Wow. Is it really almost November? The year continues to fly by! A lot is happening in P.E. in October.
God has blessed us with AMAZING weather and the middle school students have used it to their advantage as they head to the last week of their Touch Football Season. They have completely wrapped up all physical fitness testing as well. They will be re-tested in the Spring to see what improvement they have made.
The Fourth Graders have also finished their physical fitness tests completely- they will find out the standards for each test and which of their own classmates attained the best results. We will continue striving for improved physical fitness throughout many new warm up exercises and education about the heart and aerobic/anaerobic exercise...
Just last week I told the fourth grade class that whoever could research just what exactly "Cardiovascular Endurance" is, they would receive extra credit. Many students could not even repeat the word to me (it was the first time many of them had heard it)... but they DID know cardio= heart. I had three wonderful fourth grade girls come find me on their own time to have me repeat and write down the phrase again. They then researched in the computer lab and handed in a sticky note (with even a muscle man drawing), that said, "The heart's ability to give oxygen to the rest of your body's muscles." They then presented their answer to the rest of the class and, it seemed, many light bulbs went on!
The Third Graders have been busy with many different specific motor abilities such as Speed, Power, and Coordination through different exercise circuits and group activities. After a day filled with only speed and power exercises, then repeating them to music, they left telling the other class, "It is SO FUN today." Who knew plain exercise could be fun to kids? :) We also continue to stress sportsmanship through team games.
The Kindergarteners, First Graders, and Second Graders are focusing on the manipulative skills of rolling, catching, underhand and overhand throwing. Practicing simple things like grip through games like follow the leader and sculpting T's (where students act as statues and other students form the "statues" in an overhand throw pose), to more in depth activities like hula hoop target throwing at different distances. Fun games such as Clean Up Your Yard and Dodgeball have also been a hit.
Other events related to Physical Activity at West Side have continued developing....
-The Middle School Fuel Up to Play 60 Representatives will introduce Fuel Up to Play 60, a student-led program that promotes physical activity and nutrition, at this Thursday's Chapel (as well as the school's first challenge: a combined Poster/Touchdown Dance Video).
-The Mileage Club continues to "run" strong. K-5 students will find out THIS WEEK which one of their classmates had the highest mileage in each grade. Those five winners will receive a certificate and a healthy breakfast with Mr. Groenendyk for their hard work. The highest mileage classroom will also be recognized.
That's all for now.
Praying for another fun, active, and safe week in the West Side Gym!
