Curriculum maps, covered in the November 26 Extra Edition, are an instrument whereby teachers develop key aspects of their course, including the:
Objectives, including the standards and benchmarks their students should achieve, the enduring understandings that they should acquire; and the essential questions that they should ask and be able to answer;
Learning plan – the day-to-day activities and teaching as well as resources that students and teachers will use;
Assessments to determine if students, and teachers, are meeting the standards and benchmarks.
While it is easy to imagine many of the objectives, standards, benchmarks of core courses such as math, sciences, social students and language arts, what about PE? And what about PE for the little guys? In fact, the same rigorous curriculum planning is used across the board in all disciplines and all grades.
Preschoolers are currently finishing up a unit on gymnastics where they pass through obsta
cle courses, walk on balance beams, tumble down ramps, walk across ladders, do cartwheels, stand on their hands, to name of few of their many activities.
What are some the essential questions that students will be able to answer after this unit? Preschoolers and kindergarteners will be able to explain the importance of gymnastics for their physical development, the importance of respecting safety rules and why gymnastics is different from other PE activities. They will also be able to discuss the various activities that they did and name the equipment and body parts. A great example of learning and having fun at the same time!
Thank you to Mr. Carlos, Mr. Marcelo and Ms. Rosana as they channel their many years of experience and wisdom into making such a successful PE curriculum for the youngest members of our community.
