March: Cooperative Games & Fitness Testing
Toward the end of the year we revisit cooperative games in preparation for Field Day-type activities in addition to re-testing our fitness levels. Second grade through fifth grade will participate in the Pacer, push up, curl up, and sit & reach tests. The Pacer is a cardiovascular endurance assessment in which students run 20 meters to the cadence of a standardized CD that all PE teachers use. The push up test measures upper body strength and the curl up test measures abdominal strength. The sit and reach test measures the flexibility of the hamstring muscle and is used as an overall flexibility assessment.
ALL students in grades 2 through 12 will participate in anual fitness assessments so it is very important for them to become comfortable and familiar with these tests at the elementary level.
ALL students in grades 2 through 12 will participate in anual fitness assessments so it is very important for them to become comfortable and familiar with these tests at the elementary level.
February: Basketball & Ball Handling Skills
This month we will focus on basic ball control and basketball skills. To be proficient at many sports, one needs enough hand/eye coordination to control the ball. Whether the sport is Team Handball, Football, or Basketball, control is key. The younger grades will focus on moving the ball from one place to another, basic dribbling skills, passing, and shooting at a low-level basketball goal. The 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders will refine their skills using them in game-like situations that require teamwork, cooperation, and strategies.
basketball_rubric_3-5.doc | |
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January: Rhythm & Dance/Jump Rope
Rhythm is a component of many sports and activities, from dance, to jump rope, to gymnastics. It comes naturally to some students, but for others it can be challenging. During the months of January and February we will practice jump rope skills emphasizing the rhythm of turning and jumping. Kindergarten and First graders will focus on proper body positioning and basic jumps. Second through Fifth graders will extend their knowledge of jump rope and learn more complex skills with the individual rope. In addition to the individual rope, we will also be learning long rope skills that require more cooperation and coordination.
During the dance portion students will learn basic dance movements, then move on to more complex sequences of moves. Some dances will be done using the Wii, such as Just Dance 3 - Dynamite, Wii Workouts - Pump Up the Jam, and Just Dance 3 - Party Rock Anthem.
During the dance portion students will learn basic dance movements, then move on to more complex sequences of moves. Some dances will be done using the Wii, such as Just Dance 3 - Dynamite, Wii Workouts - Pump Up the Jam, and Just Dance 3 - Party Rock Anthem.
jump_rope_rubric_k-5.doc | |
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jump_rope_club_cards.doc | |
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December: Striking
This month we are focusing on striking with and without implements. The skill of striking can be applied to a vast number of sports including tennis, golf, badminton, racketball, squash, baseball, softball, and volleyball. Learning to control an object with a variety of implements improves hand-eye coordination which can be applied to any of these sports. Kindergarten and 1st graders use soft foam paddles to practice proper grip while striking balloons or other large objects. They will also practice hitting to large targets with small rackets and foam balls. Second graders through 5th graders build on the basics by working in groups or teams to improve their confidence and accuracy with a variety of implements. Volleyball skills such as bumping, setting, and serving are also taught during the striking unit. Teamwork and cooperation are emphasized while the students practice striking a beachball or volleyball in groups and in games.
striking_rubric_k-5.doc | |
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striking_self_eval.doc | |
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striking-draw.doc | |
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volleyball_rubric_3-5.doc | |
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November: Kicking
During the month of November the students will be learning and practicing their kicking skills. Like throwing and catching, kicking is an essential skill to have to be able to participate confidently in a variety of games and activities. Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd graders learn the basics such as what part of the foot to kick with, how to pass to a partner, and how to control the ball while moving. The older students will build on their previous knowledge and experience by doing station work and playing small sided soccer-type games.
k-5_kicking_rubric.doc | |
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kicking_test.doc | |
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October: Throwing & Catching; Chasing, Fleeing & Dodging
The month of October includes a variety of throwing and catching activities, as well as chasing, fleeing, and dodging games. Some of our games incorporate both skills to improve throwing accuracy and cardiovascular endurance. I assess the students based on specific criteria for each grade level. For example, students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade are expected to demonstrate a proper underhand toss progressing to stepping with the opposite foot and hitting a stationary target 3 out of 5 times. Students in 3rd grade through 5th grade are expected to show proficiency in an overhand throw by turning their side to the target, stepping with the opposite foot, following through with the hips, and hitting a stationary target 6 out of 10 times. Throwing and catching is a fundamental skill that they will use throughout their primary and secondary years in education.
k-5_throwing_rubric.doc | |
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3-5_peer_catching.doc | |
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September: Fitness; Tiger Trot-a-Thon!
This month we will be focusing on FITNESS and preparing for the Tiger Trot-a-Thon (Friday the 28th)! Please see the attachment below. There are so many ways to incorporate cardiovascular endurance into fun games that anyone can play. In addition to playing active, high intensity games, 2nd through 5th graders will also be practicing the Fitnessgram tests. This is very important for 2 reasons: One, so that we can practice the tests; and two, so we can see how much stronger they are at the end of the year. Please make sure that tennis shoes are worn every day!
tiger_trot_training_calendar_2012.doc | |
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fitness_components_test.doc | |
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fitnessgram_pre-post_test_mod..doc | |
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August: Fitness
For the first few weeks in PE your child will be learning a variety of different games and exercises. However, this is certainly not the only exercise your child needs. The American Heart Association recommends at least 60 minutes a day of physical activity. I only get to see your child twice a week for 45 minutes. Please help me in encouraging physical activity outside, at the park, or even inside every day.
parent_letter.doc | |
File Size: | 45 kb |
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