Alabama Course of Study

    Students in Grades 6,7, and 8 have unique developmental characteristics. These students are experiencing a transitional period that includes intellectual, physical, emotional, and social changes as they progress from childhood to adolescence. Physical characteristics of students at this age include rapid growth and physical change, improvement of coordination and balance, and improved endurance as heart and lung size increase. Most girls reach adult stature, while boys continue to progress through physical growth and development within adolescence. By Grades 6-8, students have developed a foundation regarding fundamental physical education skills, with the exception of some striking skills. Nonlocomotor and manipulative skills are refined and these skills are combined with previously-learned locomotor skills in order to allow for successful participation in a variety of physical activities.

    Instruction within the middle school curriculum should be conducted in a safe and inclusive learning environment. This environment allows the early adolescent to experience positive, challenging, and enjoyable physical activity while learning about the benefits and importance of physical activity.

    In the physical education program for Grades 6,7, and 8, the instructor provides a variety of learning stations that are specifically designed to accommodate the scope of the program and the number of students within the class setting. The schedules are designed to allow students to attend physical education classes on a daily basis for a proportionate amount of time as compared to other content areas. Students are able to move freely and safely throughout the activities. They also have access to sufficient technology that has been integrated into the program as part of the regular teaching and learning process.

    Students in Grades 6-8 participate in a variety of health-enhancing activities. As students participate more in sport and game-type activities and spend time watching these events, their interactive behavior focuses on respecting officials, observing proper safety practices, and playing fairly with fellow students in and out of school. Students recognize physical activity as a positive opportunity for social and group interaction and develop necessary cooperative and competitive behaviors.