Cathie and Bob are so talented that we decided to put together our physical education rap for our audience. So hope you enjoy our rap to Jingle Bells!
Click on the rap link to the side!
Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays
Happy Hanukkah!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
First term report cards!
In the month of November students received their first report card reflecting their work effort, skill ability and behavior assessments by the P.E. staff. It is important and necessary that each parent sit down with their child to review not only the grade but also the teacher’s comments to better understand any issues that might have affected their grades. A specific grade should not be the sole criteria as to how your child is doing but rather, understanding the written comments and direction of the students grades from term to term. The student’s progress and growth are important considerations when trying to help each student reach their maximum potential. Are they making improvements in the areas that have been identified is our focus as an ongoing process.
This past month the children have been playing games outside as the weather has been so nice. We have played Treasure Island in which the children develop their running endurance and practice their dodging and avoidance skills and team play as their teams attempt to capture treasures while being protected by pirates, a fun cooperation and fitness game. We also have been working with the children to develop their coordination skills using hula hoops, jump ropes and ball dribbling skills. The activities are geared towards a developmental sequence of skill progression and development based on their individual successes. The children can learn at their own pace while learning an important value, that comes with effort and practice as they can learn new skills and to neverto give up trying. During this past week we have also played games with a Thanksgiving theme which the children just love as they act out their roles as "turkeys", Gobble Gobble!
Children are continuing to practice sportsmanship, respectful behavior and a sense of fair play within a game structure.
Best wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving and hope that you can enjoy this special time for families to come together!
This past month the children have been playing games outside as the weather has been so nice. We have played Treasure Island in which the children develop their running endurance and practice their dodging and avoidance skills and team play as their teams attempt to capture treasures while being protected by pirates, a fun cooperation and fitness game. We also have been working with the children to develop their coordination skills using hula hoops, jump ropes and ball dribbling skills. The activities are geared towards a developmental sequence of skill progression and development based on their individual successes. The children can learn at their own pace while learning an important value, that comes with effort and practice as they can learn new skills and to neverto give up trying. During this past week we have also played games with a Thanksgiving theme which the children just love as they act out their roles as "turkeys", Gobble Gobble!
Children are continuing to practice sportsmanship, respectful behavior and a sense of fair play within a game structure.
Best wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving and hope that you can enjoy this special time for families to come together!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
"The Way of Boys" by Dr. Anthony Rao, child psychologist
The need for physical education, within the public school setting, is often related to keeping children healthy as it relates to the problem of childhood obesity. But, as more is learned, books like this one reveal another important contribution by physical education in helping our children to mentally cope with the rigors of lengthier classes and increased academic demands.
This book looks like a must read for all of us who have noticed an increase in ADHD diagnosis.
Quote:
"Rao's troubled by a 4,000 percent increase in ADHD diagnoses over the past 10 years. He also cites a 600 percent increase in prescribing antipsychotic drugs to children, mostly boys, he said.
What's happening? Rao thinks it boils down to school. Kids, he said, are asked to sit longer, indoors, in language intensive environments.
For boys, that can be a recipe for frustration.
“And when they’re frustrated they begin to act out. We label it a disorder,” Rao said. “But the newest area of exciting research is, when putting kids – and this is mostly boys – outdoors for longer periods of time, giving them vigorous exercise, a lot of the symptoms of ADHD seem to go away."
Just being aware that this is a possibility is an important consideration to understanding our children and the "nature of boys" before being so quick to "label" our children as ADHD.
This book looks like a must read for all of us who have noticed an increase in ADHD diagnosis.
Quote:
"Rao's troubled by a 4,000 percent increase in ADHD diagnoses over the past 10 years. He also cites a 600 percent increase in prescribing antipsychotic drugs to children, mostly boys, he said.
What's happening? Rao thinks it boils down to school. Kids, he said, are asked to sit longer, indoors, in language intensive environments.
For boys, that can be a recipe for frustration.
“And when they’re frustrated they begin to act out. We label it a disorder,” Rao said. “But the newest area of exciting research is, when putting kids – and this is mostly boys – outdoors for longer periods of time, giving them vigorous exercise, a lot of the symptoms of ADHD seem to go away."
