It's been a fun week on the ice and in the gym!
Let's start with JK! My 4 year old friends have been learning about the safety rules for riding on a scooter, then practicing riding them in a safe way. Our scooter rules include no standing on the scooters (our most important rule), stay away from others on scooters, and be very careful of your hand and fingers on the scooter. The children have been so careful, but have also had fun exploring ways to ride. We also played with jump ropes again, and I reminded the children that when I was 4 I couldn't jump yet either.... BUT with practice and practice, and more practice they will be "so totally awesome" by the time they are in SK. And they really are getting better. Some have even mentioned that they might ask Santa for a rope.... great stocking stuffer!!!
The first and second graders have been amazing on the ice. Everyone can skate forwards and backwards, and most can stop on a signal. Their progress and enthusiasm has been great. I added some dancing on the ice this year, and the children really seem to enjoy the challenge. Plus it really works their balance and keeps them moving in a fun way!
The third and fourth graders are finishing their throwing and catching unit this week. We have been working on our form through drills, games, and a self-assessment. I think the biggest hit was a new game called castle ball where the children need to work together to build 3 castles for their team using 6 hula hoops for each castle. Then they try to knock down the other team's caslte by throwing balls. If one of your castles falls down, you can set it back up, but hurry because if all three are down at once the game is over. So much excitement in the gym!
The third graders also went out today and we had a couple of contests using the wet snow that fell last night: tallest snowman and prettiest. The children worked very hard for about 25 minutes straight, pushing around that heavy snow. I think I wore them out, and they had a blast working together and divising strategies for "winning" the contests. No prizes, just for fun! And it was SOOOOOO much fun!
I am gearing up for our last week before break! I know the children will have lots of energy and I am excited to help them use it! Stay safe on your winter drives.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Jump, Stack, and Juggle and watch out for Bears, Spiders, and Flies!
The first and second graders have been busy busy busy during the past two weeks. They were introduced to speed stacking, and are in the middle of a jump rope unit. What the heck is speed stacking? Well, it is using special lightweight plastic cups to improve hand-eye coordination, right brain - left brain functioning, ambidexterity, and quickness. BUT the kids don't worry about all that... they just have fun building certain formations and taking them down. There is a method to the madness, and the children are catching on quickly; they are learning the patterns and how to go faster and faster. The second graders have been given the opportunity to order speed stack through our PE department. But anyone could order a set or learn more about the sport at www.speedstacks.com. I just return from the state PE convention at the end of October and I attended two speed stacking sessions which were absolutely packed with high speed action. I have already used several of the new games I learned with the kids and I swear I could have had them running for two hours if we had the time. In addition, we are also doing our jump rope unit. The children are working in their own rope, jumping with two feet together, on one foot, jogging through the rope, and doing several other challenges. I encourage you to promote jumping rope with your children. It is such an easy and inexpensive activity to take with you on the go, and it is a wonderful cardiovascular activity that the children really enjoy.
The third and fourth graders have also been working on speed stacking. Most have done stacking before and are getting much better that me! Their little hands can move so fast. They love to race each other. We have also been hard at work perfecting their juggling skills. Most of the third graders can do two scarves with one hand, but not three scarves in two hands. Most of the fourth graders can also do scarves in one hand, and are quickly catching on to juggling 3 scarves. Every day, a few fourth graders say "OH! I got it!" and once they get it, there is no turning back. Of course I encourage them to practice at home, but I also remind them that the can't use mom's scarves unless they ask first. Cheap plastic grocery bags also work fairly well too.
Oh my little PK friends are really growing their listening skills. It is totally amazing how far they have come since their first time in the gym. Last week we went on a "bear hunt." Don't worry though, the only bears in school are teddy bears! And our pretend bear chased us all the way home, but we got in the house first and clammed the door AND locked it AND hid under our bed. WHEW! The children suggested the locking of the door and hiding under the bed, and I have to tell you that they totally cracked me up hiding under their little imaginary beds!
My JK friends have continued to be so awesome this year. They are really loving the activitues we have been doing. This week they learned how to play "spiders and flies." It's a fun tag game where the taggers are the spiders and they try to eat the flies (okay, we decided that we really couldn't eat each other, so we gently tag each other with two fingers instead). Ask you JK'er what the flies and the spiders say. Usually they get pretty close, but they make me giggle a bit when they add a few words here and there! See what they tell you! We also tried some hula hoop challenges this week. The biggest hit is trying to roll your hula hoop and then run and go through it while it is moving along.
This past weekend I attended a Masala Bhangra instructor training, and I hope to incorporate some of the things I learned into our upcoming dance units. Bhangra is a folk dance from the northern part of India. I am also certified to teach Zumba which is based on Latin music and moves, so you might see your child trying to salsa, cumbia, or merengue in the next few weeks (I hope!).
My new favorite quote: "Sweat every day"
The third and fourth graders have also been working on speed stacking. Most have done stacking before and are getting much better that me! Their little hands can move so fast. They love to race each other. We have also been hard at work perfecting their juggling skills. Most of the third graders can do two scarves with one hand, but not three scarves in two hands. Most of the fourth graders can also do scarves in one hand, and are quickly catching on to juggling 3 scarves. Every day, a few fourth graders say "OH! I got it!" and once they get it, there is no turning back. Of course I encourage them to practice at home, but I also remind them that the can't use mom's scarves unless they ask first. Cheap plastic grocery bags also work fairly well too.
Oh my little PK friends are really growing their listening skills. It is totally amazing how far they have come since their first time in the gym. Last week we went on a "bear hunt." Don't worry though, the only bears in school are teddy bears! And our pretend bear chased us all the way home, but we got in the house first and clammed the door AND locked it AND hid under our bed. WHEW! The children suggested the locking of the door and hiding under the bed, and I have to tell you that they totally cracked me up hiding under their little imaginary beds!
My JK friends have continued to be so awesome this year. They are really loving the activitues we have been doing. This week they learned how to play "spiders and flies." It's a fun tag game where the taggers are the spiders and they try to eat the flies (okay, we decided that we really couldn't eat each other, so we gently tag each other with two fingers instead). Ask you JK'er what the flies and the spiders say. Usually they get pretty close, but they make me giggle a bit when they add a few words here and there! See what they tell you! We also tried some hula hoop challenges this week. The biggest hit is trying to roll your hula hoop and then run and go through it while it is moving along.
This past weekend I attended a Masala Bhangra instructor training, and I hope to incorporate some of the things I learned into our upcoming dance units. Bhangra is a folk dance from the northern part of India. I am also certified to teach Zumba which is based on Latin music and moves, so you might see your child trying to salsa, cumbia, or merengue in the next few weeks (I hope!).
My new favorite quote: "Sweat every day"
Monday, October 12, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
Fitness Testing Week
The first, second, third, and fourth graders started their fitness testing this week. The children are tested on pull-ups, curl-ups, sit and reach, shuttle run, and a long distance run. The children have practiced for these tests during the last month, sometimes practicing the actual test and sometimes doing activities that promote different aspects of physical fitness. The children really take these tests seriously and sometimes get nervous for them, but generally they are also excited and proud of their accomplishments too!
