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!
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Sunday, January 26, 2014
What's New
It's been far too long!
This winter has been packed with much activity inside the West Side gym with PE classes, Intramurals, Box Tops Reward Times, indoor recess days, but also outside the school doors with all of this snow and West Side's infamous sledding hill!
The students at West Side in grades K-2 have been developing their hand-eye coordination skills through the use of speed (cup) stacking and hand dribbling/ball units. We were even able to use our brand new junior size basketball hoops! It is important to remember that each day is a day to build a stronger foundation for future skills, but also to develop the important skills of teamwork, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking- a question I ask each day is: how will I get these students to use their bodies in a creative, new way?
The third grade students have a very unique transition year. We focus intensely on communication, teamwork, and collaboration WHILE practicing foundational movement skills/pre-sports skills. Most of our activities cannot be done working alone, and they can't be done without solving problems in a positive way. This has definitely been a challenge for students who are great listeners and love to be told what to do so that they can do it well! It is a joy to see them light up when they come up with the solution, or they create new ways to be active and complete the mission of our weekly activities.
The fourth and fifth graders are eagerly working on their basketball ball control, dribbling, passing, and shooting skills, and will once again be divided into teams using the sport education model, where they will practice ownership, creativity, and leadership while working in a set team and tournament play.
The middle school students were introduced to a brand new Rhythm Unit after Christmas break that includes Stomp, Line Dancing, Tinikling, and Gymnastics (Tumbling, Balance Beam, and Mini Trampoline). After I taught an introduction of each part, students could perform a short stomp routine, the cotton eye joe line dance, basic gymnastic skills, and basic tinikling steps (a Philippine dance with bamboo poles tapped on the ground). Every student was then able to rank the four activities. Then, I divided them into teams where they get to work with others to create two separate routines of their two favorite rhythm activities. If we ever stop having snow days, these students will perform their routines in front of adult judges and their peers. We are excited for this new opportunity- it is always rewarding to see my students brave enough to try something new and have it end up being something they PREFER to the traditional sports they know well.
On Thursday, the middle school Fuel Up to Play 60 team was able to give a presentation during Chapel. I am the Program Advisor for this fun program and you can learn more at: www.fueluptoplay60.com Their presentation included what FUP60 is, why it's important, how WSCS is incorporating it into our school day, and how every student could help contribute to the program's success. Students were also given the opportunity to make a pledge to be healthier and active every day by signing a large FUP60 banner. This banner will hang near our gym for the remainder of the year as a daily reminder. Some thoughts the team shared were from this devotional by Rick Warren:
"Your physical health is an important part of making your life count. I want to look at the right motivation for getting healthy – what God’s says about the importance of your body in 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 (NIV).
-Rick Warren
What great reminders for all of us as we start 2014 and work to worship God in every part of our lives.
Looking ahead- we also have Jump Rope for Heart coming up for Grades 1-5, an opportunity for students to participate in a service project through the American Heart Association. Students learn fun jump roping skills, learn about heart health, and raise money for kids in their area that suffer from heart problems.
Stay warm!
This winter has been packed with much activity inside the West Side gym with PE classes, Intramurals, Box Tops Reward Times, indoor recess days, but also outside the school doors with all of this snow and West Side's infamous sledding hill!
The students at West Side in grades K-2 have been developing their hand-eye coordination skills through the use of speed (cup) stacking and hand dribbling/ball units. We were even able to use our brand new junior size basketball hoops! It is important to remember that each day is a day to build a stronger foundation for future skills, but also to develop the important skills of teamwork, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking- a question I ask each day is: how will I get these students to use their bodies in a creative, new way?
The third grade students have a very unique transition year. We focus intensely on communication, teamwork, and collaboration WHILE practicing foundational movement skills/pre-sports skills. Most of our activities cannot be done working alone, and they can't be done without solving problems in a positive way. This has definitely been a challenge for students who are great listeners and love to be told what to do so that they can do it well! It is a joy to see them light up when they come up with the solution, or they create new ways to be active and complete the mission of our weekly activities.
The fourth and fifth graders are eagerly working on their basketball ball control, dribbling, passing, and shooting skills, and will once again be divided into teams using the sport education model, where they will practice ownership, creativity, and leadership while working in a set team and tournament play.
The middle school students were introduced to a brand new Rhythm Unit after Christmas break that includes Stomp, Line Dancing, Tinikling, and Gymnastics (Tumbling, Balance Beam, and Mini Trampoline). After I taught an introduction of each part, students could perform a short stomp routine, the cotton eye joe line dance, basic gymnastic skills, and basic tinikling steps (a Philippine dance with bamboo poles tapped on the ground). Every student was then able to rank the four activities. Then, I divided them into teams where they get to work with others to create two separate routines of their two favorite rhythm activities. If we ever stop having snow days, these students will perform their routines in front of adult judges and their peers. We are excited for this new opportunity- it is always rewarding to see my students brave enough to try something new and have it end up being something they PREFER to the traditional sports they know well.
On Thursday, the middle school Fuel Up to Play 60 team was able to give a presentation during Chapel. I am the Program Advisor for this fun program and you can learn more at: www.fueluptoplay60.com Their presentation included what FUP60 is, why it's important, how WSCS is incorporating it into our school day, and how every student could help contribute to the program's success. Students were also given the opportunity to make a pledge to be healthier and active every day by signing a large FUP60 banner. This banner will hang near our gym for the remainder of the year as a daily reminder. Some thoughts the team shared were from this devotional by Rick Warren:
"Your physical health is an important part of making your life count. I want to look at the right motivation for getting healthy – what God’s says about the importance of your body in 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 (NIV).
- God expects me to manage my body. “Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial. …I will not be mastered by anything …” (verse 12). Your body is a gift from God. He loans it to you and it’s your responsibility to manage it well. What are you doing with what He’s given you?
- My body is God’s property. “The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord …” (verse 13). Our culture teaches us that we can do whatever we want with our bodies. But God created our bodies, so we don’t have a right to share them with anybody we want.
- My body will be resurrected after I die. “ … God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also” (verse 14). God never wastes anything. One day he’s going to resurrect a new version of your body.
- My body is connected to the body of Christ. “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself?” (verse 15). God considers sins against the body to be in a special class because your body is connected to the body of Christ.
- The Holy Spirit lives in my body. “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit … ?” (verse 19). Your body is God’s temple. If you were walking down the street and saw some gang vandalizing a church, you’d do something about it, right? When you don’t take care of your body, you are vandalizing God’s temple.
