Physical Education and Health

The elementary physical education and health curriculum in Kansas is designed to promote students' physical fitness, health literacy, and overall well-being. It aims to provide a comprehensive education that emphasizes the importance of physical activity, healthy lifestyle choices, and personal responsibility for one's health. The curriculum encourages students to develop lifelong habits that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

The goals of the elementary physical education and health curriculum in Kansas include:

Physical Fitness and Motor Skills: The curriculum focuses on developing students' physical fitness and motor skills. Students engage in a variety of physical activities, such as running, jumping, throwing, catching, and balancing. They participate in structured exercises and games that promote cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and coordination.

Sportsmanship and Teamwork: The curriculum emphasizes the importance of sportsmanship, fair play, and teamwork. Students learn to respect and encourage their peers, follow rules, and demonstrate good sportsmanship during physical activities and team games. They develop skills in communication, cooperation, and collaboration while working together in both individual and group settings.

Health and Wellness: The curriculum provides students with knowledge and skills related to health and wellness. Students learn about the importance of nutrition, hygiene, rest, and physical activity for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They explore topics such as personal safety, injury prevention, stress management, and the effects of substance use and abuse. Students develop an understanding of the benefits of making healthy choices and develop strategies for maintaining their well-being.

Personal and Social Responsibility: The curriculum promotes personal and social responsibility for health and physical well-being. Students learn to set personal goals, make informed choices, and take ownership of their health behaviors. They develop decision-making skills and learn to advocate for their own well-being. Students also develop an understanding of the importance of respecting and valuing the diversity of abilities, cultures, and backgrounds in physical activity settings.

Injury Prevention and First Aid: The curriculum includes elements of injury prevention and basic first aid. Students learn about common injuries and safety measures in physical activities. They develop knowledge and skills in recognizing potential hazards, responding to emergencies, and providing basic first aid. Students also learn to assess and manage risks associated with physical activities.

Health Education and Literacy: The curriculum promotes health education and literacy. Students develop skills in accessing and evaluating health information from reliable sources. They learn to analyze media messages related to health and make informed decisions based on accurate information. Students also develop effective communication skills to express their needs, concerns, and boundaries in various health-related situations.

The elementary physical education and health curriculum in Kansas strives to empower students to lead active, healthy lives and make informed choices about their well-being. By providing a balanced and comprehensive education, the curriculum equips students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to take responsibility for their physical and mental health throughout their lives.

KSDE Standards for Physical Education and Health