Just being aware that this is a possibility is an important consideration to understanding our children and the "nature of boys" before being so quick to "label" our children as ADHD.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
October P.E. Update
The weather is changing and the children are becoming more comfortable in the P.E. Classes. We continue to work on class behavior, peer respect during games and good sportsmanship, as these skills don't always come easily and most often, must be learned during real activity experiences.
This month has focused on finishing our soccer unit and playing games using their imagination and creativity, but all within a game format with rules. The children love to use their imagination and become aliens, blobs, patriots and ghouls!
Our Fall extravaganza includes 12 stations, each station sure to excite the young at heart (and allot of fun for us to create!). The children enjoy a few minutes at each station performing the task at hand and pretend, as an example, that a station might be a rope ride or perhaps a witches broom ride or a rocket ship ride, but regardless, the end result is a broad happy smile across their face! The stations are never long enough!
Make sure to ask your child about the P.E. stations and look forward to our November themes, so stay tuned to find out just where we go from here!
This is such a fun time of year to be outdoors and moving about, so bundle up and enjoy your child , get your mind off of all of the daily stressors and enjoy every minute of this special time in thier lives!
This month has focused on finishing our soccer unit and playing games using their imagination and creativity, but all within a game format with rules. The children love to use their imagination and become aliens, blobs, patriots and ghouls!
Our Fall extravaganza includes 12 stations, each station sure to excite the young at heart (and allot of fun for us to create!). The children enjoy a few minutes at each station performing the task at hand and pretend, as an example, that a station might be a rope ride or perhaps a witches broom ride or a rocket ship ride, but regardless, the end result is a broad happy smile across their face! The stations are never long enough!
Make sure to ask your child about the P.E. stations and look forward to our November themes, so stay tuned to find out just where we go from here!
This is such a fun time of year to be outdoors and moving about, so bundle up and enjoy your child , get your mind off of all of the daily stressors and enjoy every minute of this special time in thier lives!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Let Them Be Little......
This YouTube video has a special message and hope that with all of the daily stressors in life and pressures that we all learn to take time to enjoy our children now!
Hope you enjoy.
Hope you enjoy.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
September P.E. Update!
A new school year has begun and the children have high expectation to learn and have fun in our Physical Education classes.
Through September we have focused on sharing their excitement, while integrating P.E. class rules for behavior, sportsmanship, class attitude, and how we can promote mutual respect for one another.
The activities presented to the children have focused on: cooperative games and working together; getting to know classmates; beginning soccer skills such as dribbling, trapping, controlling the dribble; and various tag games, as well as Bandit and Uninterrupted games.
These initial days are critical in having the children learn class rules and playing together in a respectful way. This foundation will serve as an important guideline in helping your child get the most time on learning and participation.
Through September we have focused on sharing their excitement, while integrating P.E. class rules for behavior, sportsmanship, class attitude, and how we can promote mutual respect for one another.
The activities presented to the children have focused on: cooperative games and working together; getting to know classmates; beginning soccer skills such as dribbling, trapping, controlling the dribble; and various tag games, as well as Bandit and Uninterrupted games.
These initial days are critical in having the children learn class rules and playing together in a respectful way. This foundation will serve as an important guideline in helping your child get the most time on learning and participation.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Do You Believe in me?
This You Tube video is inspirational and the message is clear and worth listening to as parents and professionals and for that matter.....anyone who values the concept that we all have something special to offer to the world!
We believe in your children and the Physical Education Program always stresses that the children Do Their Best!!!!! Because we know that with time, that each child will find their own measure of success in which they can feel proud of accomplishing some task. We hope that with our guidance and support that they truly do learn to ....Believe in themselves!
Enjoy!
We believe in your children and the Physical Education Program always stresses that the children Do Their Best!!!!! Because we know that with time, that each child will find their own measure of success in which they can feel proud of accomplishing some task. We hope that with our guidance and support that they truly do learn to ....Believe in themselves!
Enjoy!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Obesity discussion! From Kids Source (see link)
The Problem of Obesity
Not all obese infants become obese children, and not all obese children become obese adults. However, the prevalence of obesity increases with age among both males and females (Lohman, 1987), and there is a greater likelihood that obesity beginning even in early childhood will persist through the life span (Epstein, Wing, Koeske, & Valoski, 1987).
