Physical Education and Health

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The physical education curriculum uses a developmentally sequenced skill-based approach, emphasizing student success through small classes and sequential motor skill development.  Units covered in physical education include soccer, flag football, volleyball, recreational games, basketball, lacrosse, and swimming in the summer.  Skills practiced in class are generalized to the residential program during the afternoon athletic activity period.  Special emphasis is placed on sportsmanship and participation in the activities.  Soccer and basketball are team sports in which TKS plays other small private schools in the local area to allow students to experience team sports and competition found in the regular school environment.

The health curriculum is integrated in both the academic and residential programs.. Health topics include:

• Emotional health, including anger, depression, frustration, affection, and personal space
• Physical health, including diseases, diet, exercise, fitness, first aid, and personal safety
• Social health, including working with others, leadership, acceptance of self and others, significant others
• Spiritual health, including relaxation, interests, and hobbies
• Occupational health, including transitions, school, college, and jobs
• Intellectual health, including school, interests, goals, and ambitions

We address health topics in context to the students’ development and the information is given to the boys at a relevant and appropriate time rather than in isolation in a health classroom. Emotions are identified and described within the daily program and group work during dorm meetings. Some topics, such as first aid and personal safety, are covered during the residential program. Social topics are dealt with during group times and within the daily program. Relaxation, interests, and hobbies are accentuated during the Friday club times and during occupational therapy sessions. Topics involving transitions, school, future goals and ambitions are covered in school and during the transition groups held each spring. Additionally, several school-wide events are held relevant to health topics, including a career and health fair.