Next week the first and second graders will finish up their fitness tests and move onto our bowling unit. The third and fourth graders will also finish up their fitness testing and start their soccer unit.... I am hoping for some warmer weather so we can play outside a little bit. The fourth graders will also be starting a long health unit from the Children's Health Education Center. The unit focuses on drug use prevention and basic knowledge. It is a new computer based program which looks absolutely awesome. Some of the activities can even be played at home.... more to come!
The JK children finished up last week with a favorite activity: bowling for dollars. We practiced bowling, and then during the next class the children earned "money" when they knocled down the pin from their spot on the ground. We did talk about how the money is just pretend, but I already know of one little friend who told his mommy about the "real money" they got at school. Ha! Everyone got money and they have asked when we get to play again.... perhaps in a few weeks. We did review our rolling skills in stations this week. Remember to step with your opposite foot and keep the ball on the ground (it shouldn't bounce).
The PK children had a great class on Wednesday this week. We reviewed our songs "This is the Way We Do It" and " Bop 'Til You Drop." SOOOOOO much fun to dance with the children! Then the children learned to play "I See" where the teacher says "I See" and the children say "what do you see?". Then the teacher tells them something they can pretend to be like birds flying in the sky or trains on the tracks. What fun!
Have a super weekend everyone! Stay warm!
Next week the first and second graders will finish up their fitness tests and move onto our bowling unit. The third and fourth graders will also finish up their fitness testing and start their soccer unit.... I am hoping for some warmer weather so we can play outside a little bit. The fourth graders will also be starting a long health unit from the Children's Health Education Center. The unit focuses on drug use prevention and basic knowledge. It is a new computer based program which looks absolutely awesome. Some of the activities can even be played at home.... more to come!
The JK children finished up last week with a favorite activity: bowling for dollars. We practiced bowling, and then during the next class the children earned "money" when they knocled down the pin from their spot on the ground. We did talk about how the money is just pretend, but I already know of one little friend who told his mommy about the "real money" they got at school. Ha! Everyone got money and they have asked when we get to play again.... perhaps in a few weeks. We did review our rolling skills in stations this week. Remember to step with your opposite foot and keep the ball on the ground (it shouldn't bounce).
The PK children had a great class on Wednesday this week. We reviewed our songs "This is the Way We Do It" and " Bop 'Til You Drop." SOOOOOO much fun to dance with the children! Then the children learned to play "I See" where the teacher says "I See" and the children say "what do you see?". Then the teacher tells them something they can pretend to be like birds flying in the sky or trains on the tracks. What fun!
Have a super weekend everyone! Stay warm!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Student Highlight
Congrats to 4th grader Eli M., who completed her first 5k run this weekend. She even beat her dad! Here is what she had to say about it: "I was extremely tired, but I managed to sprint the last few seconds. It was a beautiful day for a run. I loved being outside for awhile. My dad and I loved it. It was fantastic."
Do you want to highlight your child's athletic accomplishment? Just send me a pic and have your child write about what happened.
Do you want to highlight your child's athletic accomplishment? Just send me a pic and have your child write about what happened.
Monday, September 21, 2009
A fun-filled week
This week was full of lots of fun and action! To start, I met with the PK children on Monday morning. We are working very hard on the word Freeze. When the teacher says "freeze," the children need to stop their feet, look at the teacher, and stay quiet so they can listen to directions. You might want to practice this game at home. We tried playing while we were sitting on the circle; we played the drums with our hands and feet until we heard freeze. Then we tried it while moving in different ways around the gym: walking, running, skipping, tiptoeing, etc. The next activity we tried was moving to music. We listened to two songs: "This is the Way We Do It" and " The Bop." The children listened to the words of the music and moved according to what was sung. They did absolutely awesome! Finally we had a few minutes to play with some hula hoops and squishy soccer balls.
The JK children had an exciting class this week. We went on a bear hunt in our gym. Of course we all agreed there are no real bears in our school, only teddy bears! Ha!
We went down the road, over the bridge, through the wheat field, up and down a tree, across the river, and into a dark cave. Then we took a picture of the bear and ran all the way back home, of course passing all of the scenery we saw on the way out. Finally, we slammed the door and locked it up! Whhhheeeewww! But don't worry, we weren't scared since it was only pretend! We also got a chance to work on some simple ball skills, and we will continue next week... watch for more! HEY, CHECK OUT THE PICTURES IN MY LINK TO THE RIGHT!!! ALL JK FUN!
In first grade and second grade this week, we began our throwing and catching unit. The skills we are working on are underhand and overhand throwing, and catching. The children played a game called flip-the-cup where they try to flip a dome cone over by underhand throwing a bean bag at it. They practice by themselves and then played against a partner. I also introduced the overhand throw and we included catching in several of our games. Practice throwing and catching at home to reinforce this lifetime skills.
The third and fourth graders finished up their volleyball unit this week. We played "real" volleyball and learned several of the rules including 3 hits per team, one hit per person, rotating, service position, and a few net rules. The children really showed their positive sportsmanship, and we all agreed it would be more enjoyable if we just played for fun instead of keeping score. We learned that in my classroom when we play competitive games, you are allowed to keep score if you choose, but the score has to stay in your own head and cannot come out of your mouth. Our next unit for these two grade levels is tennis. We will be working on the drop-hit, forehand, backhand, and the volley. The children are allowed to bring their own rackets, but we do have enough for everyone.
The JK children had an exciting class this week. We went on a bear hunt in our gym. Of course we all agreed there are no real bears in our school, only teddy bears! Ha!
We went down the road, over the bridge, through the wheat field, up and down a tree, across the river, and into a dark cave. Then we took a picture of the bear and ran all the way back home, of course passing all of the scenery we saw on the way out. Finally, we slammed the door and locked it up! Whhhheeeewww! But don't worry, we weren't scared since it was only pretend! We also got a chance to work on some simple ball skills, and we will continue next week... watch for more! HEY, CHECK OUT THE PICTURES IN MY LINK TO THE RIGHT!!! ALL JK FUN!
In first grade and second grade this week, we began our throwing and catching unit. The skills we are working on are underhand and overhand throwing, and catching. The children played a game called flip-the-cup where they try to flip a dome cone over by underhand throwing a bean bag at it. They practice by themselves and then played against a partner. I also introduced the overhand throw and we included catching in several of our games. Practice throwing and catching at home to reinforce this lifetime skills.
The third and fourth graders finished up their volleyball unit this week. We played "real" volleyball and learned several of the rules including 3 hits per team, one hit per person, rotating, service position, and a few net rules. The children really showed their positive sportsmanship, and we all agreed it would be more enjoyable if we just played for fun instead of keeping score. We learned that in my classroom when we play competitive games, you are allowed to keep score if you choose, but the score has to stay in your own head and cannot come out of your mouth. Our next unit for these two grade levels is tennis. We will be working on the drop-hit, forehand, backhand, and the volley. The children are allowed to bring their own rackets, but we do have enough for everyone.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Summer is Here?
Well it was a steamy one down here in the gym, but the children don't mind too much. I think summer is finally here!
PK did not have PE this week, but our next F day is Monday so stay tuned!
In JK PE this week we learned how to take out, share, safely use, and properly return equipment. Next week we will go on a bear hunt even though the only bears that live in our school are teddy bears. Fun!
