The concepts of physical fitness for children start in the primary grades and are emphasized in the elementary grades. It is essential that children learn the skills, and develop the knowledge and behaviors that will enable them to be physically active now and in their adult years. As part of our curriculum students will be introduced to basic physical fitness concepts (including the components of health-related fitness, and basic FITT principles) during each of our Unit Themes. Our goal is to address both state and national standards in the area of fitness.

Both 4th and 5th Grade students will use a "Fitfolio(TM)" packet helping students develop and write out appropriate fitness goals and fitness plans for each of the 5 fitness assessments: 1/2-mile run/jog/walk, shuttle-run, curl-ups, sit-and-reach, and push-ups. Students will be assessed on ability to improve on their own individual fitness levels.

Physical fitness concepts taught within each of the 7 Unit Themes relate to both the state standards for Health and Fitness - Essential Academic Learning Requirements (Benchmark 1 -Fourth Grade) and the national NASPE content standards for a physically educated person:

EALR1: The student acquires the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain an active life: Movement, physical fitness, and nutrition. 1.3 Understand the concepts of health-related physical fitness and develop and monitor progress on personal fitness goals.  Benchmark 1: Develop a fitness vocabulary and awareness of fitness concepts while participating regularly in a variety of physical activities for fitness and play.

NASPE3: Participates regularly in physical activity

NASPE4: Achieves and maintains a health-enhancing level of physical fitness

Program Learning Outcomes for Physical Fitness Concepts 2.0

2.1 · health-related fitness

The student will be able to identify and demonstrate the five components of health-related fitness: muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiorespiratory endurance, body composition and flexibility.

2.2 · exhibits a physically active lifestyle

The student will develop an awareness, and identify the benefits of participation in physical activity as a conscious decision both in and outside the physical education classroom.

2.3 · achieves and maintains a health-enhancing level of physical fitness

The student will be able to match different types of physical activity with underlying health-related fitness components during a particular Unit Theme (e.g. 1/2-mile run with muscular endurance and cardiorespiratory endurance as it relates with our 7-day soccer unit).

2.4 · basic anatomy

Students will be able to identify eight basic muscle groups, and demonstrate their appropriate strengthening exercises and stretches.

(eight basic muscle groups and range of motion: quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteals, forearm, biceps, triceps, trapezius, pectoralis)

2.5 · basic flexibility

The student will be able to demonstrate proper flexibility techniques for the eight basic muscle groups.

2.0: Physical Fitness Concepts	EALR1						NASPE3	NASPE4
2.1 Health-Related Fitness	1.3							X
2.2 Exhibits a Physically Active Lifestyle	1.3						X
2.3 Achieves and Maintains a Health-Enhancing Level of Physical Fitness	1.3							X
2.4 Basic Anatomy	1.3						X
2.5 Basic Flexibility	1.3						X