Not all obese infants become obese children, and not all obese children become obese adults. However, the prevalence of obesity increases with age among both males and females (Lohman, 1987), and there is a greater likelihood that obesity beginning even in early childhood will persist through the life span (Epstein, Wing, Koeske, & Valoski, 1987).
Obesity presents numerous problems for the child. In addition to increasing the risk of obesity in adulthood, childhood obesity is the leading cause of pediatric hypertension, is associated with Type II diabetes mellitus, increases the risk of coronary heart disease, increases stress on the weight-bearing joints, lowers self-esteem, and affects relationships with peers. Some authorities feel that social and psychological problems are the most significant consequences of obesity in children.
Causes of Childhood Obesity
As with adult-onset obesity, childhood obesity has multiple causes centering around an imbalance between energy in (calories obtained from food) and energy out (calories expended in the basal metabolic rate and physical activity). Childhood obesity most likely results from an interaction of nutritional, psychological, familial, and physiological factors.
As with adult-onset obesity, childhood obesity has multiple causes centering around an imbalance between energy in (calories obtained from food) and energy out (calories expended in the basal metabolic rate and physical activity). Childhood obesity most likely results from an interaction of nutritional, psychological, familial, and physiological factors.
The Family
The risk of becoming obese is greatest among children who have two obese parents (Dietz, 1983). This may be due to powerful genetic factors or to parental modeling of both eating and exercise behaviors, indirectly affecting the child's energy balance. One half of parents of elementary school children never exercise vigorously (Ross & Pate, 1987).
The risk of becoming obese is greatest among children who have two obese parents (Dietz, 1983). This may be due to powerful genetic factors or to parental modeling of both eating and exercise behaviors, indirectly affecting the child's energy balance. One half of parents of elementary school children never exercise vigorously (Ross & Pate, 1987).
Low-energy Expenditure
The average American child spends several hours each day watching television; time which in previous years might have been devoted to physical pursuits. Obesity is greater among children and adolescents who frequently watch television (Dietz & Gortmaker, 1985), not only because little energy is expended while viewing but also because of concurrent consumption of high-calorie snacks. Only about one-third of elementary children have daily physical education, and fewer than one-fifth have extracurricular physical activity programs at their schools (Ross & Pate, 1987).
The average American child spends several hours each day watching television; time which in previous years might have been devoted to physical pursuits. Obesity is greater among children and adolescents who frequently watch television (Dietz & Gortmaker, 1985), not only because little energy is expended while viewing but also because of concurrent consumption of high-calorie snacks. Only about one-third of elementary children have daily physical education, and fewer than one-fifth have extracurricular physical activity programs at their schools (Ross & Pate, 1987).
Heredity
Since not all children who eat non-nutritious foods, watch several hours of television daily, and are relatively inactive develop obesity, the search continues for alternative causes. Heredity has recently been shown to influence fatness, regional fat distribution, and response to overfeeding (Bouchard et al., 1990). In addition, infants born to overweight mothers have been found to be less active and to gain more weight by age three months when compared with infants of normal weight mothers, suggesting a possible inborn drive to conserve energy (Roberts, Savage, Coward, Chew, & Lucas, 1988).
Since not all children who eat non-nutritious foods, watch several hours of television daily, and are relatively inactive develop obesity, the search continues for alternative causes. Heredity has recently been shown to influence fatness, regional fat distribution, and response to overfeeding (Bouchard et al., 1990). In addition, infants born to overweight mothers have been found to be less active and to gain more weight by age three months when compared with infants of normal weight mothers, suggesting a possible inborn drive to conserve energy (Roberts, Savage, Coward, Chew, & Lucas, 1988).
Treatment of Childhood Obesity
Obesity treatment programs for children and adolescents rarely have weight loss as a goal. Rather, the aim is to slow or halt weight gain so the child will grow into his or her body weight over a period of months to years. Dietz (1983) estimates that for every 20 percent excess of ideal body weight, the child will need one and one-half years of weight maintenance to attain ideal body weight.