In first grade PE we continued to work on striking beach balls. The assessment is striking a beach ball to a wall, letting it bounce back to the floor, and then keep the pattern going: strike, wall bounce, floor bounce. We also practiced hitting the balls over the volleyball net just for fun. Next week we move on to throwing and catching.
The second graders are perfecting their underhand serves over the volleyball net, and I have to tell you that they are getting pretty good! I really think they think they are playing "real" volleyball which is so exciting. Next week we start throwing and catching.
The third graders were introduced to setting, and continued their work on passing and underhand serving. We learned a fun game called "Keep It Up" where the children use passes and sets to keep the ball from hitting the floor. On Wednesday next week we start tennis.
In fourth grade PE the children also played keep it up and started learning how to play an actual game of volleyball. They get very pumped up when there is an actual rally.... how fun! On Wednesday next week the 4th graders start tennis.
By next week all of the children in 1st through 4th grades will have practiced part of the homecoming fun run. Our course is changed this year because of the construction. The Fun Run is schedule for Wednesday, September 30 at 2:30. Watch your Friday Folder for more information.
Friday I am out of the building, and our in-house sub Laura Fischer is my sub.
PK did not have PE this week, but our next F day is Monday so stay tuned!
In JK PE this week we learned how to take out, share, safely use, and properly return equipment. Next week we will go on a bear hunt even though the only bears that live in our school are teddy bears. Fun!
In first grade PE we continued to work on striking beach balls. The assessment is striking a beach ball to a wall, letting it bounce back to the floor, and then keep the pattern going: strike, wall bounce, floor bounce. We also practiced hitting the balls over the volleyball net just for fun. Next week we move on to throwing and catching.
The second graders are perfecting their underhand serves over the volleyball net, and I have to tell you that they are getting pretty good! I really think they think they are playing "real" volleyball which is so exciting. Next week we start throwing and catching.
The third graders were introduced to setting, and continued their work on passing and underhand serving. We learned a fun game called "Keep It Up" where the children use passes and sets to keep the ball from hitting the floor. On Wednesday next week we start tennis.
In fourth grade PE the children also played keep it up and started learning how to play an actual game of volleyball. They get very pumped up when there is an actual rally.... how fun! On Wednesday next week the 4th graders start tennis.
By next week all of the children in 1st through 4th grades will have practiced part of the homecoming fun run. Our course is changed this year because of the construction. The Fun Run is schedule for Wednesday, September 30 at 2:30. Watch your Friday Folder for more information.
Friday I am out of the building, and our in-house sub Laura Fischer is my sub.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Where are your gym shoes, Mrs. Griffin?
Oh, I do love all of the funny things my students say! This morning the JK students could not get over the fact that I was not wearing my regular tennis shoes, but instead some sportier athletic style shoes. "Where are YOUR gym shoes, Mrs. Griffin?" I guess it has been sticking in their heads that in the gym we need to wear our sneakers so we are safe and of course, we run our fastest when we have our gym shoes on. No crocs, sandals, flip flops, or boots please!
This week in PK PE we met for the first time in the big gym. We learned about the special rules we have when we come to the gyms. I blew my whistle softly and told the kids when they heard it they should stop their feet and listen. Then we pretended to be choo-choo trains all over the train track (aka the floor lines) in the gym. Finally, we pretended that the lines were snakes and logs in a big garden. The children ran and leaped over them!
In JK PE this week we learned two fun songs: "The Way We Do It" and "Bop Til You Drop." The children listen to the word of the song and follow me as we shake, jiggle, march, bop, and do all sorts of movements. We also reviewed how to freeze and find our own space.
In 1st and 2nd grade PE this week the children learned how to play Stuck in the Mud Tag (always a favorite!), and we are beginning our striking unit. The first graders are practicing hitting a beach ball underhand to a wall, letting it bounce once, and then keeping the pattern going. The second graders are learning to underhand serve beach balls and light-weight trainer volleyballs over the net. Of course the children are so excited because they really feel like they are playing volleyball!
The 3rd and 4th graders are getting pretty close to playing "real volleyball." We covered the skills of passing, setting, and underhand serving. We talk about some of the basic rules of volleyball, and next week we will play some fun lead-up games. The 4th graders culminate their unit with playing a "real game."
Have an active weekend!
This week in PK PE we met for the first time in the big gym. We learned about the special rules we have when we come to the gyms. I blew my whistle softly and told the kids when they heard it they should stop their feet and listen. Then we pretended to be choo-choo trains all over the train track (aka the floor lines) in the gym. Finally, we pretended that the lines were snakes and logs in a big garden. The children ran and leaped over them!
In JK PE this week we learned two fun songs: "The Way We Do It" and "Bop Til You Drop." The children listen to the word of the song and follow me as we shake, jiggle, march, bop, and do all sorts of movements. We also reviewed how to freeze and find our own space.
In 1st and 2nd grade PE this week the children learned how to play Stuck in the Mud Tag (always a favorite!), and we are beginning our striking unit. The first graders are practicing hitting a beach ball underhand to a wall, letting it bounce once, and then keeping the pattern going. The second graders are learning to underhand serve beach balls and light-weight trainer volleyballs over the net. Of course the children are so excited because they really feel like they are playing volleyball!
The 3rd and 4th graders are getting pretty close to playing "real volleyball." We covered the skills of passing, setting, and underhand serving. We talk about some of the basic rules of volleyball, and next week we will play some fun lead-up games. The 4th graders culminate their unit with playing a "real game."
Have an active weekend!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
It's a Great Day at USM!
Hi to all University School parents, students, and teachers! I am so excited to start my 10th year at USM. My classes these first two weeks have gone well, and I am excited to work with all the children. Usually at the end of each week I will update my blog with the weekly happenings in my PE classes. I hope you will follow my blog and leave comments! Of course students might read this blog so make sure your comments are child-friendly. If you have a more serious concern, you can always feel free to email or call. The first week in all of my classes I covered the rules of PE class, and we played some simple games to get the children used to my style of teaching.
Some important things for parents to help me with...
1. Make sure your child has properly fitting sneakers to wear. For JK parents I would prefer shoes with no ties as it is often frustrating for the children when their shoes come untied and they have to miss out on the activity several times. No crocs or sandals please, please, please!
2. Ask your child what they did in PE each week. Try to have them SHOW you skills we have worked on, and explain what the important parts are.
3. Keep your children active on the weekends in something active. Build healthy habits at a young age so physical activity is a regular part of their life.
4. If your child is injured or sick to the point where they cannot participate, please send a note via paper or email, or leave me a voice message. It is helpful to know what your child can and cannot do for that day.
Next week in JK, we will be working on locomotor activities (skipping, running, galloping, sliding, etc.) and freezing (like a statue). The first through fourth graders will start their volleyball units. We will also continue to practice for our fitness testing in a about a month. Pull-ups, curl-ups, and the distance run have all been introduced. The PK children will have their first class in the gym where the children will learn the basic rules (and of course play some fun and easy games!).
Some important things for parents to help me with...
1. Make sure your child has properly fitting sneakers to wear. For JK parents I would prefer shoes with no ties as it is often frustrating for the children when their shoes come untied and they have to miss out on the activity several times. No crocs or sandals please, please, please!
2. Ask your child what they did in PE each week. Try to have them SHOW you skills we have worked on, and explain what the important parts are.