- Jesus bought my body on the cross. “You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body” (verse 20). If you want to know how much you’re worth, look at the cross. Jesus with his hands outstretched says, “This is how much you’re worth to me. You’re worth dying for.” You are infinitely valuable.
-Rick Warren
What great reminders for all of us as we start 2014 and work to worship God in every part of our lives.
Looking ahead- we also have Jump Rope for Heart coming up for Grades 1-5, an opportunity for students to participate in a service project through the American Heart Association. Students learn fun jump roping skills, learn about heart health, and raise money for kids in their area that suffer from heart problems.
Stay warm!
Monday, November 18, 2013
Let's Learn Some New Games
Last Friday, I had the opportunity to attend the Michigan MAHPERD Convention. I was reminded once again how different Phys Ed is today. There are so many new ideas, tools, and outcomes available to use.
Some new ideas I am implementing:
-Listing Health, Fitness, Sport, and Skill focus on the whiteboard so students always know our objective for the day.
-Using more foundational games to introduce strategy concepts to different types of sports (invasion, target, striking/fielding, net/wall categories)
-New report cards that list individual objectives that students meet or do not meet throughout the year.
I have recently been using www.thephysicaleducator.com as a resource. So many great ideas for behavior management, incentives, health, games and more! Definitely worth checking out.
I came across this poem at the end of a book last week. Yet again, it stresses the difference between old and new P.E. It also acts as a reminder that Phys Ed is not sports practice. If you don't have the same audience, why would you teach the same content?
It's hard to improve
when we're all standing still
watching the first picks
gain all the skill.
Let's learn some new games
where no one complains
there are too many rules
too long to explain.
Let's learn some new games
we can play at home
along with some neighbors
and when we're alone
Let''s learn some new games
that make us ALL go
yet the teacher says
that's all she knows.
-Bud Turner
Some new ideas I am implementing:
-Listing Health, Fitness, Sport, and Skill focus on the whiteboard so students always know our objective for the day.
-Using more foundational games to introduce strategy concepts to different types of sports (invasion, target, striking/fielding, net/wall categories)
-New report cards that list individual objectives that students meet or do not meet throughout the year.
I have recently been using www.thephysicaleducator.com as a resource. So many great ideas for behavior management, incentives, health, games and more! Definitely worth checking out.
I came across this poem at the end of a book last week. Yet again, it stresses the difference between old and new P.E. It also acts as a reminder that Phys Ed is not sports practice. If you don't have the same audience, why would you teach the same content?
It's hard to improve
when we're all standing still
watching the first picks
gain all the skill.
Let's learn some new games
where no one complains
there are too many rules
too long to explain.
Let's learn some new games
we can play at home
along with some neighbors
and when we're alone
Let''s learn some new games
that make us ALL go
yet the teacher says
that's all she knows.
-Bud Turner
Thursday, October 17, 2013
What is Success?
... Hearing one of your non-athletic 4th grade students say, "I wish we had P.E. all day" after completing a 3/4 mile run and coming in last....
THAT is success.
That is just one of many comments I overhear from my students. This is not because of me, but because of the environment that's created in our "classroom." Whether in the gym or on the field, or running laps around the school, or whether fitness or sport day, the expectation is the same: Improve yourself, encourage others, have fun, and work hard.
Middle school students are completing six steps this year related to our overall fitness unit:
1. Learn the components of fitness: Cardiorespiratory Endurance, Muscular Endurance, Muscular Strength, Flexibility, and Body Composition
2. Participate in initial fitness tests: Mile Run, Pacer, Curl Ups, Push Ups, Sit and Reach, Height/Weight
3. Create 4 S.M.A.R.T. goals
4. Design an Action Plan for getting there
5. Perform final fitness tests (in spring)
6. Review action plan
This unit is reinforced with monthly activity/eating logs, optional extra credit health articles, and daily fitness warm ups that emphasize the different components an exercise routine must include for best health benefits.
We are also busy playing soccer, learning about the 17 laws of the game, and having many round robin tournaments anywhere from 1v1players to 12v12!
As a whole school, we also have some VERY EXCITING NEWS...
JUMP WITH JILL IS VISITING US FOR THE FIRST TIME ON OCTOBER 31!
I submitted our 8th grade's "Bone Rap" video remake of Jill Jayne's very own song and sent in almost 100 letters from students ask Jill to visit our school.
She will be visiting us for free and having an assembly/concert in our gym from 1:30-2:30 where K-8 students will gather for a good time and learn how being healthy is cool!
Can't wait!
THAT is success.
That is just one of many comments I overhear from my students. This is not because of me, but because of the environment that's created in our "classroom." Whether in the gym or on the field, or running laps around the school, or whether fitness or sport day, the expectation is the same: Improve yourself, encourage others, have fun, and work hard.
Middle school students are completing six steps this year related to our overall fitness unit:
1. Learn the components of fitness: Cardiorespiratory Endurance, Muscular Endurance, Muscular Strength, Flexibility, and Body Composition
2. Participate in initial fitness tests: Mile Run, Pacer, Curl Ups, Push Ups, Sit and Reach, Height/Weight
3. Create 4 S.M.A.R.T. goals
4. Design an Action Plan for getting there
5. Perform final fitness tests (in spring)
6. Review action plan
This unit is reinforced with monthly activity/eating logs, optional extra credit health articles, and daily fitness warm ups that emphasize the different components an exercise routine must include for best health benefits.
We are also busy playing soccer, learning about the 17 laws of the game, and having many round robin tournaments anywhere from 1v1players to 12v12!
As a whole school, we also have some VERY EXCITING NEWS...
JUMP WITH JILL IS VISITING US FOR THE FIRST TIME ON OCTOBER 31!
I submitted our 8th grade's "Bone Rap" video remake of Jill Jayne's very own song and sent in almost 100 letters from students ask Jill to visit our school.
She will be visiting us for free and having an assembly/concert in our gym from 1:30-2:30 where K-8 students will gather for a good time and learn how being healthy is cool!
Can't wait!
Friday, September 27, 2013
FUEL UP TO PLAY 60
Dear Parents,
This
year, West Side Christian Middle School
Fuel Up
to Play 60 is a program founded by the National Dairy
Council and NFL, in collaboration with USDA, that empowers students to take
charge in making small, everyday changes at school. Students can win cool prizes,
like an NFL player visit or Super Bowl tickets, for choosing good-for-you foods
and getting active for at least 60 minutes every day. We want kids to make a
difference not only in their lives, but also their community.
