January/February/early March, 2013

Hi Good Sports and families:
     Let's re-cap what we've been up to in P.E. Class.  We've had our popular "Kid's Choice" Activity where students vote and choose a game or activity they really enjoy.  We do this at least once every marking period.
     As always, we continue Physical Fitness Testing and offer re-tests when needed.  We had been working on the "Seal Crawl" for K-2 and the "Isometric Push-up" for 3-6, testing upper body strength.  In February, we began our "Isometric Leg Squat" for 1-6, more commonly known as the infamous "Air Chair", testing leg strength/muscle endurance.
     We have a variety of skills stations including those skills which would be needed and incorporated into the unit/particular lesson. Some stations are just for fun and good practice!
     Our K-2 students had review of locomotor skills/animal stunts in a fun activity, as well as playing a game supporting character-building and good manners.  They also enjoyed great relay action, while each team worked cooperatively to build a "Snowman."  We reviewed basic math shapes, which were a part of our "Snowman."
     All classes practiced ball-handling and dribbling and basket  shots and our 3-6 graders began their Basketball Unit using their dribbling skills in our "Giant Jacks" activity.  Later, our3-6 graders went "bonkers" for a basket shooting game with helpers as scorekeepers using tally scoring and all enjoying friendly competition.  Lastly, we concluded our 3-6 unit with a regular Basketball game with student referees and all!  (Rule-no arguing with the refs!!).
   In the meantime, ourK-2 students had been working on their bowling skills and ball handling, as well as basket shooting and we integrated these skills into our Super Bowling activity.  What fun!
     Next, students practiced various jumping skills with jumpropes and jump bands and were shown and some used a home-made Chinese jumprope( which is what we played with when I was young!)   We practiced a variety of skills to prepare for our JUMPROPE for HEART Activity, including Tinikling,(Philippine stick dance), using the jump bands.  By the way, everyone did an awesome job and you are all so generous and have very kind hearts!  THANK YOU!!!
     We are always promoting exercising for good life-long health and fostering real-life skills  We also had some Holiday-themed action for x-tra fun!  All students have been working on Bowling skills.
     Since February is Heart Month and we want healthy hearts, students were invited to take a Fitness Challenge/Circuit Training Course, where they learned facts about the Heart and circulation system, lung power, cholesterol, and so on.  Students were timed and later reported how many times they went around the course and all were rewarded with a heart or smile sticker and a heart candy. 
     We concluded the month with a "TAE BO-JR." work-out promoting physical fitness and goo life-long goals and showing that there are a variety of options to stay in shape.  There is an activity for everyone to get involved in and to enjoy!
     As always, adaptations are in place as needed for any and all students requiring them.
     As a big fitness unit all year, we do our Fitness Friday activity almost every week in order to promote exercising for the entire school and staff.  On Friday, March 1st, it was fun to promote Dr. Seuss and Reading while working out.  Keep Reading and keep Exercising!  Go NSE Team!  See you soon in the gym!!!
                                                                        Sincerely,
                                                                                     Miss Brill