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Physical Education at Wilmington Montessori School

Infants and Toddlers are in natural, supportive environments where they develop at their own pace, pursuing their own ideas and interests. Open classrooms are designed for children to explore the environment sensorially - creeping, crawling, and walking. In order to encourage movement, children have access to furniture and equipment they can get in and out of by themselves, eliminating dependence on highchairs, walkers, playpens and infant swings. Their world expands as they reach each developmental milestone, gradually increasing the bounds of their physical environment. Group activities encourage children's coordination and ability to follow directions within the group.

Preschool children participate in weekly physical education classes to strengthen their balance, hand-eye coordination, tactile awareness, directionality and agility. Cooperative games strengthen the classroom community and encourage the spirit of good sportsmanship.

Kindergarteners receive focused weekly instruction on building gross-motor skills (throwing, kicking, catching) through a basic introduction to organized sports. In our non-competitive atmosphere, effort and perseverance are valued over achievement.

In the elementary program, the overall objective is to provide students with the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to make active living a way of life. Cooperation, fair play, sportsmanship, communication and respect are emphasized at all times. Some skills that are covered include: cooperative games, throwing, passing (with hands and feet), catching, volleying/striking, spatial/body awareness, principles of offense and defense, general fitness activities/games.

Students also learn about health and nutrition. Concepts covered include: importance of nutrition, food groups, how to analyze diet, reading food labels, the importance of exercise, finding resting and active heart rate, prevention of sport and exercise injuries, and the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

In addition to regularly scheduled P.E. classes, students can participate in various after-school team sports including: soccer, basketball, and girls' and boys' lacrosse.