Fuel Up to Play 60 encourages
youth to eat healthy and move more — and studies suggest that well-nourished,
physically active kids can be better students.
Better nutrition, including eating a healthy breakfast each day, helps students get the nutrients they need and may help improve their academic performance. What's more, being physically active may help students improve self-esteem, cognitive function and test scores.
And with Fuel Up to Play 60, healthy students can have more fun! By participating in the program, youth have the opportunity to earn rewards and prizes. Those students who help build the program may benefit even more. In fact, researchers say peer group interaction may help to influence healthy choices, and student involvement can lead to motivation and engagement in learning.
Better nutrition, including eating a healthy breakfast each day, helps students get the nutrients they need and may help improve their academic performance. What's more, being physically active may help students improve self-esteem, cognitive function and test scores.
And with Fuel Up to Play 60, healthy students can have more fun! By participating in the program, youth have the opportunity to earn rewards and prizes. Those students who help build the program may benefit even more. In fact, researchers say peer group interaction may help to influence healthy choices, and student involvement can lead to motivation and engagement in learning.
As an education professional, school
adult or parent you work every day to help your students reach their full
potential and your school implement its wellness policy. Fuel Up to Play 60
gives you dynamic tools to meet these
goals and supports you as you make your school a healthier place.
For Fuel Up to Play 60 to work the best, your school should have at least one Program Advisor — an adult who serves as the program's champion, engages and empowers students as they help implement the program and encourages other adults to get involved. And Program Advisors have opportunities to earn rewards, recognition and funding to make it all happen. If you are interested in being a Program Advisor, please contact Mrs. Verkaik. (Taken from www.fueluptoplay60.com)
For Fuel Up to Play 60 to work the best, your school should have at least one Program Advisor — an adult who serves as the program's champion, engages and empowers students as they help implement the program and encourages other adults to get involved. And Program Advisors have opportunities to earn rewards, recognition and funding to make it all happen. If you are interested in being a Program Advisor, please contact Mrs. Verkaik. (Taken from www.fueluptoplay60.com)
In October,
middle school students will have the opportunity to apply to become part of the
Student Team, which will have the responsibility to meet weekly with a Program Advisor
to implement a monthly challenge for the entire middle school. These physical
activity or nutrition challenges can be found in the online playbook or can be
created on their own.
Check out the
website to find out more. And, please consider helping your child create a
username at www.fueluptoplay60.com.
FUEL UP TO PLAY 60
The Six Steps to Success
Step 1: Join the League
Create a username on fueluptoplay60.com
Pledge to Fuel
Up and Play 60!
Step 2: Build Teams
Create the
Student Team
Step 3: Kickoff!
Hold a kick
off event for all middle school students
Step 4: Survey the Field
Complete a School Wellness Investigation.
Step 5: Game Time
Earn online
badges by participating in monthly physical activity or nutrition challenges
Step 6: Scoreboard
Submit success
stories about West Side participating in Fuel
Up to Play 60 on the website!
Saturday, September 21, 2013
The Challenge Behind a Good PE Lesson Plan
I just so happen to pick up a February issue (yes, I know it's September) of Christian Educators Journal and read an article titled, "Christian Education: Authentic and Sticky. I was inspired after reading the ideas laid out by Dan Beerens, especially as I busily try to accomplish many, many objectives and lesson ideas in these first few weeks- while simultaneously trying to build relationships with each one of my four hundred students- all within 30 minutes time- twice a week- in the West Side Christian gym.
Why is it so hard for me to create and implement a lesson with which I'm content?
I love what I do- and the challenges it involves. I truly hope that I can teach my students to be "foolish" in the eyes of the world: "...by teaching our students to choose love over fear, peace over contentment, patience over irritability, kindness over neglect, generosity over selfishness, faithfulness over deceitfulness, gentleness over pride, and self control over immediate gratification."
......in just thirty minutes. :)
Oh, and have you read this yet? http://writeproject.wordpress.com/2013/09/17/selling-grace-the-future-of-christian-education/
Beerens, Dan. "Christian Education: Authentic and Sticky." Christian Educators Journal (2013): 4-7. Print.
Why is it so hard for me to create and implement a lesson with which I'm content?
- I like "sticky" ideas: Ideas that remain or "stick" with students AFTER their time with me and their time at West Side. I like introducing and teaching new exercises, lifetime activities, and games in general that they will remember. Students crave theses sticky ideas, too.
- My students' engagement is the "fuel" I use to keep me going when I teach: "To be truthful, the issue of student engagement is a difficult area for us because if we look at it honestly, we might need to make a change to our instruction that likely means more work. Yet let us acknowledge that we also derive the most joy from our teaching when we have hit upon meaningful questions, lessons, strategies, and resources that engage our students deeply!" -Yes. That pretty much sums it up.
- I'm an over-analyzer. To see if they worked, didn't work. To see if there's something I missed. Or, most importantly, is there a better way of doing it? Have priorities of learning changed? Are there better ways of testing students' health or fitness? Do students really need to know every rule to this particular sport? "We are in a time of reconsideration of what students truly need to know, given both our access to information and the fact that some things seem not to be as important given the scope of our world today."We live in a world of constant change- not that change is ALWAYS good. But sometimes- it IS.
- I want my students to "flourish": According to Wolterstorff, flourishing is about living in harmony with God, neighbor, creation, and self. I feel that I have a big responsibility in this flourishing through the way in which I teach. Am I creating a passion for learning and creative expression? Am I creating a desire to serve? Am I creating connections they can see in their learning? Am I allowing them to become divergent thinkers as they creatively solve problems? Am I teaching them all that God has gifted them with? That God calls them to? Am I demonstrating effective life habits and spiritual disciplines? Am I teaching a desire to act morally and ethically across all aspects of life?
I love what I do- and the challenges it involves. I truly hope that I can teach my students to be "foolish" in the eyes of the world: "...by teaching our students to choose love over fear, peace over contentment, patience over irritability, kindness over neglect, generosity over selfishness, faithfulness over deceitfulness, gentleness over pride, and self control over immediate gratification."
