About Physical Education
At Northwood Elementary School we know being active is a key component in having a healthy lifestyle. All students at Northwood have the opportunity to work weekly with specialized Physical Education trained teachers.
The purpose of our program is to provide quality elementary physical education for children in grades first through fifth. Our program contributes to the total growth and development of each child. This is done through various activities that are based on a progression of skills.
Our curriculum also includes the psychomotor, cognitive, affective and health related areas of fitness and health and is aligned with the California State Standards, as well as the NASPE Standards.
Northwood Physical Education teachers:
• Teach developmentally appropriate physical education lessons.
• Build each child’s self-esteem.
• Teach the importance of improved physical fitness and an awareness of personal health and nutrition.
• Teach skill development – movement competence.
• Teach Character Education – good sportsmanship, cooperation, being responsible and respectful to others.
• Teach that staying physical active now and into their adult life is important
• Differentiate lessons so each child can be successful
• Make each lesson physically and emotionally safe
• Make connections to everyday life through the lessons we teach
• Make physical education a fun, positive learning experience
• Collaborate and team-teach our classes. Together we bring 37 years of combined experience and knowledge to benefit our students.
About Kelly Porter
Kelly brings a unique perspective to her coaching philosophy, having been a multi-sport standout at the High-School, Junior College and Division II College level. She has taught and coached at the Elementary, Jr. High, High School and Club Levels. Kelly is currently the head volleyball coach at Justin-Siena High School and led the Braves to a 2nd place finish in the 2007 North Coast Section Championships. Following the 2007 season, she was awarded MCAL Coach of the Year honors. She is also a Physical Education teacher at multiple Elementary Schools in the Napa Valley.
Because of her history as a multi-sport athlete, Kelly knows the difficulty that today’s time-challenged student-athletes face. This awareness shapes her approach to mentoring and teaching the importance of character and responsibility, both on and off the court.
The physical education curriculum at Northwood Elementary School focuses on keeping the students active and busy. The goal is that the students have fun! They are encouraged to try new things with the exposure to different sports and activities. The 40 minute session begins with dynamic stretching. Once the students have warmed up they are rotated through stations of running, obstacle courses, relay races, sports, etc.