Early and appropriate intervention is particularly valuable. There is considerable evidence that childhood eating and exercise habits are more easily modified than adult habits (Wolf, Cohen, Rosenfeld, 1985). Three forms of intervention include:
Physical Activity
Adopting a formal exercise program, or simply becoming more active, is valuable to burn fat, increase energy expenditure, and maintain lost weight. Most studies of children have not shown exercise to be a successful strategy for weight loss unless coupled with another intervention, such as nutrition education or behavior modification (Wolf et al., 1985). However, exercise has additional health benefits. Even when children's body weight and fatness did not change following 50 minutes of aerobic exercise three times per week, blood lipid profiles and blood pressure did improve (Becque, Katch, Rocchini, Marks, & Moorehead, 1988).
Adopting a formal exercise program, or simply becoming more active, is valuable to burn fat, increase energy expenditure, and maintain lost weight. Most studies of children have not shown exercise to be a successful strategy for weight loss unless coupled with another intervention, such as nutrition education or behavior modification (Wolf et al., 1985). However, exercise has additional health benefits. Even when children's body weight and fatness did not change following 50 minutes of aerobic exercise three times per week, blood lipid profiles and blood pressure did improve (Becque, Katch, Rocchini, Marks, & Moorehead, 1988).
Diet Management
Fasting or extreme caloric restriction is not advisable for children. Not only is this approach psychologically stressful, but it may adversely affect growth and the child's perception of "normal" eating. Balanced diets with moderate caloric restriction, especially reduced dietary fat, have been used successfully in treating obesity (Dietz, 1983). Nutrition education may be necessary. Diet management coupled with exercise is an effective treatment for childhood obesity (Wolf et al., 1985).
Fasting or extreme caloric restriction is not advisable for children. Not only is this approach psychologically stressful, but it may adversely affect growth and the child's perception of "normal" eating. Balanced diets with moderate caloric restriction, especially reduced dietary fat, have been used successfully in treating obesity (Dietz, 1983). Nutrition education may be necessary. Diet management coupled with exercise is an effective treatment for childhood obesity (Wolf et al., 1985).
Behavior Modification
Many behavioral strategies used with adults have been successfully applied to children and adolescents: self-monitoring and recording food intake and physical activity, slowing the rate of eating, limiting the time and place of eating, and using rewards and incentives for desirable behaviors. Particularly effective are behaviorally based treatments that include parents (Epstein et al., 1987). Graves, Meyers, and Clark (1988) used problem-solving exercises in a parent-child behavioral program and found children in the problem-solving group, but not those in the behavioral treatment-only group, significantly reduced percent overweight and maintained reduced weight for six months. Problem-solving training involved identifying possible weight-control problems and, as a group, discussing solutions.
Many behavioral strategies used with adults have been successfully applied to children and adolescents: self-monitoring and recording food intake and physical activity, slowing the rate of eating, limiting the time and place of eating, and using rewards and incentives for desirable behaviors. Particularly effective are behaviorally based treatments that include parents (Epstein et al., 1987). Graves, Meyers, and Clark (1988) used problem-solving exercises in a parent-child behavioral program and found children in the problem-solving group, but not those in the behavioral treatment-only group, significantly reduced percent overweight and maintained reduced weight for six months. Problem-solving training involved identifying possible weight-control problems and, as a group, discussing solutions.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Think NOW about your fitness condition!
School is soon approaching and will be here before you know it! Now is the time to start thinking about your fitness level!
Here are some things for you to think about now:
Check your BMI level, so that you get an idea where you are now and then during the school year we will have you check yourself again! Remember this is only one tool for you to use and along with other check points, it will give you a picture of your health. Use the links on this blog site to help you!
Next, remember the 5-2-1 program and you should check yourself to see if you are eating 5 fruits/vegetables daily, 2 hrs or less of TV/Computer time and 1 hr. of daily physical activity!
Start looking now for sales on good running sneakers that give your feet good support!
Get physical now so that your body can get ready for running, sweating and conditioning those muscles! Don't wait to start moving in our physical education class because you will find it hard to play many of the games and learn many of the new skills that you will be learning.
So, enjoy the summer and make a comment on this blog site should you need any help or advice, I'll be checking this blog for questions!
Until we meet again, enjoy the summer!
Here are some things for you to think about now:
Check your BMI level, so that you get an idea where you are now and then during the school year we will have you check yourself again! Remember this is only one tool for you to use and along with other check points, it will give you a picture of your health. Use the links on this blog site to help you!