......in just thirty minutes. :)
Oh, and have you read this yet? http://writeproject.wordpress.com/2013/09/17/selling-grace-the-future-of-christian-education/
Beerens, Dan. "Christian Education: Authentic and Sticky." Christian Educators Journal (2013): 4-7. Print.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
And We're Back!
It's so good to be back.
Walking into school seeing all of those familiar, smiling faces definitely beats last year's attempt at getting to know everyone all at once and being the "new" teacher. :)
To start off the year, I shared this information with my middle school students through a newsletter:
After our discussion, we reviewed expectations, assignments, and opportunities they will have this year. We then jumped into some cooperative team challenges:
1) Zig Zag Team Toss
2) Group Juggling
3) Team Mat Challenges
2nd-5th grades also reviewed expectations and rules, discussed what P.E. stands for, and started some fun team challenges that encouraged following directions and encouragement like:
1) Space Invaders
2) Shipwreck
3) Team Juggle
4) Fitness/Exercise Stations
Once each class learns how to work together cooperatively in an encouraging way, we will jump into our first units, Fitness Testing for 4th-8th, Aerobic Fitness for 3rd, and Body Parts/Actions/Planes for 2nd.
Walking into school seeing all of those familiar, smiling faces definitely beats last year's attempt at getting to know everyone all at once and being the "new" teacher. :)
To start off the year, I shared this information with my middle school students through a newsletter:
In 2009, 1,375 physical educators participated in an online survey for NASPE, the National Association of Sport and Physical Education. This survey explored key aspects of PE programs in our nation’s schools.
For nearly 50% of these educators, the primary focus of their PE program is “health-related fitness,” followed by “motor skills and movement forms” (33%), “personal and social responsibility” (12%) and “preparation for sport participation” (6%).
When asked to rate each on importance for a middle school setting, physical educators prioritized “health-related fitness” as most important (87%) and “preparation for sport participation” as least important (25%).
So, is WSCS part of this “new PE”? I’d like to say so. But please don’t be mistaken, I love many traditional and non-traditional sports. But teaching sports is not my sole purpose and PE class is not sports practice. My job is to use sports among other activities to encourage lifetime physical activity. My responsibility is to give each student the necessary tools to feel confident in their skills, feel knowledgeable in their personal health, and become attracted to some new activities that they can use after their time at WSCS.
The National Standards for Physical Education are listed in the top left corner of this newsletter. As we go throughout this year, I encourage you to ask your kids what activities, exercises, worksheets, or sports they are participating in. My goal is to address all five standards throughout a variety of fun and engaging activity.
I am blessed to be able to call this my job. I look forward to teaching, challenging, and encouraging each student this year as we dive into our own “new PE”.
After our discussion, we reviewed expectations, assignments, and opportunities they will have this year. We then jumped into some cooperative team challenges:
1) Zig Zag Team Toss
2) Group Juggling
3) Team Mat Challenges
2nd-5th grades also reviewed expectations and rules, discussed what P.E. stands for, and started some fun team challenges that encouraged following directions and encouragement like:
1) Space Invaders
2) Shipwreck
3) Team Juggle
4) Fitness/Exercise Stations
Once each class learns how to work together cooperatively in an encouraging way, we will jump into our first units, Fitness Testing for 4th-8th, Aerobic Fitness for 3rd, and Body Parts/Actions/Planes for 2nd.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Why What I Do Matters
One of the most (and really only) frustrating parts to my job is persuading others to see just how important physical education is. Battling the stereotypical gym teacher who "rolls the balls out" is something I've dealt with personally on more than one occasion. Whenever I am questioned on why PE matters, I'm overwhelmed with how many different answers I could give or directions I could take. I came across this article, which touches on so many of those answers, that I had to share. I hope many PE teachers are continuing to fight the stereotype, and, if in a Christian setting, are remembering to share with their students all of these ideas (regularly!) that show just how much God values Physical Education!
PE THROUGH A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
“The book of Genesis reveals God as the only creator of all
things, from the universe to the smallest creature on earth. He is majestically
in charge of the whole world. The coming of sin into the world destroyed this
heavenly balance and presented man with his own route to follow. The life,
death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ later opened up the way of
reconciliation and once again brought man back into an eternal relationship
with his creator. Grasping this truth about God as both creator and redeemer
must inevitably change our attitude to him and the way we live our lives
socially, mentally, spiritually, and physically.” –This brings me to my favorite subject: PHYSICAL EDUCATION.
By its very nature physical education breeds
in a social environment where mental, emotional, physical and spiritual
tensions are in abundance. As such it is a great training ground for the
Christian and the sharpest of places for him to work out his faith. Jesus calls
us to live out our faith and to go where people can be found as sports are a
huge part of our society. –What a blessing for me to be part of each student’s
Christian training starting in their elementary years!
"To God, there is no
sacred-secular divide. Everything belongs to him, even sport and fitness. We
are “to love God and enjoy him forever” and this can be fulfilled as
effectively on the sports field as it can inside a church.”
Psalm 139:13-16 talks about the intricacy of God knitting
together ‘body and soul’ with words like ‘skillfully wrought’ and ‘wonderfully
made’. The complete person is not just body, nor spirit or intellect. He is ALL
of these things and is given the opportunity to glorify God in all of these
areas.
To educate children
physically is to enable them to develop naturally in stature, to discover
potential of their talents and make them aware of the need to keep their bodies
in good shape!
1. Growth and development
Luke
2:52 “And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God
and man.” Within this short verse is the intellectual
growth that comes through wisdom, the physical
development that comes through stature, the social and emotional growth through man’s favor and the spiritual maturity that develops as a
result of God’s favor.
2. Physical Conditioning
We are
called to be good stewards by God. This stewardship includes taking care of our
body. Part of taking care means conditioning it so that when we give our body
back to our creator we can show God that we have treated it as a temple of the
Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Our
task should always be to glorify God by how we use our bodies and seek to
become all that we are capable of being through the physical talents He has
given us!
3. Rest and Relaxation
After
the task of creating the world, God rested. We can only endure so much
emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical stress. There is a need to be free
from work and responsibilities. This is a time for leisure, rest, and recreation.
-I hope to instill confidence in my students as they are introduced to many
recreational activities they can use for a lifetime.
Talents are given by God and our
bodies are considered a temple of the Holy Spirit. In this setting, we are able
to practice discipline, cooperation,
confidence, encouragement, leadership, loyalty, and integrity- a place for
the Christian character to respond to God’s calling to strive toward its goal as
Philippians 3:13 says, “I press on towards the goal to win the prize.”
