WEEK #15

K4 thru 2nd grade this week started getting ready for Jump Rope Heart!!! We started class playing a Cardiovascular activity called Tail Tag. We then took the jump ropes and manipulated them in different ways depending on the grade level. We turned the jump ropes into hair, a mustache, ties, ear rings, etc. We then started to learn the basics of jump roping. We first practiced jumping, then turning the rope, and then putting it together. If there was time, we finished class playing Tail Tag again.

 

3rd thru 5th grade this week continued with their volleyball skills. But we also had to start getting ready for JRFH. We went over how to measure our jump rope and went over some of the jump rope basics. We then went over the volleyball passing skill of setting. To end class, we played the game called Alphabet.

WEEK #14

K4 thru 1st grade this week started class with an activity called Uno Fitness. We then used plastic grocery bags for creative movement and hand-eye catching activities. We made parachutes, movement patterns, snowballs, and rockets. We then finished class playing a game called Bag Flag Tag.

2nd grade this week started class doing a 5 Levels of Fitness activity called Fitness Puzzles. We then finished class by participating in Treasure Island. It is a game where students practice using their spatial awareness, dodging, and locomotor skills in a game situation.

3rd thru 8th grade started working on volleyball. The students were reminded that we will never really play volleyball but that we will learn the movement skills that go with volleyball and participate in activities that make us use the skills we're learning. So, this week we began class with volleyball fitness activities. Here we used the volleyballs to do various 5 levels of fitness activities. Then we went over the underhand/overhand serve (depending on grade). To end class, we either played Bombs Away or Dead Fish. All the grades had a blast!!!

WEEK #13

K4 thru 2nd grade this week started class with a great muscular endurance and cardiovascular song called The Jumping Jack Song. We then discussed all the awesome physical activity sports that people play, some that require us to strike an object with our body (basketball, soccer, etc.) and some where you use an object to strike the object (baseball, hockey, etc.). We got out the plastic candy canes I purchased at the dollar store and we practiced striking an object with another object and learned basic hockey striking skills. We then finished class playing a game called Hockey Tag!

3rd thru 8th grade this week started class with their 5 levels of fitness warm-up. This week we played Knockout, a fitness warm-up that incorporates all 5 levels of fitness. We then played a great lower body muscular strength and endurance game called Battle Ball where a cage ball was used.  

 

WEEK #12

K4 thru 1st grade started class with a movement song called Animal Action. We discussed how our bodies can move in so many cool ways. We then discussed the skill of catching and the cues that go along with it. We had some self catching time where I walked around and helped students. Last we played a class game called Snowball Fight. But this wasn't your normal Snowball Fight. In this game, you wanted to actually allow your classmates to catch the ball. The more snowballs we caught the more points the class could get. They absolutely loved this game!!

2nd grade this week began class with a muscular strength and endurance activity called The Turkey Dance. Here we learned about mirroring and same and different. Next we played a game called Smash The Turkey. Here we discussed and learned about offense and defense.

3rd thru 8th grade finally finished their fitness testing and we were back to our normal lesson structure. We started class with a 5 levels of fitness game called Wipe Out. Again, this game is performed to the song called Wipe Out by the Safaris. We then discussed the cues of catching and played the game Island Ball that every grade seems to love.
 

WEEK #11

K4 thru 1st grade started class with a cardiovascular activity named Number Scrabble. It is a great moving in space activity that teaches movement awareness along with math concepts. We then got out the hula hoops and did some hula hoop tricks. We finished class playing Bumper Cars. It is a game where the students learn to play fair, take turns, and handle the concept of losing.

2nd grade this week started class with a great 5 levels of fitness activity called Wipe out. The game is played to the song Wipe out by the Safaris!! We reviewed the cues of the skill of catching and played Island Ball one more week to get more practice in that skill.

3rd thru 8th again continued to participate in their fitness testing. This week we discussed the WHY? we need to be flexible and WHY? stretching is important to overall health. We exercised to a game called Chaos first so that we could get our muscles warmed up for our flexibility test. To end class, we got out the sit and reach boxes and performed our flexibility test.

 

WEEK #10

K4 thru 1st grade learned about the 3 main jobs of our muscles. These are to move our bodies, protect our bones, and to help us lift, carry, and pull things. We then participated in the muscle song called Give Me Ten. We then discussed the skill of rolling. We went over the cues and practiced. To end class, we played a rolling game named Try To Catch A Turkey.

2nd grade this week went over the skill of catching. We discussed the cues and played an activity called Concentration Catch for practice. This way I could evaluate who needed help. We then played a game called Island Ball. My students seem to love this game!!!!

3rd thru 8th grade continued with their fitness testing by performing the curl up and push up tests. This week we discussed why Muscular Strength and Muscular Endurance is important for our muscles and health. Again the students were told that they were not going to be graded on how many they did but on the effort they put out. All classes did a fantastic job!!