Next, remember the 5-2-1 program and you should check yourself to see if you are eating 5 fruits/vegetables daily, 2 hrs or less of TV/Computer time and 1 hr. of daily physical activity!
Start looking now for sales on good running sneakers that give your feet good support!
Get physical now so that your body can get ready for running, sweating and conditioning those muscles! Don't wait to start moving in our physical education class because you will find it hard to play many of the games and learn many of the new skills that you will be learning.
So, enjoy the summer and make a comment on this blog site should you need any help or advice, I'll be checking this blog for questions!
Until we meet again, enjoy the summer!
Monday, June 15, 2009
It's time to say good bye.....
Well another school year is coming to an end and its amazing to witness just how much the children have developed their skills, cooperative spirit and sportsmanship. During the summer months, the children should continue to work on their fitness endurance and skills by playing outside with friends and also learn how to play cooperatively with their peers in games. By being respectful of each other they learn sportsmanship and thus important life long skills to get along with people and learn to be fit!
It's been a fun year with your children and we look forward to the summer and to the fall when we get to again work on continuing their fitness and skills progress and development.
Enjoy the web page links and look for new ones in the fall and we would love to hear from you, so leave a comment here and let us know whether this new web page has been helpful or enjoyable to you or other feelings that you have about this new way for us to connect!
Enjoy your family and the summer and see you in the fall!
Cathie and Bob
It's been a fun year with your children and we look forward to the summer and to the fall when we get to again work on continuing their fitness and skills progress and development.
Enjoy the web page links and look for new ones in the fall and we would love to hear from you, so leave a comment here and let us know whether this new web page has been helpful or enjoyable to you or other feelings that you have about this new way for us to connect!
Enjoy your family and the summer and see you in the fall!
Cathie and Bob
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Physical Education Chatter!!!!
Another report card sent home for you to review. We hope that you will look at the Physical Education section and review it with your child in terms of how they did this term. During this period we accomplished the following: we completed the 100th day activity which was comprised of 12 fun filled stations, each with their own challenge; numerous games stressing sportsmanship, gamesmanship, throwing and some dancing as well (cha cha slide, macarena, chicken dance, and Mexican hat dance). Mission Impossible was a big week in which 12 different challenges were set up for the kids to accomplish as "secret agents".
Jump Rope for Heart was the main feature of our efforts this month. Children learned about the meaning of helping to raise money for the Heart Fund cause, while having fun and earning some rewards for their efforts. The whole school benefitted by the talk and by the fun week of activities that the children participated in during their physical education time. The children did a commendable job raising an amazing amount of money:
$4174 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Given the nature of this economy, it is heart warming to see that people will do their best and contribute when they can to a cause that is dear to their heart. Thanks to everyone, all of those dollar donations really added up which propelled us up to reach this level of fundraising, our sincere thanks.
We all look forward to the final weeks of school as the children prepare for and participate in all of the special activities approaching! Enjoy every day of their journey through life as it all passes much too quickly!
Best Wishes from the staff!
Jump Rope for Heart was the main feature of our efforts this month. Children learned about the meaning of helping to raise money for the Heart Fund cause, while having fun and earning some rewards for their efforts. The whole school benefitted by the talk and by the fun week of activities that the children participated in during their physical education time. The children did a commendable job raising an amazing amount of money:
$4174 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Given the nature of this economy, it is heart warming to see that people will do their best and contribute when they can to a cause that is dear to their heart. Thanks to everyone, all of those dollar donations really added up which propelled us up to reach this level of fundraising, our sincere thanks.
We all look forward to the final weeks of school as the children prepare for and participate in all of the special activities approaching! Enjoy every day of their journey through life as it all passes much too quickly!
Best Wishes from the staff!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
BMI
With the recent passage of this legislation regarding schools being required by 2010 to complete BMI levels for all children, parents may be wondering about this scale and its implications. Follow the link on this page to help you to better understand how this is but a tool in helping families to get help in finding strategies that will help children to develop a healthy nutritional approach combined with an active lifestyle for good health! Body Mass Index scales are a helpful tool in a families efforts to inquire about body weight and thus use the information as a starting point for further discussions with professionals. Let's use all of these tools to make good choices for "our" kids.