COMPETITION
“Compete” means “to
strive together”. The people we compete against are co-competitors rather
than opponents. In sport, competition helps us maximize our potential and
maximize our talents to the best of our ability. I believe God does care about
who wins the game, but more importantly, he cares about how we play the game,
how we treat opponents, and how we react to the outcome.
Our faith walk is a
marathon.
A good analogy for our faith walk isn’t a sprint, but a
marathon. It’s a journey we are on, not a finish line we are racing to. It is something
we continue working at, with a lot of diligent training and persistence. “Those
who wait on the Lord shall run and not be weary and walk and not faint.”
SPORTSMANSHIP OR CHRISTMANSHIP?
2 Timothy 2:5 “If anyone competes as an athlete, he does not
receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules.”
Christmanship: embodies the best of sportsmanship (fun
fairness, and being a good loser) with the best of sportsmanship (giving one’s
best effort to win) but it transcends and surpasses them both. It challenges
the Christian athlete to compete as Christ would compete.”
PERSPECTIVE
Our motivation is running the race for the eternal prize.
Through this perspective, we are able to: respond to challenge, show
commitment, courage, finish the race, develop patience, compete against the odds,
train, and endure.
-“Sport is not inherently bad, nor it is inherently good. It
is what we make it!” –Dr. Rainer Martens
-Taken from: The Christian Institute, The Teaching of
Physical Education: A Biblical Perspective
Monday, June 17, 2013
Happy Summer Break
Well, I completely dropped the ball on updates. It is now summer! Let's take a look back at March-May:
-Middle School students learned many new games like Ultimate, Speedball, and Handball while also practicing the traditional sports of Softball and Hockey.
-Elementary students were challenged with many cooperative team games where they problem solved on their own, in small groups, or as a class.
-WSCS completed their first ever GIRLS ON THE RUN season with 16 3rd-5th grade girls running a 5k race with 2,000 other Girls on the Run from Kent County.
-I was able to attend all track meets by being the track announcer and tallying results for the schools.
-Our middle school students wrapped up fitness testing and reflected on what they did this year.
-Elementary students participated in Field Day!
-I moved into a new office! Yahoo! I have a window. :)
This Summer involves lots of reflecting as well as brainstorming new ways to get our kids excited about physical education.
Goals for next year:
1. Establish a strong Fuel Up to Play 60 Program for our middle school students through a student-led team.
2. Develop our own physical education curriculum using Curriculum Trak.
3. Create a new assessment tool/report card for elementary students.
Have a safe and activity-filled summer!!
-Middle School students learned many new games like Ultimate, Speedball, and Handball while also practicing the traditional sports of Softball and Hockey.
-Elementary students were challenged with many cooperative team games where they problem solved on their own, in small groups, or as a class.
-WSCS completed their first ever GIRLS ON THE RUN season with 16 3rd-5th grade girls running a 5k race with 2,000 other Girls on the Run from Kent County.
-I was able to attend all track meets by being the track announcer and tallying results for the schools.
-Our middle school students wrapped up fitness testing and reflected on what they did this year.
-Elementary students participated in Field Day!
-I moved into a new office! Yahoo! I have a window. :)
This Summer involves lots of reflecting as well as brainstorming new ways to get our kids excited about physical education.
Goals for next year:
1. Establish a strong Fuel Up to Play 60 Program for our middle school students through a student-led team.
2. Develop our own physical education curriculum using Curriculum Trak.
3. Create a new assessment tool/report card for elementary students.
Have a safe and activity-filled summer!!
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Circle of Fun
Today, I shared my "Circle of Fun" with my middle school students. This circle of fun involved 12 different "FIT DECK" cards. Half of these cards involved Plyometric Exercises and the other half involved Resistance Band Exercises. I set this up in a large circle around the gym, alternating plyos and resistance. This allowed for each student to get their heart rate up (check to see if they were in their target zone) and then recover at the resistance band station and learn a new strength training exercise. I played Toby Mac while we participated in each different station with one partner for 45 seconds and then rotated to the next. I couldn't believe it, but by the time class was done the students really DID think it was fun. This combined with their "2 Song-Jog" at the beginning of class really got them moving and working hard within our 40 minutes together!
I am so passionate about fitness, and allowing students to experience NEW activities, exercises, and health concepts in a safe environment. It's so rewarding to see students enjoy things they never even knew existed- and to conquer a workout like they never thought they could. I hope that each of my students finds something enjoyable that they can use in their life after their years at West Side. Sometimes it's so worth taking a break from team sports and being able to level the playing field with new individual physical activity- to really see how far my students can push themselves and realize they can do SO much more than they thought they could.
What a great day.
I am so passionate about fitness, and allowing students to experience NEW activities, exercises, and health concepts in a safe environment. It's so rewarding to see students enjoy things they never even knew existed- and to conquer a workout like they never thought they could. I hope that each of my students finds something enjoyable that they can use in their life after their years at West Side. Sometimes it's so worth taking a break from team sports and being able to level the playing field with new individual physical activity- to really see how far my students can push themselves and realize they can do SO much more than they thought they could.
What a great day.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
WOW!
Wow! Our students raised $1,900 for the American Heart Association through Jump Rope for Heart! This past week was an exciting celebration Wednesday through Friday as each class came to the gym with their donations and participated in jump rope/basketball stations one last time.
I'm looking forward to introducing new activities, fitness topics, and sports games this week with all students Kindergarten through Eighth! Middle school students will start out by learning eighteen different forms of dodgeball (!). We will then introduce a new game called Speedball- a combination of football, basketball, and soccer. We are already discovering that learning that many different form of any game is a skill itself. :) Third and Fourth Graders will begin their floor hockey unit combined with learning specific exercises for each part of the body, as well as agility drills, balance, and coordination (can't resist throwing in fitness). First and Second Graders will be practicing teamwork and cooperation using the parachute (first time all year)! Kindergarten will be emphasizing locomotor skills in different pathways, levels, and directions as well as throwing and catching with different objects.We will also continue working on the skill of listening through music and practice cross lateral movements.
Lots to do! Time to get moving.
