Early Program Movement
Movement classes for the Early Program children nurture creative physical expression, beginning with self and body awareness, and moving onto space and spatial relations.
Movement classes meet twice a week for half an hour. Movement in the Early Program lays the groundwork for athletics, as well as for musical and theatrical work during the elementary years. As raw energy is gradually harnessed by the children’s growing self-control, free-form dance and circle games evolve into staging and choreography. Coordination and concentration feed into sports activities. Individual expression is deepened by the exercise of partnership and collaboration.
Physical Education
In a progressively more challenging program, the elementary children acquire skills and confidence within a sequential curriculum of activities and games, all of which stress participation, good sportsmanship, safety, playing by the rules, and respect for others. The gym equipment includes height adjustable basketball hoops, an in-floor volleyball system, gymnastics equipment, a rock-climbing wall, ceiling mounted climbing ropes, and padded walls. In addition to individual skills such as gymnastics, physical fitness, and track and field, numerous "lead-up" games are used to develop the manipulative and gross motor skills required for playing the major sports. Group games, low-organization drills, and rhythm and dance activities help develop team-awareness and good sportsmanship, in preparation for the challenge of team competition in Middle School and High School.
Yoga
The Elementary Yoga Program introduces the children to the mental and physical discipline required to bring about the union of body, mind, and spirit. Yoga helps teach the children self-control and inner confidence that is useful for the rest of their academic day. There is no competition in the practice of Yoga. The goal is for each child to find his or her personal space and equilibrium, while calming and quieting the body and mind. Each class has yoga once a week. The sessions are divided into three sections: a series of postures release tension in the body, relaxation exercises calm the mind, and breathing exercises energize the spirit. Class ends with a guided relaxation, a humming breath, and a brief meditation.
