students can soon look forward to practicing their rolling skills and participating in bowling activities.
- Kindergarten
Health and Fitness News in November: Kindergarten
During the month of November, the kindergarten students will be exploring movement at different speeds and introduced to fitness challenges while working on developing their balance and muscular strength. A strong emphasis in class will be placed on best effort and perseverance while practicing their skills. They will also work on developing their kicking and soccer skills of passing, trapping, dribbling, and shooting. Soccer’s continuous action helps kids build endurance, strengthen their heart and muscles, and develop coordination. After their soccer unit, they will transition into practicing their rolling skills and participate in bowling activities.