General Physical Education Classes

The Physical Education Program at Cardinal Forest establishes a fun and safe learning environment for all students.  Our goal is to create a climate of success for each student through physical activity and play.  Students will develop skills and gain knowledge that will assist them in being physically active for their entire lives.  The curriculum includes a balance of skills, concepts, game activities, rhythms, and dance experiences designed to enhance the cognitive, motor, affective, and fitness development of every child.  Students have the opportunity to develop a positive attitude toward sportsmanship and show respect toward others through game play.

The Physical Education department provides a series of special events over the course of the school year including field day, Jump Rope for Heart, the 6th Grade vs Faculty Basketball Game and the Cardinal’s Running Club.

Adaptive Physical Education

The goal of the Adapted Physical Education program is to facilitate the development of skills to enable students with special needs to safely and successfully participate in team, individual, and life sports with the minimum amount of support.

Students will learn to successfully demonstrate communication, problem solving, sports, and self-advocacy skills to improve their level of skill and participation. This will enable them to experience success in Physical Education and in lifetime recreational activities. The Itinerant Adapted P.E. teacher assists in the development of skills that enable students to participate in Physical Education as independently as possible. Collaboration with P.E. teachers and staff plays an important port in this process. Support may include the following:

• providing teachers with updated medical information and restrictions
• assisting in the development of activity accommodations and/or alternative activities
• addressing mobility and safety issues
• developing and practicing self-advocacy skills
• establishing individualized goals for Virginia Wellness tests
• informing staff about medical implications during recess activities
• assisting with the development of grade modifications
• providing one on one assistance as needed

Additional support is given to P.E. teachers working with students enrolled in other special education programs such as mild retardation, moderate and severe disabilities, autism, visual impairments, emotional disabilitiess, and hearing impairments. School visits can be requested, as well as information regarding appropriate teaching strategies and activities. Questions or requests for assistance can be referred to Kellie Cochran at 703-204-3843.