703-481-2922Physical Education
Structured, Sequential and DevelopmentalThe program should not take anything away from free play on the playground.
Physical Education at RMS
A good physical education program is one that sets aside time for structured, sequential and developmental activities for children. The program should not take anything away from free play on the playground.
One of the core philosophical tenets of Maria Montessori’s education for children was her understanding of the need and importance for movement to perfect their coordination of both large and refined movements. She understood, and which has been confirmed in recent years by brain research studies, the link between movement and activity to the development of the intellect. The freedom to move in the classroom, to work on the floor or outdoors rather than being restricted to sitting for long periods of time at a desk, has always been a Montessori distinction from traditional education. Whether it was the hands of the child manipulating beautiful pieces of material or creating handwork, to Primary children walking on the line or elementary students participating in team games, movement is essential to the development of the whole child. Movement and physical activity help to create peaceful children.
The Physical Education (PE) program at RMS emphasizes teamwork, good sportsmanship, and the spirit of the game, rather than competition. Games and activities work on physical development, especially fine and gross motor skills, and building or increasing physical stamina.
Pre-Primary (18 months - 3 Years)
The Toddler physical education program is a fun and exciting way to develop and enhance the gross motor skills of a toddler. Based on the individual toddler’s developmental skills, basic skills such as balance, hopping, jumping, crawling and running are explored. Classes are once weekly.
Primary ( 3 - 6 Years)
The PE program for the Primary children focuses on developing gross and fine motor skills through a variety of games and activities. Throwing, catching, balancing activities and simple games of running, tag or relays provide fun exercise for young children.
The children will learn many activities that will build strength and endurance while developing their gross motor skills. Each class will consist of stretching, warm up and a physical education lesson ending with a fun game related to the day’s lesson. As the year continues the children will be introduced to various sports as part of the physical education program. Classes are once a week for three- and four-year-olds and twice a week for kindergarten students.
In addition to our structured PE time, daily time on the playground provides a useful outlet for the Primary children’s endless energy, while helping their bodies to gain greater coordination, strength and health. The outdoor playground area allows for safe running and playing, while slides, monkey bars and swings test a young child’s strength and coordination skills.
Elementary (1st to 6th Grades)
At the Elementary level, the focus is on teamwork, good sportsmanship, the spirit of the game, physical development (both fine and gross motor), and building or increasing physical stamina.
Competition is minimized as the students play and learn the fundamentals of a variety of team sports: basketball, soccer, football, baseball and volleyball. Each class will consist of stretching, running and a physical or health education lesson. During the year the children will learn leadership skills by taking charge of stretching and exercise activities. They will participate in many different running and strength exercises to build strength and endurance, such as sprints, middle and long distance running, pushups, sit ups, jumping jacks. The children will also have lessons in health that will promote healthy eating habits and what foods are good or bad for a healthy diet. During the winter, the class will take part in an ice-skating program that teaches the children the basic skills in figure skating and hockey. Classes are once a week for an hour and half.
Team building activities are an important element of the Physical Education program at RMS and they are an integral part of the program since it complements well the RMS philosophy of building community and relationships, as well as increasing self-awareness.
Testimonials
What Parents are Saying
A review on greatschools.org
I have been sending my toddler here and we absolutely love it! She’s thriving and learning so much. She had met every developmental milestone months early. The teachers are so caring, nurturing, and loving to all of the children. I can’t say enough good things about RMS.
A review on greatschools.org
My daughter is thriving beautifully at RMS – I couldn’t be more happy with her progress and we’ve only just begun. The teachers are kind, patient and incredibly supportive of her growth. I’m provided direct, specific and constructive feedback so I can echo the Montessori Method at home and help my baby girl continue to achieve the tasks she SO wants to master. The administrative staff is very helpful and they communicate consistently which is a nice change of pace from our last school. I know my daughter is learning and growing every day — she’s safe, happy, challenged and supported. So thrilled I made the move to RMS!!
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