NEW! Objective Data to consider! The reason to pay attention to BMI.
What are the health consequences of overweight and obesity for adults?
The BMI ranges are based on the relationship between body weight and disease and death. Overweight and obese individuals are at increased risk for many diseases and health conditions, including the following:
Hypertension
Dyslipidemia (for example, high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, or high levels of triglycerides)
Type 2 diabetes
Coronary heart disease
Stroke
Gallbladder disease
Osteoarthritis
Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
Some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)
NEW! Objective Data to consider! The reason to pay attention to BMI.
What are the health consequences of overweight and obesity for adults?
The BMI ranges are based on the relationship between body weight and disease and death. Overweight and obese individuals are at increased risk for many diseases and health conditions, including the following:
Hypertension
Dyslipidemia (for example, high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, or high levels of triglycerides)
Type 2 diabetes
Coronary heart disease
Stroke
Gallbladder disease
Osteoarthritis
Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
Some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Children hear about and feel our pain.......
The Jump Rope For Heart pamphlets have all been sent home and within the physical education class we have talked about this fundraising effort. During each class we talked about the spirit of fundraising, the nature of heart disease in language that they, hopefully, might understand and discussed the"how to" of doing the fundraising. We emphasized safety in asking only family and close friends and helped them to understand that not all people can give money for many of their own personal reasons. We have highlighted our appreciation of their effort and willingness to try to help in this worthy effort.
As we discussed these issues with each class, the children asked questions and/or shared stories about their families medical experience with heart problems. Some students talked about their own personal heart problem, which makes us, as teachers, feel privileged to have been trusted by these students t0 talk about their personal situation.
But, over the past week we have also been asked about the heartbreaking nature of students thinking about their home life and asking if, "they could keep the money collected because their family needs money for a broken down car, for food or other things." As you can well imagine, the children hear about the economic strains impacting their family and carry those "feelings" and emotions to school. Within the physical education class, there are numerous "teachable moments" to help children learn about their developing self concept and this certainly was worthy of our time and discussion. As we addressed this emotional question, we focused on the type of person that they wanted to become as they grow up in life and that people respect them for their honesty, trustworthyness, and having good character. The fact that their families need money, we explained could be helped in many other ways and that taking money in the name of this charity was not the way to help their family.
We always debate whether we want to do a fundraising activity every year, but its opportunities like this that make us feel that it is a worthy effort, for not only the American Heart Association, but also, a special time for us, as teachers, to help children to explore and develop their own sense of values as they try to understand difficult issues.
As we discussed these issues with each class, the children asked questions and/or shared stories about their families medical experience with heart problems. Some students talked about their own personal heart problem, which makes us, as teachers, feel privileged to have been trusted by these students t0 talk about their personal situation.
But, over the past week we have also been asked about the heartbreaking nature of students thinking about their home life and asking if, "they could keep the money collected because their family needs money for a broken down car, for food or other things." As you can well imagine, the children hear about the economic strains impacting their family and carry those "feelings" and emotions to school. Within the physical education class, there are numerous "teachable moments" to help children learn about their developing self concept and this certainly was worthy of our time and discussion. As we addressed this emotional question, we focused on the type of person that they wanted to become as they grow up in life and that people respect them for their honesty, trustworthyness, and having good character. The fact that their families need money, we explained could be helped in many other ways and that taking money in the name of this charity was not the way to help their family.
We always debate whether we want to do a fundraising activity every year, but its opportunities like this that make us feel that it is a worthy effort, for not only the American Heart Association, but also, a special time for us, as teachers, to help children to explore and develop their own sense of values as they try to understand difficult issues.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Jump Rope For Heart....Coming
The Jump Rope For Heart link provides allot of information about this program that we will commence in March at our school.
Please feel free to contact the P.E staff should you have any questions. Thanks so much for your continued support.
Please feel free to contact the P.E staff should you have any questions. Thanks so much for your continued support.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
March Madness !
Well, as March roars in with a winter storm, we look back over what the kids did in the month of Feb. Our big unit on bowling was allot of fun, make sure to ask you child how they did in the competition among their grades. Unfortunately, there can only be one winner per grade but it sure generated allot of excitement and team work in the class effort to knock down as many total pins as possible. We also had a unit on 12 circuit training stations, each different and hopefully fun and challenging for the children.