3. Keep your children active on the weekends in something active. Build healthy habits at a young age so physical activity is a regular part of their life.
4. If your child is injured or sick to the point where they cannot participate, please send a note via paper or email, or leave me a voice message. It is helpful to know what your child can and cannot do for that day.
Next week in JK, we will be working on locomotor activities (skipping, running, galloping, sliding, etc.) and freezing (like a statue). The first through fourth graders will start their volleyball units. We will also continue to practice for our fitness testing in a about a month. Pull-ups, curl-ups, and the distance run have all been introduced. The PK children will have their first class in the gym where the children will learn the basic rules (and of course play some fun and easy games!).
Friday, April 24, 2009
Spring is here???
The first though fourth grades are getting as confused as we are about this Wisconsin weather. One day we can go out to run and play, and the next day there is snow on the ground. Thankfully today was a super morning for the children to go out and run.
The first and second graders have been working on their throwing and catching all week, with a special focus on catching. The children used their hands, a velcro gripper (worn on their non-dominant hand like a baseball glove), and cones to catch all types of balls.
The third and fourth graders had a busy week with team building, the start of our floor hockey unit, and health. The third graders finished labeling their skeletons in our second lesson on the skeletal system. Then they had fun trying to touch their carpals to their scapula, their tibia to their clavicle, and so on.
The fourth graders had their "big talk" this week for our human growth and development unit. We answered all of the great questions they wrote on note cards after our visit to the Children's Health Education Center. I led the girls group and the girls were absolutely wonderful, asking so many questions. They even asked questions after we told them it was time to return to their classrooms. We could have been there for many more hours if the day wasn't ending. I hope you continue the conversations at home with your children. Good reports from the boys group too, although not quite as many questions.
In JK this week we again worked on our good throwing form, especially stepping with the opposite foot. Another continuing focus is jumping a self-turned short jump rope. Some of the children have been able to get one or two in a row in combination with their rope turning. The Pk'er have also been trying to jump their own rope. We have new ropes this year for our extra little PK and JK buddies so they aren't trying to use a rope that is too long. We talk about how it is okay if you can't jump yet, but by the time they are in first grade they will be "so super awesome!"
The first and second graders have been working on their throwing and catching all week, with a special focus on catching. The children used their hands, a velcro gripper (worn on their non-dominant hand like a baseball glove), and cones to catch all types of balls.
The third and fourth graders had a busy week with team building, the start of our floor hockey unit, and health. The third graders finished labeling their skeletons in our second lesson on the skeletal system. Then they had fun trying to touch their carpals to their scapula, their tibia to their clavicle, and so on.
The fourth graders had their "big talk" this week for our human growth and development unit. We answered all of the great questions they wrote on note cards after our visit to the Children's Health Education Center. I led the girls group and the girls were absolutely wonderful, asking so many questions. They even asked questions after we told them it was time to return to their classrooms. We could have been there for many more hours if the day wasn't ending. I hope you continue the conversations at home with your children. Good reports from the boys group too, although not quite as many questions.
In JK this week we again worked on our good throwing form, especially stepping with the opposite foot. Another continuing focus is jumping a self-turned short jump rope. Some of the children have been able to get one or two in a row in combination with their rope turning. The Pk'er have also been trying to jump their own rope. We have new ropes this year for our extra little PK and JK buddies so they aren't trying to use a rope that is too long. We talk about how it is okay if you can't jump yet, but by the time they are in first grade they will be "so super awesome!"
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Countdown to spring break
One more week of cold, then we'll get to spring right? Oh I hope when we return to school after spring break that we'll have some warm and dry weather so we can go outside!
This week the PK'ers had fun at stations. Our big blue mat was still out (but the rest of our gymnastics equipment is back in our equipment room) so one station was jumping and balancing on a variety of our fun mat toys. The children also went to a hula hoop station, a ball station, and a jump rope station. WHAT? Jump rope for three and four-year olds? Yes!!! The children are very ready to try this fun activity. We talked about how this might be the first time some of the children have ever tried to jump a rope, and that with lots of practice they will learn how to jump like the older children. Almost all of the children could turn the rope over their head either forwards or backwards. Some children could turn it and then jump (the teachers helped put the rope closer and flat so they could jump it), and a few children could turn the rope and jump it once in combination. I also teach JK and 1st grade and I can really tell, even by JK, which children have experimented with a jump rope. I encourage you to get your child a rope and let them practice. What a great inexpensive activity that you can take practically anywhere!
The JK'ers had a fun, fun, fun activity on Friday which we love to watch the children do every year: The Volcano Floor. Mrs. DeSchryver and I take out TONS of equipment and put it all over the floor. We tell the children when they enter the gym that last night a volcano erupted and there is hot lava all over the floor. Be careful not to burn your feet! The children will try to make it to the other side of the hot lava by stepping on all of the equipment (or the rocks that didn't get covered by lava). The children absolutely love going back and forth, carefully balancing on the rocks and avoiding the lava. This is an activity the children could do easily at home with a few boxes, pieces of paper, etc. Some children had to double check that the floor really wouldn't burn their feet... "Are you just kidding, Mrs. Griffin?"
The first graders worked on many things this week. We started our soccer unit with our focus being on dribbling. But we may have to wait until after spring break to continue this fun activity. In keeping with the International Fair theme, on Tuesday the children joined with Mrs. Keily's class and we played 3 games from 3 different countries. It was fun to see how the children made the connection that they play many similar games that children from around the world play. Wednesday we also did a fun activity called a tabloid. The children are divided into teams and they have fun and sometimes silly challenges to do... but watch out, when the music stops, you have to hustle and get your team in a quiet straight line so you can say your score nice and loud. The second graders also started soccer and participated in the tabloid activity. What a fun morning!
The fourth graders continued their health unit focusing on alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. This week we began our discussion on how to be a "Cool Refuser: How to Say No while keeping your friends and maintaining your dignity." Tuesday we talked about peer pressure and how it can be both negative and positive. We talked about how peer pressure is around us (even as adults) all the time and it influences almost every decision we make, good and bad. The children must have brought up the story about the girl who died recently in Whitefish Bay at least 5 times. They are very connected to the news, and we talked about how, as they get older, they will start hearing and reading more about things that happen to people who are involved in drug use. We talked about how poor choices can have long lasting effects on your life or the life of someone else. We talked about how sometimes people who we still want to be friends with can try to influence us to do things we know are wrong. We can use our positive peer pressure to encourage them to do the right thing. We talked about using our feelings and knowledge to help us make the best decisions; I was so amazed at the maturity and wisdom from the children. This is a great age to talk about your family values to your kids because they are mature enough to understand, and they still want to honor your values and do what is right. I really hope they can carry this information with them through middle school, high school, and beyond. The more they hear about what you believe, the more it sticks with them. I have taught health in middle and high school, and I can really tell which families have had these types of discussions with their children. Those kids know exactly where they stand and they know they have their family to back them up when a tough decision has to be made. If you don't know where to start, you can ask them what they learned in health with Mrs. Griffin this week, and I bet they will have lots of stories to share!
The third and fourth graders played a fun game this week called four goal soccer. Everyone is playing soccer, but instead of two goals there are four and you can try to score on any other team. If you score, you get to take a bowling pin back to your net. This game really gets the children huffing and puffing...lots of action, and lots of fun! On Friday the children will do their first tabloid. Read above for a description of a tabloid. The third and fourth graders are so focused and active!