I'm looking forward to introducing new activities, fitness topics, and sports games this week with all students Kindergarten through Eighth! Middle school students will start out by learning eighteen different forms of dodgeball (!). We will then introduce a new game called Speedball- a combination of football, basketball, and soccer. We are already discovering that learning that many different form of any game is a skill itself. :) Third and Fourth Graders will begin their floor hockey unit combined with learning specific exercises for each part of the body, as well as agility drills, balance, and coordination (can't resist throwing in fitness). First and Second Graders will be practicing teamwork and cooperation using the parachute (first time all year)! Kindergarten will be emphasizing locomotor skills in different pathways, levels, and directions as well as throwing and catching with different objects.We will also continue working on the skill of listening through music and practice cross lateral movements.
Lots to do! Time to get moving.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Service Opportunity
Our Gymnastics Unit kept us busy all through December, where students practiced skills in a team setting on the balance beam, mini trampoline, vault, and parallel bars. We also had a floor routine section where students created their own routine with music to perform for the rest of the class. Each class divided into four countries that competed in the Gymnastics Final Performance Day. Each team also learned how to judge using a combination of three scores: Difficulty Score, Execution Score, and Artistry Score. It was fun to see students learn and compete in a non-traditional sport.
Next week, we will be introducing the American Heart Association's Hoops for Heart and Jump Rope for Heart at West Side Christian for the first time. This service opportunity allows students to learn how the heart works, how to stay healthy, and how they can help other kids around the world with special hearts. Each class will watch a short DVD about the national Jump Rope for Heart/Hoops for Heart Program. Then, for the next four weeks, we will dive into jump rope skills and basketball skills, all while learning about the relationship between the heart and exercise. Our final event day will involve showcasing our learned skills for parents and teachers. Students will have the next month to raise money for kids with special hearts in a donation envelope being sent home next week.
Check back often in the next month for any available resources.
Here is our Final Event Schedule:
Wednesday, February 13: Middle School Hoops For Heart (during normal PE class time)
Thursday, February 14: First Grade, Second Grade
Friday, February 15: Third Grade, Fourth Grade
Check out: www.heart.org/jump or www.heart.org/hoops for more information!
·
Learns about the importance of the
heart – how it works, and how to take care of it: Through classroom exercises and educational
information provided by the American Heart Association.
*Our school also has the opportunity to earn
free physical education equipment.
Next week, we will be introducing the American Heart Association's Hoops for Heart and Jump Rope for Heart at West Side Christian for the first time. This service opportunity allows students to learn how the heart works, how to stay healthy, and how they can help other kids around the world with special hearts. Each class will watch a short DVD about the national Jump Rope for Heart/Hoops for Heart Program. Then, for the next four weeks, we will dive into jump rope skills and basketball skills, all while learning about the relationship between the heart and exercise. Our final event day will involve showcasing our learned skills for parents and teachers. Students will have the next month to raise money for kids with special hearts in a donation envelope being sent home next week.
Check back often in the next month for any available resources.
Here is our Final Event Schedule:
Wednesday, February 13: Middle School Hoops For Heart (during normal PE class time)
Thursday, February 14: First Grade, Second Grade
Friday, February 15: Third Grade, Fourth Grade
Check out: www.heart.org/jump or www.heart.org/hoops for more information!
Help Your Child Save Lives and be a Heart Hero!
HOW: Support your child in the American Heart
Association’s Jump Rope For Heart program
WHAT: A life-saving and educational community
service program
WHY: Your child will help kids with special hearts,
learn about how to be heart healthy and feel good!
We are thrilled to share our school is supporting the
American Heart Association’s Jump Rope For Heart program!
When your child participates in Jump Rope For Heart he/she:
·
Helps kids with special hearts: Our safe online tool makes it easy
for your child to set up a Web page and send emails to invite friends and
family to support their fundraising efforts and to share life-saving
information.
·
Feels good for making a difference
in people’s lives! Funds raised support American Heart
Association research and education initiatives that save lives in our community.
Congenital heart defects are the most common cause of infant death from
birth defects. Many children are alive today because of treatments not
available even 10 years ago. Funded
research and advancements have changed and saved their lives!
We hope you
are as excited as we are to support our students in this important
experience! If you have any questions or
would like to volunteer, please let me know.
Visit www.heart.org/jump to get started today!
|
Please return your child’s donation
envelope by:
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15
|
|
Lexi, age 11
“This has changed my life by making me aware
of what other kids have gone through who also have heart defects. I now
realize how amazing it is to have doctors who are able to fix peoples'
hearts and make them better again, and I am very thankful for them!”
|
Friday, November 16, 2012
GREAT Resources for Kids Health
This week, our eighth grade is debuting their musical, Aladdin. It's been an exciting and crazy week. Aladdin means there is no gym space! Instead of canceling class, I took my 3rd, 4th, 7th, and 8th graders to the computer lab to check out a lot of cool websites about health. Favorite moment: when one of my students asked if they still needed to change into their gym clothes. :)
Here are some of the websites we checked out:
1. www.choosemyplate.gov
Click on--> 'MyPlate'
Students pretended they were on a scavenger hunt to find answers about the five different food groups.
-What colors are represented for each food group?
-What phrase should we remember about each food group?
-List three foods from each group that you like.
-Create a MyPlate of your own, dividing it into the five different food groups/colors.
2. www.teamnutrition.usda.gov
Click on--> Serving My Plate: A Yummy Curriculum
Scroll to bottom and Click on--> Blast Off Game or Track and Field Fuel Up Challenge
These interactive computer games created a fun way to learn about nutrition.
Students had to answer questions about food groups in order to get their track runner to move or their rocket to shoot into space!
3. www.kidshealth.org
Search: The Heart & Circulatory System
Students had to read an article about the heart and find one fact from each page of the article.
In the future, we will also visit different sites to learn about Heart Rates.
4. www.bethebeat.heart.org
This is an AWESOME site for learning about the heart.
Students watched a video and completed a worksheet about Hands Only CPR.
Students discovered "HeartTrek" and could watch as well as learn about a beating heart's different parts.
5. www.fueluptoplay60.com
Our FAVORITE website to track your physical activity and eating, participate in online challenges, and work to become healthier each day.
All of these websites are fun tools to use at home, too!
Happy Friday :)
Here are some of the websites we checked out:
1. www.choosemyplate.gov
Click on--> 'MyPlate'
Students pretended they were on a scavenger hunt to find answers about the five different food groups.
-What colors are represented for each food group?
-What phrase should we remember about each food group?
-List three foods from each group that you like.
-Create a MyPlate of your own, dividing it into the five different food groups/colors.
