You can definitely tell spring is here! West Side is busy with many spring sports: girls on the run, girls softball, soccer, and boys baseball, and middle school track. This year, I am coaching track and helping with GOTR when I can.
Before we look ahead I wanted to recap the last few months:
-Jump Rope for Heart was another HUGE success this year! Our elementary students had the opportunity to raise money for the American Heart Association through a jump rope unit in PE. They raised over $2,000! Our top winner was rewarded with being "PE Teacher for the Day." :)
-Fuel Up to Play 60's Student Team created a Physical Fitness Week in April. During this week, students were given a physical fitness and nutrition challenge each day of the week. If students completed the activities and got a parent signature, they could hand in their slip for points. The class with the most total points at the end of the week received a healthy frozen lemonade treat and a reserved intramural gym time for their class only. Eighth grade took the prize!
-This spring we are busy completing fitness testing in grades 4-8. I found a very useful tool through Fuel Up to Play 60 to help complete these tests: check it out here.
Looking Ahead:
K-2 Students will continue working on batting, fielding, throwing and catching, and base running while incorporating all skills into challenging, cooperative games. We also continue introducing new games, such as the pursuit and evade game called, "Beaches, Boats, and Bridges" from www.thephysicaleducator.com that helps students practice spatial awareness skills.
3-5 Students wrapped up a Racket Sports unit where they were introduced to tennis and pickleball. It was exciting to level the playing field for all students as they tried sports that were brand new to them. We are now working on small sided lead up games of kickball and softball. Students are challenged on learning many different types of games where rules are changed and participation of all teammates is maximized.
6-8 Students just learned about the important concept of the FITT principle when it comes to exercise. They were challenged during a fun relay game to complete a poster that included the letters, words, definitions, and examples of the FITT Principle. (Source: FITT Challenge Lesson Plan) They will try to squeeze in a softball season before the end of the year. They are also busy trying to break WSCS fitness records!!
Elementary Honors Assembly:
I am excited to give honors for both Mileage Club participants this year and PE Challenge winners.
Students who ran the most miles in their class each month will be recognized, as well as the students who served by being recess mileage punchers. To find out more about Mileage Club, go to www.fitnessfinders.net
Students who passed four, five, or six of the PE challenges will also be recognized with varying certificates. To find out more about the PE Challenges, go to www.pecentral.org
June 5 will be here before we know it!