 

WEEK #9

K4 thru 2nd grade this week reviewed and practiced the skill of throwing overhand, as well as, talked about playing fair. We started class with the game called Fire and Ice to improve our cardiovascular systems and open space movement skills. We then had some throwing practice time where I observed and made corrections where necessary. To end class, we played the classic game called Clean Up Your Backyard where we practiced playing fair and along with throwing overhand.

3rd thru 8th grade this week started their fitness testing. Before we started the Pacer Test we discussed the reasons WHY? we're doing it. I also made sure to remind the students that they were not being graded on how many pacer laps they did but on how much effort they gave during the test. My student were nervous to see how many they could get and if they were going to be in the fitness zone. EVERY CLASS DID A WONDERFUL JOB!!!!!!

 

WEEK #8

K4 thru 2nd grade this week learned about the benefits of exercise!!! To start class, we exercised to a warm-up activity called One Step Behind. We then played Go Touch, Beep Beep Times Up, and Bippity Boppity Boo to provide the benefits of exercise.

3rd thru 8th grade this week also learned about the main benefits of exercise and continued to get ready for their fitness testing. We began class with a Fitness Circuit and then played a great activity called Catapult. Here we used physical skills, as well as, developed our fitness levels while providing our bodies with the benefits we discussed earlier.

 

WEEK # 7

Halloween Obstacle Course Week!!!

This week was the annual Halloween Obstacle Course week. My students look forward to this obstacle course every year. The students get the opportunity to go through an eight station, 5 levels of fitness course in the dark. In the background, I play some Halloween music along with some bright orange lights being lit up throughout the gym in the background.

WEEK #6

K4, K5, 1st, and 2nd grade this week played Monster Tag. I promised them we would play one more time since we didn't get alot of time to play it before. We then celebrated fire safety week by playing a game called Stop, Drop, and Roll. Here we learned the basics of fire safety along with learning to use our voice to get help.

3rd, 4th, and 5th grade this week began class participating in a cardiovascular activity called Mosquito tag. We then went over the motor skill of underhand rolling and played Jailbird to reinforce the concepts being taught.

6th, 7th, and 8th grade started class with a dynamic warm-up along with some function fitness related to soccer/foot skills. We then practiced sole rolls, side rolls, and passing foot skills. We ended class with an activity my students love called Run For Your Life!!!! It is a great passing for accuracy activity!!

WEEK # 5

K4, K5, 1st grade started class with the 5 levels of fitness warm-up called I see...You see.... We then discussed and practiced the principle of self space. We practiced to a movement song called Ain't Too Proud to Beg. We then manipulated deck rings. We rolled, flipped, spun, and kicked them. We then finished class playing a movement game named Gotcha.

3rd thru 5th grade this week started class with two muscular strength and endurance warm-ups called Dagger and Sumo Wrestling (not real wrestling). We then got the flag football belts out and played Sharks and Minnows. It is a great activity for practicing for the pacer test, as well as, practicing our chasing, dodging and fleeing skills.

6th, 7th, and 8th grade started class with an activity called T/F Fitness. We then went over Standard Number 5, exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others in physical activity settings, with a game called Ancient Baseball. The success criteria for the day were no put downs, a put up without being cued, and create a team cheer.

WEEK #4

K4, K5, and 1st grade started class with a movement song called Singing In The Rain. We then exercised our muscles, bones, heart, and brain with an activity called I see..You see... We finished class learning the skill of catching with yarn balls and playing a Halloween game called Monster Tag!!

2nd grade this week began class with a fitness activity called Musical Fitness. We then discussed and practiced the motor skill of rolling. The success criteria I was looking for was opposition, knees low to the ground, and releasing by the floor. To practice, we played an activity called Jailbird.

3rd and 4th grade continues to get ready for their fitness tests with a warm-up activity called Line Graph Workout. We then discussed and learned the cues of throwing. The success criteria I was looking for were step with opposition, stand sideways, and rotate your hips. We then played Pin Guard to practice this motor skill.

5th grade this week started class with a cardiovascular endurance fitness activity called Mosquito Tag. We then went over the cues for the motor skill of rolling and catching. We finished class playing Jailbird where we practiced these cues.

6th, 7th, and 8th grade prepared for their fitness tests with a fitness activity named Confusion. We then continued perfecting our Respect/Sportsmanship standard with an activity called Bears, Salmon, and Mosquito Football.

WEEK #3

K4 and K5 this week started class chanting "We come to Physical Education class for our muscles, bones, heart, and brain!" With our chant we also made a muscle pose, touched our bones, felt our heart, and pointed to our brain. Our fitness warm-up this week was called Body Parts. We then played an exercise story activity called Ladders. To finish class, we manipulated bean bags and played Hot Potato!

