On physical education
When most of us think back on our experience with PE, our minds probably go to gym class and the roster of organized games we played as children. After Grade 4, teachers lead children in classic games like volleyball and basketball, but our approach to physical education starts well in advance of this. In the Grades, part of every main lesson is dedicated to physical education, and it works to wake up and integrate children’s growing minds. Throwing and catching, starting with bean bags and then balls, calibrates eye tracking, which is essential to reading. The gentle arc of the underhand throw helps us learn to process and accept ‘what’s coming at us’ and learn to respond in an appropriate way.
Balance exercises are also brought in: standing on one foot and walking balance beams. These exercises, too, coordinate the hemispheres of our brains and improve our spatial perception, which develops our reasoning skills. Social games are wonderful ways to learn cooperation and how to work in different groups. All through these games and exercises, students are laughing, moving vigorously, developing their coordination and honing a range of physical skills. It is woven into the day, it is part of how we work, and often unconsious to the children as physical education. By waiting until children are a little older to bring in conscious competition, we emphasize working together on a common goal and increasing everyone’s strengths.
— Gabriel