Being able to throw your plans out the window and improvise is a valuable trait to possess as a teacher. Because of the rain, I had to rely on this as we were stuck inside for most of the week. Since the gym was occupied by the Middle Division Students, I utilized the Children's Workshop room for many of my classes.Students in first grade worked on tossing on Monday. Hoops and rings of various sizes were scattered about the room. Students tossed beanbags at the targets focusing on stepping with the opposite foot, using a straight (but relaxed arm), and following through towards the target.
Points were awarded for bean bags that landed safely within a ring or hoop. Students then used their math skills to record and add points.
On Thursday, Kindergarten students practiced their throwing skills. Students did a self evaluation that focused on accuracy using targets. Each student was asked to throw five balls towards a target and then record the results. As the students took turns throwing, I observed their technique and form and offered both corrective and positive feedback.
Kindergarten students played Balloon Basketball, Animal Dance, Freeze Dance, and worked on log rolls, sommersaults, and tripods.
The Fourth graders were excited about their new digs, and they did look sharp if I do say so myself. We were unable to get to our football unit as planned, but were able to utilize the big gym with a few of our more popular cooperative games. Killerball is aptly named after the slang term "killer" meaning cool or awesome. Classes worked together as teams to eliminate one another in this PE favorite.
Each day before class, students do push-ups and dips as they wait for their classmates to arrive. Muscular strength and endurance are the focus of these daily exercises. Notice the straight lines from head to toe on the three students doing push ups. Great form!
Finally, we were able to get out to the fields and begin our football unit. Here, second graders pass the ball back and forth to one another. Hand placement, stepping with the correct foot, and catching with the hands were emphasized in this activity.