March madness time is a fun time to pick our favorite college basketball teams (Go B.C.), which hopefully the children will learn to appreciate. They can learn geography as they learn about where the college teams are located and can perform math computations in looking at scores and points won and lost by, along with learning about how brackets work!
During our physical education time this month we are planning to set up a "Mission Impossible" circuit, with each station presenting varying sets of challenges! We also will begin our annual fundraiser with Jump Rope For Heart, which the children learn about the spirit of fundraising and illness in peoples life. Given the state of the economy, we are very conscious of the hardships that exist locally in our school but we feel going through the fundraising process to heighten awareness is an important learning tool for our children. Over the years, many of the children have felt comfortable and shared their own families personal medical stories and we, as staff, feel good about the fact that the children feel comfortable with us to talk about their families situations. Our message to the children is that not all families can give and whatever they can do to ask for donations is an important lesson for them to learn. We always have fun and the children look forward to the activity stations and the potential to earn prizes for raising money.
Again, we hope that you will talk with your child about their days activity in physical education, what they learned and had fun doing and we hope that their time with us will serve as a source of motivation to develop an active and healthy life style!
March madness time is a fun time to pick our favorite college basketball teams (Go B.C.), which hopefully the children will learn to appreciate. They can learn geography as they learn about where the college teams are located and can perform math computations in looking at scores and points won and lost by, along with learning about how brackets work!
During our physical education time this month we are planning to set up a "Mission Impossible" circuit, with each station presenting varying sets of challenges! We also will begin our annual fundraiser with Jump Rope For Heart, which the children learn about the spirit of fundraising and illness in peoples life. Given the state of the economy, we are very conscious of the hardships that exist locally in our school but we feel going through the fundraising process to heighten awareness is an important learning tool for our children. Over the years, many of the children have felt comfortable and shared their own families personal medical stories and we, as staff, feel good about the fact that the children feel comfortable with us to talk about their families situations. Our message to the children is that not all families can give and whatever they can do to ask for donations is an important lesson for them to learn. We always have fun and the children look forward to the activity stations and the potential to earn prizes for raising money.
Again, we hope that you will talk with your child about their days activity in physical education, what they learned and had fun doing and we hope that their time with us will serve as a source of motivation to develop an active and healthy life style!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Report Cards are here!
In Physical Education we try to observe all of the children to assess how each child is performing a variety of skills, assess their cooperating and interacting skills with others and determine if they have a positive attitude and are making a good effort in all classes.
This is never an easy task when assessing so many children in an environment in which learning is often based on their previous experiences, to some degree. In other words, children play sports outside of school and have established many habits based on their experiences. What the child brings to the P.E. class is a reflection of those experiences. As physical education teachers we try to help each child develop and expand their interest and potential in activities and learn respectful ways of playing with others in a competitive atmosphere. Sportsmanship is a difficult concept to teach because it requires a child to make a quick decision while in a competitive situation often involving some form of emotion, aggressive play and possibly some body contact. Also, no two situations are the same and so previously learned behaviors might not be transferred to new situations because the experience might be different. Then when you add in the factor of peer influence, self image and esteem, and the expectation that every child likes to be seen as "a star", and when that doesn't happen, children sometimes have a behavioral reaction because their skill "self image" did not live up to what they want their friends to see and believe about them.
So, as parents sit down and go over their P.E grade, please talk about these issues and what they can do to improve. Its not so much about the actual grade but more about your talking with your child about their feelings and expectations. P.E. staff are always available to discuss these issues and explore various ideas as to approaches to develop your child as an athlete, who is competitive, yet displays good sportsmanship and who enjoys having their parents at the game because its fun.
Also, check out some of the links relating to sport psychology and when at the site look for associated videos and links which might offer some help as well.
This is never an easy task when assessing so many children in an environment in which learning is often based on their previous experiences, to some degree. In other words, children play sports outside of school and have established many habits based on their experiences. What the child brings to the P.E. class is a reflection of those experiences. As physical education teachers we try to help each child develop and expand their interest and potential in activities and learn respectful ways of playing with others in a competitive atmosphere. Sportsmanship is a difficult concept to teach because it requires a child to make a quick decision while in a competitive situation often involving some form of emotion, aggressive play and possibly some body contact. Also, no two situations are the same and so previously learned behaviors might not be transferred to new situations because the experience might be different. Then when you add in the factor of peer influence, self image and esteem, and the expectation that every child likes to be seen as "a star", and when that doesn't happen, children sometimes have a behavioral reaction because their skill "self image" did not live up to what they want their friends to see and believe about them.
