Physical Education at Smith

The Physical Education program at Smith is based on a problem-solving approach designed to encourage all children to explore movement and engage in physical activity. In addition, Smith School offers a developmental sports skills program providing basic instruction in such seasonal activities as soccer, football, basketball, gymnastics and dance, volleyball, beginning tennis skills, track and field, softball and baseball.

The problem-solving approach allows children to participate successfully at their ability level, provides each child with the opportunity to become fully involved in class work and helps to promote confidence and well-being. Children work both individually and in small groups. Emphasis is placed on helping one another, sharing, and thinking. Purposeful effort in all activities is required of each child. This approach ultimately leads to a child's successful participation in his or her favorite sports and games by providing the essential background in basic movement and sports skills.

Grades K, 1, 2, and 3 require comfortable clothes (no dresses or tights) and sneakers for outdoor activities.

Grades 4 and 5 require tee-shirt, shorts and sneakers, kept in gym lockers. Sweatshirts and sweatpants are optional for cooler days. Please label all gym clothes should items get misplaced.

For all grades, wearing sneakers on gym days expedites the kids' exit outside!

Why bare feet? The movement education philosophy is based on creative thinking and problem solving skills. Bare feet allows for greater creativity with the use of all body parts equally. Without the restriction of sneakers, feet are able to move more freely and touch, grasp, and balance more efficiently.

Thank you for your continued support !