I remind all of my students to stay active over break. Many of the children have ideas of how they can stay active: swimming, running, Wii Fit, biking, and so much more! I hope you encourage your children to exercise daily. I know many families are going to warm places where you can spend a lot of time outside which really lends itself to being active and healthy. I hope if you are traveling, you are safe and well. I look forward to warmer weather once we return!
This week the PK'ers had fun at stations. Our big blue mat was still out (but the rest of our gymnastics equipment is back in our equipment room) so one station was jumping and balancing on a variety of our fun mat toys. The children also went to a hula hoop station, a ball station, and a jump rope station. WHAT? Jump rope for three and four-year olds? Yes!!! The children are very ready to try this fun activity. We talked about how this might be the first time some of the children have ever tried to jump a rope, and that with lots of practice they will learn how to jump like the older children. Almost all of the children could turn the rope over their head either forwards or backwards. Some children could turn it and then jump (the teachers helped put the rope closer and flat so they could jump it), and a few children could turn the rope and jump it once in combination. I also teach JK and 1st grade and I can really tell, even by JK, which children have experimented with a jump rope. I encourage you to get your child a rope and let them practice. What a great inexpensive activity that you can take practically anywhere!
The JK'ers had a fun, fun, fun activity on Friday which we love to watch the children do every year: The Volcano Floor. Mrs. DeSchryver and I take out TONS of equipment and put it all over the floor. We tell the children when they enter the gym that last night a volcano erupted and there is hot lava all over the floor. Be careful not to burn your feet! The children will try to make it to the other side of the hot lava by stepping on all of the equipment (or the rocks that didn't get covered by lava). The children absolutely love going back and forth, carefully balancing on the rocks and avoiding the lava. This is an activity the children could do easily at home with a few boxes, pieces of paper, etc. Some children had to double check that the floor really wouldn't burn their feet... "Are you just kidding, Mrs. Griffin?"
The first graders worked on many things this week. We started our soccer unit with our focus being on dribbling. But we may have to wait until after spring break to continue this fun activity. In keeping with the International Fair theme, on Tuesday the children joined with Mrs. Keily's class and we played 3 games from 3 different countries. It was fun to see how the children made the connection that they play many similar games that children from around the world play. Wednesday we also did a fun activity called a tabloid. The children are divided into teams and they have fun and sometimes silly challenges to do... but watch out, when the music stops, you have to hustle and get your team in a quiet straight line so you can say your score nice and loud. The second graders also started soccer and participated in the tabloid activity. What a fun morning!
The fourth graders continued their health unit focusing on alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. This week we began our discussion on how to be a "Cool Refuser: How to Say No while keeping your friends and maintaining your dignity." Tuesday we talked about peer pressure and how it can be both negative and positive. We talked about how peer pressure is around us (even as adults) all the time and it influences almost every decision we make, good and bad. The children must have brought up the story about the girl who died recently in Whitefish Bay at least 5 times. They are very connected to the news, and we talked about how, as they get older, they will start hearing and reading more about things that happen to people who are involved in drug use. We talked about how poor choices can have long lasting effects on your life or the life of someone else. We talked about how sometimes people who we still want to be friends with can try to influence us to do things we know are wrong. We can use our positive peer pressure to encourage them to do the right thing. We talked about using our feelings and knowledge to help us make the best decisions; I was so amazed at the maturity and wisdom from the children. This is a great age to talk about your family values to your kids because they are mature enough to understand, and they still want to honor your values and do what is right. I really hope they can carry this information with them through middle school, high school, and beyond. The more they hear about what you believe, the more it sticks with them. I have taught health in middle and high school, and I can really tell which families have had these types of discussions with their children. Those kids know exactly where they stand and they know they have their family to back them up when a tough decision has to be made. If you don't know where to start, you can ask them what they learned in health with Mrs. Griffin this week, and I bet they will have lots of stories to share!
The third and fourth graders played a fun game this week called four goal soccer. Everyone is playing soccer, but instead of two goals there are four and you can try to score on any other team. If you score, you get to take a bowling pin back to your net. This game really gets the children huffing and puffing...lots of action, and lots of fun! On Friday the children will do their first tabloid. Read above for a description of a tabloid. The third and fourth graders are so focused and active!
I remind all of my students to stay active over break. Many of the children have ideas of how they can stay active: swimming, running, Wii Fit, biking, and so much more! I hope you encourage your children to exercise daily. I know many families are going to warm places where you can spend a lot of time outside which really lends itself to being active and healthy. I hope if you are traveling, you are safe and well. I look forward to warmer weather once we return!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
February Finish
In PK this week the children once again got to play in the auxiliary gym for our gymnastics unit. The children did an obstacle course including tunnels, animals spots to jump on, stepping stones, the vault, beams, bars, and much more. We also played our favorite PK game, "I See" and the children are getting more and more imaginative with their movements. They are also improving on their locomotor movements such as skipping, galloping, jumping, hopping, and sliding. Ask your children to show you these things at home. Skipping is a skill that develops right and left brain coordination and can actually improve reading skills.
This week in JK Physical Education the children worked at three stations: the beams, bars, and the big blue mat. I encouraged the children to try walking on our lower blue beam backwards by themselves. Many children were excited about that new challenge. Some children even tried walking backwards on our higher brown beam with a hand. Wow! Many children are getting really good at rolling over a low bar. They also like to hang sideways and climb along the bar. On the floor we continue to work on balancing, rolling, and locomotor movements.
This week in 1st and second grade we started basketball. The skill I focus on the most is dribbling. Ask your child what they need to do to dribble with correct form. The children love to try dribbling tricks like the yo-yo dribble, dribbling under the legs, dribbling really low, dribbling with one finger at a time, and so many more! If you have a ball at home, ask the children to show you some of the tricks they have learned.
The third and fourth graders are working on two units: gymnastics and the PE Central Challenge. PE Central is a website that I use as a resource for my PE curriculum. The site sponsors a challenge that Jane Keily and I have done for many years with our 3rd and 4th graders. There are 6 challenges that the children can attempt to complete to earn a pin from PE Central. Visit pecentral.com to see the challenges!
The third graders have started an exciting project in class. Hopefully your child have brought home his or her Flat Stanley Fitness Adventure. Your child will be taking his or her own Flat Person Fitness Adventure. Your child's Flat Person, 6 stamps, and address of the person they are sending their Flat Person to are due Wednesday, March 4. Your child should have brought the complete directions home on Monday. If you have any questions, please give me a jingle at school.
