Elementary physical education in the United States

This chapter provides an overview of the landscape of elementary physical education in the United States (US). It conveys both recommendations and prevailing practices as teachers are known regarding the context and status of physical education in American elementary schools. Many professionals advocate that curriculum models provide a framework for the effective delivery of meaningful and coherent physical education programmes. Of these, the curriculum models most frequently used in US elementary physical education include a developmental or movement analysis approach and fitness and wellness education approach. Seeking to create an "authentic sporting experience" for students, D. Siedentop identified key features of sport education, including that sport is structured in seasons and players are team members who remain with their team for the entire season. These also include: seasons are defined by formal competition, interspersed with teacher- and student-directed practice sessions, a culminating event concludes each season, sport play includes extensive record keeping, and a festive atmosphere pervades the season.