The past three weeks have been hectic to say the least. I was out for almost an entire week with my son, Elijah, who had the flu and a fever that just wouldn't subside. Thankfully, he is feeling better enabling all of us to get back into our daily routines.
I will be focusing on four major units of study: football, soccer, lacrosse, and track & field. Each day begins with a timed run where students are encouraged to find a pace that will enable them to complete the timed run without having to walk or stop. Once they have discovered this pace they are encouraged to use "baby steps" to increase the pace and subsequently their cardiovascular endurance. In conjunction with this, the Third and Fourth graders will attempt to earn the National and Presidential Fitness Awards this April.
Each unit begins with skill development and small games to reinforce these skills. Skill progressions are combined with cognitive strategies to build upon skills and concepts covered earlier. For the younger ones motor development and stations are used weekly to reinforce locomotor skills and fundamental skills like throwing and catching.
We've worked on a lot during these first weeks as you can see by the photos below. The kindergartners have learned the proper football grip for passing and tucking the ball. They worked on tossing and self catching based on their own ability focusing on catching with the hands. The parachute has been used, as well as scarves in cooperative games. They have also practiced leaping, jumping, and hopping for height.
The first graders have taken the football skills to another level with passing and catching with partners. They have also practiced using the tuck in small game situations that focus on footwork.
The second graders are preparing for ultimate football. They have worked extensively on catching with their hands and throwing with the proper grip. Movement off of the ball has been critical in our tasks as well as defensive strategies.
The third graders have started keep-away and have done a great job of maximizing their size by using their hands to catch. They will be moving to ultimate football this week. They have also been getting ready for the track meet. We've announced the events and will be practicing them more this week.
The fourth graders have finished up with ultimate football and will be moving into flag football. Pass patterns will initiate this next step as we focus on the nuances of running crisp sharp routes. They, too, have been working on track events and will work on them more as the big meet approaches.