So, as parents sit down and go over their P.E grade, please talk about these issues and what they can do to improve. Its not so much about the actual grade but more about your talking with your child about their feelings and expectations. P.E. staff are always available to discuss these issues and explore various ideas as to approaches to develop your child as an athlete, who is competitive, yet displays good sportsmanship and who enjoys having their parents at the game because its fun.
Also, check out some of the links relating to sport psychology and when at the site look for associated videos and links which might offer some help as well.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Physical Education Chatter!
Dinner table talk is important to allow children an opportunity to talk about themselves and their days experiences and for parents to find out just how their child's day went....good and bad!
So, here are some topics to help your child to chat about their day in P.E.
This past week we climbed the cargo net (safety, safety, safety), swing on the rope (fun, fun, fun)and played games. The class games in grades 2 & 3, were: scooter hockey & toxic ball and for grades K & 1 we used the hula hoops, ball shooting, and played Eagles and Vulture tag as well as GO CELTICS tag, using math questions or rock, paper, scissor to get back into the game!
Ask your child which game they participated in and about the games. Ask how they did during the activity, was the activity hard for them? Did they see good sportsmanship (any arguing, unfair play etc)? Ask how they think they did in the game or were they afraid of climbing the cargo net? Did they get to be on their friends team? Did they learn a new skill or did they get to practice an old skill! Did they have fun?
This week we start bowling!!! In this unit, the children will learn to keep score using their math skills and will learn proper bowling technique which will start their foundation for a life long skill!
Talking about your child's day helps them to feel valued and make them feel important!!!
So, here are some topics to help your child to chat about their day in P.E.
This past week we climbed the cargo net (safety, safety, safety), swing on the rope (fun, fun, fun)and played games. The class games in grades 2 & 3, were: scooter hockey & toxic ball and for grades K & 1 we used the hula hoops, ball shooting, and played Eagles and Vulture tag as well as GO CELTICS tag, using math questions or rock, paper, scissor to get back into the game!
Ask your child which game they participated in and about the games. Ask how they did during the activity, was the activity hard for them? Did they see good sportsmanship (any arguing, unfair play etc)? Ask how they think they did in the game or were they afraid of climbing the cargo net? Did they get to be on their friends team? Did they learn a new skill or did they get to practice an old skill! Did they have fun?
This week we start bowling!!! In this unit, the children will learn to keep score using their math skills and will learn proper bowling technique which will start their foundation for a life long skill!
Talking about your child's day helps them to feel valued and make them feel important!!!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
A Life Style Plan for living!
The Physical Education Program is promoting the Jump Up & Go program for the Ezra Baker School! This exciting program offers a balanced approach for helping children to learn about healthy eating habits, being active for some part of the day and helpful suggestions for limiting TV/computer time. The basic concept of 5-2-1 provides for families a simple guide for approaching how the family can best use their time to promote a healthy life style!
Physical Education-Elementary Style!
Elementary physical education requires a creative and fun way to teach children about a healthy life style. Sportsmanship continues to be an important element in helping children to interact with their peers in a respectful manner. Playing by the rules involves many aspects of human interaction which must be taught and supported by the physical education instructor.
Helping children to learn to be active and understanding their bodies reaction to exercise and movement is a crutial aspect for children to learn about their developing bodies!
Games which promote academic skills, skill development and movement exploration can be introduced in a fun and creative manner which complement academic requirements.
Helping children to learn how to positively interact with peers when in a competative atmosphere is a unique and important aspect of teaching for the physical edcuation professional.
Helping children to learn to be active and understanding their bodies reaction to exercise and movement is a crutial aspect for children to learn about their developing bodies!
Games which promote academic skills, skill development and movement exploration can be introduced in a fun and creative manner which complement academic requirements.
Helping children to learn how to positively interact with peers when in a competative atmosphere is a unique and important aspect of teaching for the physical edcuation professional.
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