2. www.teamnutrition.usda.gov
Click on--> Serving My Plate: A Yummy Curriculum
Scroll to bottom and Click on--> Blast Off Game or Track and Field Fuel Up Challenge
These interactive computer games created a fun way to learn about nutrition.
Students had to answer questions about food groups in order to get their track runner to move or their rocket to shoot into space!
3. www.kidshealth.org
Search: The Heart & Circulatory System
Students had to read an article about the heart and find one fact from each page of the article.
In the future, we will also visit different sites to learn about Heart Rates.
4. www.bethebeat.heart.org
This is an AWESOME site for learning about the heart.
Students watched a video and completed a worksheet about Hands Only CPR.
Students discovered "HeartTrek" and could watch as well as learn about a beating heart's different parts.
5. www.fueluptoplay60.com
Our FAVORITE website to track your physical activity and eating, participate in online challenges, and work to become healthier each day.
All of these websites are fun tools to use at home, too!
Happy Friday :)
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Almost November!?
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!
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!
Monday, September 24, 2012
Soccer "Season"
At West Side, many middle school students are busy with soccer season. But in P.E., all middle school students are busy with it! This year, we have many different sport seasons rather than units. This type of teaching is part of the Sport Education Model. Teaching students responsibility, team camaraderie, discipline, and competitive spirit are all part of this model.
Students started out the season by creating teams. This can be done in many different ways. The way that worked best for us was this:
1) Each student pairs up with 1 other student who displays the same soccer ability level as him/her.
2)That group of 2 pairs up with another group of 2 equal in playing ability.
3) Then, each group of 4 numbers off 1-2-3-4.
4) Then (surprise!) I split the teams into 4 teams, all the 1's are together, 2's are together, etc.
This method of splitting up students helps create even teams and helps all students excel as they compete against those closest in ability to them.
Once teams are established, students pick their individual responsibilities (team manager, referee, trainer, etc) and the season begins. We have practice days, team competition days, and mix in full class game days. Students are still getting used to mixing it up in all these different ways each day they come.
The 3rd and 4th graders are also busy getting the soccer units underway. In addition to practicing many different soccer skills, drills, and lead-up games, they have been learning how to be Stretch Leaders and have learned the "West Side" chant (also a great abdominal and upper body strength workout)!
Our 4th grade class received their first reward day, for earning 3 "Thumbs Up" days. Their day included 7 different sport stations that they were able to visit while listening to music. We are still deciding what this day should be called -whether Sport Stations, Sports Center, Sports Olympics, or something else. Any ideas?
Our Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade class just began learning about locomotor skills. When I asked my second graders what locomotor skills were, one student said, "Learning how to move your body in different ways." To add to that, having your feet move your body from one place to another. Students are always good at walking and running, but what about jogging, sprinting, hopping, jumping, leaping, skipping, and sliding? We are working together to understand the differences and practice and improve our movements.
Many people part of the West Side community have stopped to peek in the gym after hearing our class music. Music helps in so many ways. Younger students are very rhythmical, so using music allows them to better express themselves, motivates them to keep moving, and helps provide cues for many activities.
Just a reminder:
Middle School Students have this last week in September to complete their monthly activity and eating log.
The Soccer Quiz for middle school students will be next Wednesday, October 3.
Happy Monday!
Students started out the season by creating teams. This can be done in many different ways. The way that worked best for us was this:
1) Each student pairs up with 1 other student who displays the same soccer ability level as him/her.
2)That group of 2 pairs up with another group of 2 equal in playing ability.
3) Then, each group of 4 numbers off 1-2-3-4.
4) Then (surprise!) I split the teams into 4 teams, all the 1's are together, 2's are together, etc.
This method of splitting up students helps create even teams and helps all students excel as they compete against those closest in ability to them.
Once teams are established, students pick their individual responsibilities (team manager, referee, trainer, etc) and the season begins. We have practice days, team competition days, and mix in full class game days. Students are still getting used to mixing it up in all these different ways each day they come.
The 3rd and 4th graders are also busy getting the soccer units underway. In addition to practicing many different soccer skills, drills, and lead-up games, they have been learning how to be Stretch Leaders and have learned the "West Side" chant (also a great abdominal and upper body strength workout)!
Our 4th grade class received their first reward day, for earning 3 "Thumbs Up" days. Their day included 7 different sport stations that they were able to visit while listening to music. We are still deciding what this day should be called -whether Sport Stations, Sports Center, Sports Olympics, or something else. Any ideas?
Our Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade class just began learning about locomotor skills. When I asked my second graders what locomotor skills were, one student said, "Learning how to move your body in different ways." To add to that, having your feet move your body from one place to another. Students are always good at walking and running, but what about jogging, sprinting, hopping, jumping, leaping, skipping, and sliding? We are working together to understand the differences and practice and improve our movements.
Many people part of the West Side community have stopped to peek in the gym after hearing our class music. Music helps in so many ways. Younger students are very rhythmical, so using music allows them to better express themselves, motivates them to keep moving, and helps provide cues for many activities.
Just a reminder:
Middle School Students have this last week in September to complete their monthly activity and eating log.
The Soccer Quiz for middle school students will be next Wednesday, October 3.
Happy Monday!
Saturday, September 8, 2012
1st Week
What an AWESOME first week at West Side Christian.
So far, I have been able to meet 1st, 3rd, and 4th graders and all middle school students. Every class was enthusiastic, polite, kind, and fun to have in class!
It will always be a great memory to have my first class be a class that I was able to open with devotions and prayer.The eighth graders were slightly surprised by my excitement- and I was thankful I could explain to them the fact that I was not able to open in prayer ever before as a teacher. I encouraged them to not take it for granted, as I had, in my K-12+ personal Christian Education. I believe God gave me the experience in a public school to give me a heart of gratitude for all that I can now do with my students! I'm so thankful He did.
The first day in P.E. can be a ROUGH day... since it is a time filled with learning expectations and introductions rather than activity. Fortunately, every class was able to learn a lot the first day- AND got to be active!
Every class learned about my 3 guidelines:
1) No matter what the activity, try your hardest.
2) Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right.
3) T.H.I.N.K. before you speak: Is what you're about to say True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind?
Many classes got to test out the Fitness Circuit, set up in five different levels so that each student has the opportunity to challenge themselves. It included bicycle crunches (what's a crunch, Mrs. Verkaik?), jumping jacks, push ups, jump rope, wall sits, and sprints. Students tried to make it around the entire circuit in a matter of 3 minutes. If they made it, the next time they come they get to move up a level.