In addition to the above units the fourth graders have started a health unit dealing with alcohol and other drugs. The focuses of the unit are having a basic understanding of the harmful effects of illegal drug use, and resisting peer pressure. The children took a short "quiz" to see what they know about drug use. We went through the answers and talked about many reasons why drug use can be harmful to our bodies and our minds. We do not get into specifics about each and every drug, although I do explain how alcohol and tobacco can be harmful our bodies. I have encouraged the children to talk to you if they have any questions or concerns. We have spent two days going over the 12 questions quiz and I bet we could spend 4 more days if I let the children talk as much as they want to. The children have so many questions, stories, and examples! The fourth graders agreed that they are at a good age to start learning about this topic because as they get a little older they might encounter situations where they will need to know facts about drugs, and they will need to have practiced saying no so they are not put on the spot. In my next lesson with the children they will be learning how to "say no" while keeping their friends and maintaining their dignity. They will role play how to say no to a number of situations where they might feel pressured to do something they know is wrong. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call or email. Many times children will not understand certain topics regarding drug use, and when they ask a question at home, it might come across in an unusual way. Plus, many children have questions about things they have seen on television or things other children have brought up in class. Rest assured I steer the topics towards ideas and concepts the children can comprehend. I hope you will share your family values regarding drug use with your child.
This week in JK Physical Education the children worked at three stations: the beams, bars, and the big blue mat. I encouraged the children to try walking on our lower blue beam backwards by themselves. Many children were excited about that new challenge. Some children even tried walking backwards on our higher brown beam with a hand. Wow! Many children are getting really good at rolling over a low bar. They also like to hang sideways and climb along the bar. On the floor we continue to work on balancing, rolling, and locomotor movements.
This week in 1st and second grade we started basketball. The skill I focus on the most is dribbling. Ask your child what they need to do to dribble with correct form. The children love to try dribbling tricks like the yo-yo dribble, dribbling under the legs, dribbling really low, dribbling with one finger at a time, and so many more! If you have a ball at home, ask the children to show you some of the tricks they have learned.
The third and fourth graders are working on two units: gymnastics and the PE Central Challenge. PE Central is a website that I use as a resource for my PE curriculum. The site sponsors a challenge that Jane Keily and I have done for many years with our 3rd and 4th graders. There are 6 challenges that the children can attempt to complete to earn a pin from PE Central. Visit pecentral.com to see the challenges!
The third graders have started an exciting project in class. Hopefully your child have brought home his or her Flat Stanley Fitness Adventure. Your child will be taking his or her own Flat Person Fitness Adventure. Your child's Flat Person, 6 stamps, and address of the person they are sending their Flat Person to are due Wednesday, March 4. Your child should have brought the complete directions home on Monday. If you have any questions, please give me a jingle at school.
In addition to the above units the fourth graders have started a health unit dealing with alcohol and other drugs. The focuses of the unit are having a basic understanding of the harmful effects of illegal drug use, and resisting peer pressure. The children took a short "quiz" to see what they know about drug use. We went through the answers and talked about many reasons why drug use can be harmful to our bodies and our minds. We do not get into specifics about each and every drug, although I do explain how alcohol and tobacco can be harmful our bodies. I have encouraged the children to talk to you if they have any questions or concerns. We have spent two days going over the 12 questions quiz and I bet we could spend 4 more days if I let the children talk as much as they want to. The children have so many questions, stories, and examples! The fourth graders agreed that they are at a good age to start learning about this topic because as they get a little older they might encounter situations where they will need to know facts about drugs, and they will need to have practiced saying no so they are not put on the spot. In my next lesson with the children they will be learning how to "say no" while keeping their friends and maintaining their dignity. They will role play how to say no to a number of situations where they might feel pressured to do something they know is wrong. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call or email. Many times children will not understand certain topics regarding drug use, and when they ask a question at home, it might come across in an unusual way. Plus, many children have questions about things they have seen on television or things other children have brought up in class. Rest assured I steer the topics towards ideas and concepts the children can comprehend. I hope you will share your family values regarding drug use with your child.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
February Freeze
Is anyone else ready for spring? I sure am. I really enjoy taking the children outside when it is nice, and I have been thinking how nice that will be when we finally get a break from the cold and snow. We had a glimpse of warm temps this week which was nice.
Well, we have been stuck in the gyms, but of course we've been having lots of fun! The JK and PK children have been continuing their gymnastics units. The JK children are getting really skilled at walking across our big brown beam. Many have been choosing to walk across by themselves... so brave and focused! They are also working on pushing up to a front support on the bars. They like that I have been putting the bars up a few inches higher so they can challenge themselves. Most of the children can roll over the bar with a little help. And of course on the floor we have been rolling, jumping and landing, balancing, and so much more. We have many colorful sets of balance spots, and the children love to pretend they are crossing a river... but watch out for the alligators and sharks! In addition, we did some parachute this week to work specifically on the children's upper body strength. Of course they don't even know how hard they are working because it is so much fun. The children love to shake it, pop it, make mountains, and crawl on it and under it. But their all time favorite is to make a tent and "hide" from their classroom teachers at the end of class. We always seem to trick those classroom teachers, and you wouldn't believe how quiet the children can be inside those tents. I wish I had a permanent one at my house to keep my own children quiet sometimes.
The PK children got a chance to go across the "big brown beam" for the first time. Of course most of the children needed a hand, but no one was scared to try. We did an obstacle course this week where the children jumped, swung, bounced, ran, crawled, and so much more! We think this has to be one of the sweetest Pk classes we've ever had. I am a little biased though because one of the PK'ers lives at my house!
The first and second graders finished up their gymnastics unit. The first graders were assessed on walking across the big beam backwards and doing front support and roll over on the bars. The second graders were assessed on a short sequence on our big beam: mounting the beam, performing forward dips, turning to walk backwards, turning again to walk forward to the end of the beam, and dismounting. They also had to include a balance somewhere in their routine. The children really got into challenging themselves on the balances. Many children tried handstands, plank, and one foot balances with their eyes closed! In both first and second we also played some fun games on our big blue mat with the parachute and the big ball.
The third and fourth graders finished up their ice skating unit. We have been working on our skills during fun games and activities. I always enjoy watching the beginners progress throughout our unit. Some children can barely move along the ice when they start and now they are pushing and gliding a little. Amazing progress in only 9 days of skating. The fourth graders created their own routines, which turned out great. Many children chose to skate to music, which made their performances even more dramatic. Next week the third and fourth graders will be working on long jump and the PE Central Challenge (more info to come!).
Keep thinking warm thoughts and maybe the weather will cooperate!
Well, we have been stuck in the gyms, but of course we've been having lots of fun! The JK and PK children have been continuing their gymnastics units. The JK children are getting really skilled at walking across our big brown beam. Many have been choosing to walk across by themselves... so brave and focused! They are also working on pushing up to a front support on the bars. They like that I have been putting the bars up a few inches higher so they can challenge themselves. Most of the children can roll over the bar with a little help. And of course on the floor we have been rolling, jumping and landing, balancing, and so much more. We have many colorful sets of balance spots, and the children love to pretend they are crossing a river... but watch out for the alligators and sharks! In addition, we did some parachute this week to work specifically on the children's upper body strength. Of course they don't even know how hard they are working because it is so much fun. The children love to shake it, pop it, make mountains, and crawl on it and under it. But their all time favorite is to make a tent and "hide" from their classroom teachers at the end of class. We always seem to trick those classroom teachers, and you wouldn't believe how quiet the children can be inside those tents. I wish I had a permanent one at my house to keep my own children quiet sometimes.
The PK children got a chance to go across the "big brown beam" for the first time. Of course most of the children needed a hand, but no one was scared to try. We did an obstacle course this week where the children jumped, swung, bounced, ran, crawled, and so much more! We think this has to be one of the sweetest Pk classes we've ever had. I am a little biased though because one of the PK'ers lives at my house!
