Springfield College to Host Physical-education Program

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College Department of Physical Education and Health Education (PEHE) faculty members and students will host a physical-education program during the 2015-16 academic year that provides home-schooled youngsters an opportunity to receive developmentally appropriate phys-ed instruction on campus. The program will focus on three separate age groups: 5-8, 9-11, and 12-16.

“This program serves a dual purpose. It provides children the opportunity to receive physical-education instruction while also allowing [undergraduates] valuable pedagogical experience,” said Springfield College PEHE Chairman Stephen Coulon.

The program will be held each Friday from 9:30 to 10:40 a.m. in the Springfield College Physical Education Complex Field House starting on Sept. 18, and will focus on the improvement of fundamental motor skills and movement concepts. The program will be offered each semester.

“All aspects of the program will be directly supervised by Springfield College faculty members,” said Coulon. “The physical-education instruction is offered in a supportive environment with the emphasis on achievement and enjoyment.” The program began in January 2015 and continues to be a collaborative effort between PEHE and the PE Majors Club.

The mission of PEHE is to build on the Springfield College philosophy of educating the whole person in spirit, mind, and body, for leadership in service to others. The nature of the physical-education and health-education disciplines require the balancing of the psychomotor, cognitive, and affective domains in the education and preparation of students for their career. Additionally, students are challenged to participate in service to others and to enhance their leadership skills, both of which will assist them as professionals in the phys-ed and health-ed fields.