First graders were introduced to three super heroes: Kid Cardio, Miss Muscle, and Mr. Flex through a tag game called Superhero Fitness. Third and Fourth Graders got to know each other through Link Tag, Rock Paper Scissors Tag, and Group Juggling. Middle School students already completed the Mile Run for the Fall and did an outstanding job working their hardest and encouraging others. I had fun running the 'wrong' way and encouraging them. Although they were happy it was done, they weren't so happy that I surprised them with it (why tell them beforehand and have them dread it?) :)
I am looking forward to starting Intramurals, meeting my kindergartners and second graders, and continuing to build relationships with all the students at West Side!
P.S. I love the fact that I can share the I Corinthians 9 verse about running the race for an eternal prize with my first graders, and that they can explain to me that we are running for Jesus! :)
So far, I have been able to meet 1st, 3rd, and 4th graders and all middle school students. Every class was enthusiastic, polite, kind, and fun to have in class!
It will always be a great memory to have my first class be a class that I was able to open with devotions and prayer.The eighth graders were slightly surprised by my excitement- and I was thankful I could explain to them the fact that I was not able to open in prayer ever before as a teacher. I encouraged them to not take it for granted, as I had, in my K-12+ personal Christian Education. I believe God gave me the experience in a public school to give me a heart of gratitude for all that I can now do with my students! I'm so thankful He did.
The first day in P.E. can be a ROUGH day... since it is a time filled with learning expectations and introductions rather than activity. Fortunately, every class was able to learn a lot the first day- AND got to be active!
Every class learned about my 3 guidelines:
1) No matter what the activity, try your hardest.
2) Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right.
3) T.H.I.N.K. before you speak: Is what you're about to say True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind?
Many classes got to test out the Fitness Circuit, set up in five different levels so that each student has the opportunity to challenge themselves. It included bicycle crunches (what's a crunch, Mrs. Verkaik?), jumping jacks, push ups, jump rope, wall sits, and sprints. Students tried to make it around the entire circuit in a matter of 3 minutes. If they made it, the next time they come they get to move up a level.
First graders were introduced to three super heroes: Kid Cardio, Miss Muscle, and Mr. Flex through a tag game called Superhero Fitness. Third and Fourth Graders got to know each other through Link Tag, Rock Paper Scissors Tag, and Group Juggling. Middle School students already completed the Mile Run for the Fall and did an outstanding job working their hardest and encouraging others. I had fun running the 'wrong' way and encouraging them. Although they were happy it was done, they weren't so happy that I surprised them with it (why tell them beforehand and have them dread it?) :)
I am looking forward to starting Intramurals, meeting my kindergartners and second graders, and continuing to build relationships with all the students at West Side!
P.S. I love the fact that I can share the I Corinthians 9 verse about running the race for an eternal prize with my first graders, and that they can explain to me that we are running for Jesus! :)
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Welcome back!
Greetings to all parents and students that I have yet to meet!
Although it's "Welcome Back" for many of you, this will be my first year teaching Physical Education at West Side Christian. I'm hoping many of you are as excited to get back into school (right?) as I am! I look forward to all of the fun physical activities we will experience and the relationships we will build together.
Both parents and students can use this blog to see what's going on in Physical Educaiton class as well as Physical Activity throughout the whole school. This year, we will have two new programs:
1. Fuel Up to Play 60 (Grades 6-8)
Fuel Up to Play 60 is a program created by the United Dairy Council and the National Football League. It was created to increase student physical activity in schools and encourage new student-led ideas in regards to physical activity and nutrition. Students take ownership by investigating their school wellness and can apply for funding with their Program Advisor (If you'd like to sign up to help, let me know!) to help their ideas come to life and see improvements throughout their school.
2. Feelin' Good Mileage Club (Grades K-5)
The Mileage Club will be an exciting new opportunity for our elementary students during recess time. During recess, a new option is traveling the perimeter of the playground to earn miles for Mileage Club. Students can walk, run, skip, or dance their way along the track! Playground Aides help by punching the number of laps students have completed, and students hand in their cards to their classroom teachers. Each month, our highest mileage winner from each grade are announced and receive foot tokens, a certificate, and a healthy breakfast with Mr. Groenendyk or Mrs. Verkaik! We will also create a whole school goal to see how many miles we can complete for this school year! Look for our "mileage feet" throughout the hallways!
Keep checking back for other fun events this year like Family Fitness Night, A.C.E.S, Jump Rope & Hoops for Heart, and Field Day!
Stop by the West Side gym to introduce yourself soon- can't wait to meet you all!
-Mrs. Verkaik
Although it's "Welcome Back" for many of you, this will be my first year teaching Physical Education at West Side Christian. I'm hoping many of you are as excited to get back into school (right?) as I am! I look forward to all of the fun physical activities we will experience and the relationships we will build together.
Both parents and students can use this blog to see what's going on in Physical Educaiton class as well as Physical Activity throughout the whole school. This year, we will have two new programs:
1. Fuel Up to Play 60 (Grades 6-8)
Fuel Up to Play 60 is a program created by the United Dairy Council and the National Football League. It was created to increase student physical activity in schools and encourage new student-led ideas in regards to physical activity and nutrition. Students take ownership by investigating their school wellness and can apply for funding with their Program Advisor (If you'd like to sign up to help, let me know!) to help their ideas come to life and see improvements throughout their school.
2. Feelin' Good Mileage Club (Grades K-5)
The Mileage Club will be an exciting new opportunity for our elementary students during recess time. During recess, a new option is traveling the perimeter of the playground to earn miles for Mileage Club. Students can walk, run, skip, or dance their way along the track! Playground Aides help by punching the number of laps students have completed, and students hand in their cards to their classroom teachers. Each month, our highest mileage winner from each grade are announced and receive foot tokens, a certificate, and a healthy breakfast with Mr. Groenendyk or Mrs. Verkaik! We will also create a whole school goal to see how many miles we can complete for this school year! Look for our "mileage feet" throughout the hallways!
Keep checking back for other fun events this year like Family Fitness Night, A.C.E.S, Jump Rope & Hoops for Heart, and Field Day!
Stop by the West Side gym to introduce yourself soon- can't wait to meet you all!
-Mrs. Verkaik
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