1. Physical Education & Free Play
Curriculum Planning
Physical Education & Free Play

2. Importance of Physical Education
Physical education is included in the preschool program to help children develop gross motor skills
P.E. experiences also provide opportunities to:
Pretend
Explore the ways their bodies move
Practice combining movement with rhythm
Discover that many concepts and ideas can be expressed to others through movement

3. Favorite Physical Education Activities
Parachute activities (relate to theme)
Races (relate to theme)
Games
Duck, duck goose; Simon says; red light-green light
Obstacle course
T-ball
“Going on a Bear Hunt”
“Upset the Fruit Basket”
Musical chairs

4. Tips on Organization
Some teachers should come in early to get equipment ready
When giving directions, always keep SAFETY as a priority
Give directions to other teachers and children
Tell the children where to stand or sit if leaving the room for an activity. Then give directions when everyone is quiet
Use a loud voice when giving directions
Be enthusiastic

5. Responsibilities during Physical Education Lessons
If your lesson cannot be taught in the preschool classroom, you need to make Mrs. A aware so that you can find a new location for the lesson to occur
Physical education lesson are no longer allowed to occur in the hallway outside of the main office

6. Importance of Free Play
Children learn and develop cognitive skills, physical abilities, new vocabulary, social and emotional skills, and literacy skills through play
Play allows children to use their creativity
Play reduces stress

7. Types of Play In the Preschool Classroom
Collaborative
Imaginary
Physical
Kicking a ball or jumping rope
Creative
Cutting, tracing, or painting
Dramatic
Acting out scenarios by dressing up and assuming character roles
Constructive
When the child manipulates objects or small toys to create something

8. Making Play Meaningful
Children to make their own decisions
Children are intrinsically motivated
Children become immersed in the moment
Play is spontaneous, not scripted
Play is enjoyable

9. Responsibilities during Free Play
If you sign up to teach free play
Lessons should begin in circle time
You will be graded on your ability to
Instruct students during show-n-tell
Organizing options for free play
Management of students during free play

10. Responsibilities during Free Play
You will need to choose three areas of play as the focus during free play
Some areas of play include:
Blocks
Cars
Animals
Kitchen
Sensory table
Dress up
Puzzles
Board games
Tool bench
Puppets
Playdough
Drawing/painting/chalk

11. Responsibilities during Free Play
Areas of play will need to tie into the theme as best as possible
Examples:
Create a bakery theme in the kitchen area when the theme is community helpers
Create a sensory table with water and sea shells for a beach theme

12. Activity:
With a partner, brainstorm a list of questions that you could ask children during show-n-tell
The questions should be based off of students will the following toys:
Baby doll/stuffed animal
Action figure
Picture/book
Car/truck