The skill theme approach describes both the content and pedagogy for physical education.
The skill theme approach is based on developmentally appropriate principles that recognize children have different interests, abilities, and motor skills.
The development of fundamental motor skills and their application to a variety of sports and physical activities create the basis for the skill theme approach.
The Curriculum Diamond suggests the content to be taught in elementary, middle school, and high school physical education programs.
Children's abilities and interests as opposed to age or grade level are used to guide the selection of content in the skill theme approach.
Skill themes are initially practiced in isolation; as youngsters develop their motor skills, they practice them in sports, games, gymnastics, and dance contexts.
Skill themes are revisited throughout the year rather than in units of several weeks.
Cognitive, affective, and physical concepts are interwoven throughout the skill theme approach rather than taught as isolated units.