The first and second graders finished up their gymnastics unit. The first graders were assessed on walking across the big beam backwards and doing front support and roll over on the bars. The second graders were assessed on a short sequence on our big beam: mounting the beam, performing forward dips, turning to walk backwards, turning again to walk forward to the end of the beam, and dismounting. They also had to include a balance somewhere in their routine. The children really got into challenging themselves on the balances. Many children tried handstands, plank, and one foot balances with their eyes closed! In both first and second we also played some fun games on our big blue mat with the parachute and the big ball.
The third and fourth graders finished up their ice skating unit. We have been working on our skills during fun games and activities. I always enjoy watching the beginners progress throughout our unit. Some children can barely move along the ice when they start and now they are pushing and gliding a little. Amazing progress in only 9 days of skating. The fourth graders created their own routines, which turned out great. Many children chose to skate to music, which made their performances even more dramatic. Next week the third and fourth graders will be working on long jump and the PE Central Challenge (more info to come!).
Keep thinking warm thoughts and maybe the weather will cooperate!
Friday, January 30, 2009
3rd and 4th Grade Team Building
This afternoon the third and fourth graders are doing team building. Mrs. Keily has been working with the children in their grade levels to improve their cooperation, collaboration, decision-making, and problem solving skills. Today the children will be trying up to 5 games where they will work with their team to complete a challenge. I am actually sitting in the gym right now with the teachers and children, hopefully to record some of their observations and comments. The children were very excited when they came into the gym and saw all of the equipment out. The teachers are excited too because the children have really given us some thoughtful feedback about their experiences with the challenges.
Here are some thoughts from our third grade friends:
"I liked the Lifeline the best of all the games because I think it was fun that we had to encourage each other and we had to have teamwork to do it. It was really fun. I hope we can do it another day. My teammates said "keep going, keep it up, and don't give up!" - a third grade girl
"We used good teamwork and encouraged each other. I liked the one where we had to get the colors (balls) in the basket. People said "good job and do your best and stuff like that." - third grade boy
"In Mission Possible, we couldn't get the ball in the bucket but we still had fun. We had to hold the ropes that were attached to the crate and turn it so the balls would go into the bucket. I heard someone say "We can do this!" - third grade girl
"People cheered other people on and said we can make it and keep trying. I liked the Lifeline because we used a lot of teamwork and it was a fun game. It was hard not being able to put body parts on the ground and going the whole length. We got 3 people across out of 5, but it was fun trying." - third grade girl
Wow, what great observations from the third graders. What a positive experience the children had today. Lots of encouragement, interesting ideas, and working together physically and mentally. Now the fourth graders are arriving for their games.
"I liked the game because you have to use memorization and you had to remember where you were supposed to go and make a choice. My teammates pointed or said what number was on the dot." - 4th grade boy
"The Juggler's Carry was hard because we had to touch the ball with a body part along with the people next to you without tripping over the ropes or dropping the ball" - fourth grade boy
"The Maze was really fun but really difficult at the same time. At first you had to guess where the spots were and when you found out, the person who made it first would help you. They would say good job or go to that circle. And when you made it everyone was cheering and it felt really good." - fourth grade girl
"i liked the Pearl game because it was really fun but also the smallest mistake could mess it up, but we got to try a lot of times. We encouraged each other and I liked that too." - fourth grade boy
"People were very kind to each other and they worked together nice and they were not mean and they were not being sarcastic. When we made mistakes people laughed with us and not at us, and that is pretty much what made it successful." - fourth grade girl
"Well, at first it was sort of like figuring out where to go but as the game progressed it was more like getting to the end of the maze you had to figure how to remember it. Your teammates helped you where you needed to go and encouraged you saying things like "good job, nice work, and yeah yeah yeah! " - fourth grade girl
Here are some thoughts from our third grade friends:
"I liked the Lifeline the best of all the games because I think it was fun that we had to encourage each other and we had to have teamwork to do it. It was really fun. I hope we can do it another day. My teammates said "keep going, keep it up, and don't give up!" - a third grade girl
"We used good teamwork and encouraged each other. I liked the one where we had to get the colors (balls) in the basket. People said "good job and do your best and stuff like that." - third grade boy
"In Mission Possible, we couldn't get the ball in the bucket but we still had fun. We had to hold the ropes that were attached to the crate and turn it so the balls would go into the bucket. I heard someone say "We can do this!" - third grade girl
"People cheered other people on and said we can make it and keep trying. I liked the Lifeline because we used a lot of teamwork and it was a fun game. It was hard not being able to put body parts on the ground and going the whole length. We got 3 people across out of 5, but it was fun trying." - third grade girl
Wow, what great observations from the third graders. What a positive experience the children had today. Lots of encouragement, interesting ideas, and working together physically and mentally. Now the fourth graders are arriving for their games.
"I liked the game because you have to use memorization and you had to remember where you were supposed to go and make a choice. My teammates pointed or said what number was on the dot." - 4th grade boy
"The Juggler's Carry was hard because we had to touch the ball with a body part along with the people next to you without tripping over the ropes or dropping the ball" - fourth grade boy
"The Maze was really fun but really difficult at the same time. At first you had to guess where the spots were and when you found out, the person who made it first would help you. They would say good job or go to that circle. And when you made it everyone was cheering and it felt really good." - fourth grade girl
"i liked the Pearl game because it was really fun but also the smallest mistake could mess it up, but we got to try a lot of times. We encouraged each other and I liked that too." - fourth grade boy
"People were very kind to each other and they worked together nice and they were not mean and they were not being sarcastic. When we made mistakes people laughed with us and not at us, and that is pretty much what made it successful." - fourth grade girl
"Well, at first it was sort of like figuring out where to go but as the game progressed it was more like getting to the end of the maze you had to figure how to remember it. Your teammates helped you where you needed to go and encouraged you saying things like "good job, nice work, and yeah yeah yeah! " - fourth grade girl
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Gymnastics, Throwing, and More!
The Pk children really had a fun time this week in the gym. We had the children do 2 stations: the balance beam and the floor mat. Everyone was so brave and went across the blue balance beam. Some children went across by themselves, and some needed a hand. of course when they jumped off the end, they landed on their feet on the big red mat. On our floor mat, the children worked on rolling, jumping, climbing, hopping, and moving in lots of other fun ways. They love to do a pencil roll down the incline mats. They work very hard at being straight with their entire body. I think gymnastics is probably one of the favorite things the PK children do in Physical Education.
The first and second graders finished up their throwing and catching units last week. We did a couple days of stations, and a couple days of big games so I could assess the children on their throwing and catching. The children were also assessed on their push-ups. First graders needed to show me 3 straight, strong push-ups, and second graders needed to show me 5. We will continue to work on our form and strength throughout the year. The second graders practiced and were tested on their PACER run last week. They did an excellent job of performing the test correctly, and working hard to reach their goal of 10 laps. We will probably test this again in the spring and see if the children can make it to 15 laps.
The third and fourth graders finished up a gymnastics unit last week, although we will return to gymnastics after skating. The 3rd graders memorized and performed a floor routine with many skills that they have been working on including handstands, cartwheels, forward and backward rolls, a Swedish fall, and much more. When we return to gymnastics, the children will be focusing more on the bars, beam, and vault. The fourth graders created their own beam routines. They had to create an original routine with a mount, a dismount, a turn, 2 balances, and forward and backward locomotor movements. Some of the children took some nice risks, trying round-offs off the beam for their dismount and some pretty difficult balances. I was impressed. The children have been working hard on doing back hip pullovers on the bars as they know I will assess them when we return to gymnastics. The children really enjoys this unit and challenge themselves to try new stunts and skills.
The third and fourth graders have had one day of skating. I am happy to report that the children came with the items needed, and no one forgot we had skating. Yeah! There are a lot of different ability levels, so Mrs. Herbst and I will try to keep everyone challenged and involved. I like to play a lot of games where children are having fun and they don't even realize they are working on their skills.
Hope to see you at Show and Share Night this Thursday. Mrs. Keily and I will be in the Lincoln Center.
The first and second graders finished up their throwing and catching units last week. We did a couple days of stations, and a couple days of big games so I could assess the children on their throwing and catching. The children were also assessed on their push-ups. First graders needed to show me 3 straight, strong push-ups, and second graders needed to show me 5. We will continue to work on our form and strength throughout the year. The second graders practiced and were tested on their PACER run last week. They did an excellent job of performing the test correctly, and working hard to reach their goal of 10 laps. We will probably test this again in the spring and see if the children can make it to 15 laps.
The third and fourth graders finished up a gymnastics unit last week, although we will return to gymnastics after skating. The 3rd graders memorized and performed a floor routine with many skills that they have been working on including handstands, cartwheels, forward and backward rolls, a Swedish fall, and much more. When we return to gymnastics, the children will be focusing more on the bars, beam, and vault. The fourth graders created their own beam routines. They had to create an original routine with a mount, a dismount, a turn, 2 balances, and forward and backward locomotor movements. Some of the children took some nice risks, trying round-offs off the beam for their dismount and some pretty difficult balances. I was impressed. The children have been working hard on doing back hip pullovers on the bars as they know I will assess them when we return to gymnastics. The children really enjoys this unit and challenge themselves to try new stunts and skills.
The third and fourth graders have had one day of skating. I am happy to report that the children came with the items needed, and no one forgot we had skating. Yeah! There are a lot of different ability levels, so Mrs. Herbst and I will try to keep everyone challenged and involved. I like to play a lot of games where children are having fun and they don't even realize they are working on their skills.
Hope to see you at Show and Share Night this Thursday. Mrs. Keily and I will be in the Lincoln Center.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Welcome Back!
The children got right back into the swing of things this week. I hope everyone had a wonderful break. I got to hear about lots of exciting places the children went, things they did, and places they saw.
The JK children are so excited to start our gymnastics unit. We will be up in our gymnastics gym (aka the auxiliary gym) until spring break. The children were already familiar with the floor since that has been out on some days previous to break, but now we have out our bars, two beams, and the vault. This week the children practiced walking on the smaller blue beam, and some classes got to go on our big brown beam. Most of the children can go across the small beam by themselves, walking foot over foot (versus shuffling along). About half of the children can walk across the big brown beam by themselves. I always give them and hand when they ask, although I gently encourage them to do the end by themselves if I think they are ready. The children also went on the bars. We have four low bars. On the two that I set lower the children practiced a front support where they hold themselves up on their hands with straight arms. Some children already know how to roll over to get off. I will work on that in the coming weeks with the children who don't quite know how yet. I set the other two bars higher and the children practice doing a monkey climb across them.... just walking their hands across the bar with no feet on the ground. We also practiced rolling down the incline mat doing forward rolls and pencils rolls. Oh, being 4 and 5 years old is so much fun! All the children are really trying hard to get better at their skills, and no one is scared to try something new. How wonderful!
The first and second graders started their throwing unit this week. We worked on underhand throwing to partners, and floor targets. We worked on catching a partner throw. We learned how to do an overhand throw (although many children are already "experts" since they play sports with throwing). I would encourage you to play catch with your child whenever you can. I can really tell who has had practice. When practicing overhand throwing, it is important to practice throwing your hardest to achieve the proper form. The children should be able to tell you the important parts of an overhand and underhand throw. We also had health this week. The first graders learned about their teeth, and the second graders learned about the eye. Of course there is never enough time with everyone's stories and comments, so we will continue these topics in our next health lesson.
The third and fourth graders are also in a throwing and catching unit. We focus mostly on the overhand throw. There are many fun games we play in addition to working with partners playing catch. The children also practiced the 15 meter PACER test, a maximum aerobic fitness test. The children run between two lines at the sound of a beep. They must reach the line before the next beep. As the test progresses, the time between beeps gets shorter so the children must run a little faster to make it to the line. Our goal for the third graders is 15 laps (one end to the other) and 20 laps for the fourth graders. We are practicing now, and will test in a couple of weeks. We will also practice a push-up test, something I have encouraged the children to practice at home.
Have a safe weekend in the snow. Maybe someday we will be able to run in green grass again!
The JK children are so excited to start our gymnastics unit. We will be up in our gymnastics gym (aka the auxiliary gym) until spring break. The children were already familiar with the floor since that has been out on some days previous to break, but now we have out our bars, two beams, and the vault. This week the children practiced walking on the smaller blue beam, and some classes got to go on our big brown beam. Most of the children can go across the small beam by themselves, walking foot over foot (versus shuffling along). About half of the children can walk across the big brown beam by themselves. I always give them and hand when they ask, although I gently encourage them to do the end by themselves if I think they are ready. The children also went on the bars. We have four low bars. On the two that I set lower the children practiced a front support where they hold themselves up on their hands with straight arms. Some children already know how to roll over to get off. I will work on that in the coming weeks with the children who don't quite know how yet. I set the other two bars higher and the children practice doing a monkey climb across them.... just walking their hands across the bar with no feet on the ground. We also practiced rolling down the incline mat doing forward rolls and pencils rolls. Oh, being 4 and 5 years old is so much fun! All the children are really trying hard to get better at their skills, and no one is scared to try something new. How wonderful!
The first and second graders started their throwing unit this week. We worked on underhand throwing to partners, and floor targets. We worked on catching a partner throw. We learned how to do an overhand throw (although many children are already "experts" since they play sports with throwing). I would encourage you to play catch with your child whenever you can. I can really tell who has had practice. When practicing overhand throwing, it is important to practice throwing your hardest to achieve the proper form. The children should be able to tell you the important parts of an overhand and underhand throw. We also had health this week. The first graders learned about their teeth, and the second graders learned about the eye. Of course there is never enough time with everyone's stories and comments, so we will continue these topics in our next health lesson.
The third and fourth graders are also in a throwing and catching unit. We focus mostly on the overhand throw. There are many fun games we play in addition to working with partners playing catch. The children also practiced the 15 meter PACER test, a maximum aerobic fitness test. The children run between two lines at the sound of a beep. They must reach the line before the next beep. As the test progresses, the time between beeps gets shorter so the children must run a little faster to make it to the line. Our goal for the third graders is 15 laps (one end to the other) and 20 laps for the fourth graders. We are practicing now, and will test in a couple of weeks. We will also practice a push-up test, something I have encouraged the children to practice at home.
Have a safe weekend in the snow. Maybe someday we will be able to run in green grass again!
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