1st and 2nd grade also started class with the P.E. chant! We then played Scat Cat (CV) for our Physical Fitness time. We also played Number where the students practiced getting into groups. We finished class playing an activity called Mosquito Catcher where we practiced the Sportsmanship standard.

3rd thru 8th grade began class with the The Fairview P.E. chant! Our fitness activity this week was called Meet and Greet (using all five levels of fitness). When discussed the learning intentions and success criteria of the day and played Triangle Chase and Chicken Football.

The second week of Fairview's Physical Education classes were a blast and all the students got a little stronger physically and mentally! Keep moving!

My blog has been featured on PhysicalEducationDegree.org's list of the 100 Best Web Resources for Physical Education! I would like to say thank you to all the people that visit my blog!!

 

 

WEEK #2

K4 and K5 started class with the Fairview Physical Education chant. We then played I see.. You See... for our fitness time. We discussed, practiced, and learned about self space to a song from the Temptations. We then wrapped up class manipulating deck rings and played Ring Soccer Chase.

1st and 2nd grade did the P.E. chant and used our fitness Bar Graph exercise cards to get our fitness in for the day. We then went over overhand throwing for the Motor Skill Standard. To practice this skill, we played Pin Guard. The students had a blast.

3rd, 4th, and 5th grade this week started class with a CV warm-up called Kick and Go!!  The learning standard for the week was Motor Skill. Then we discussed kicking and foot dribbling. We played Ghost busters, Fox and Hound, and Pirates.

6th, 7th, and 8th grade participated in an activity called Quiz Fitness where we learned about calories and got our fitness in for the day. We then finished class playing Ancient Baseball while discussing the standard Respect/Sportsmanship focusing on social responsibility.

WEEK #1

What a long first week of school. Let the craziness begin. Like every year, we started the Fairview Physical Education classes going over the class expectations. The learning intentions for this week were class procedures, class expectations, and assigning seats for the school year. As always my students did NOT sit on the gym floor the whole period and listen to me talk. We got moving and started learning!!!

Here is a awesome email I received from a fellow colleague!!!

Hello!

My name is Darcey McRay! I am a first year PE/Health teacher at Heritage Hall in OKC, OK. You clearly have a quality PE/Health program! I saw many activities named in your blog that sound sooooo cool! I was wondering if you have these activities on electronic file? If so, would you mind to send me some of these for Pre K- 4th grade? I want to be an advocate for Physical Education and Health as you seem to be!

Thank you so much!
Darcey McRay

Thank you Darcey for your words of praise!!! You made my day!!

Fitness matters!!!! Keep P.E. in schools!!!

Press Release: Students with Strong Hearts and Lungs May Make Better Grades, Study Finds
http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2012/08/better-grades.aspx

Press Release: APA: Fitness Predicts Academic Achievement in Middle School For boys and girls in middle school, fitness predicts reading and math scores
http://www.physiciansbriefing.com/Article.asp?AID=667144

Research: Physical Education and Academic Achievement in Elementary School:
Data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study
http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdf/10.2105/AJPH.2007.117176

Please help me win the Most Fascinating Blog of 2012!! What a great way to help me advocate and promote Physical Education in schools!!!  Thank you in advance!!! Voting starts May 14, 2012 at http://www.accelerated-degree.com/2012-fascination-awards-elementary-teacher-blogs/

WEEK #25

K4 thru 1st grade spent fitness time playing either Manner's Tag or Step Right Up. We then exercised with balloons for the rest of P.E. class. We practiced hand eye coordination by hitting the balloon with one body part, two body parts, and ended with role playing sports. To finish class, we played either Partner Balloon Volley Ball or Manner's Tag.

3rd thru 5th grade spent fitness time playing It's In The Cards. We then discussed the skill cues of rolling, throwing, and offense/defense. We took this information and played a game called Pin Guard. We stopped game play several times to discuss movement concepts and strategies.

7th/8th grade spent the last Physical Education class playing some physical activities and games that they played when they were in elementary school P.E. class. The activities they participated in were Elbow Tag for their fitness time and 4 Square (w/ cage ball). It was great to see the 7th/8th graders enjoying exercise just for the fun of it!!!

WEEK #24

K4 thru 1st grade exercised and manipulated dome cones for exercise. We started class playing Hat Tag (CV). We then took the dome cones and manipulated them in many different ways. Some of these included spinning, flipping, and balancing them. We ended class playing the activity called Builders and Bull Dozers.

2nd grade this week began class playing a cardiovascular activity named Builders and Bull Dozers. They then participated in a Hula Hoop activity called Going for the Gold. To end class, we played a quick game of On and Off the Line.

3rd thru 5th grade this week started class playing Partner Duck, Duck, Goose. It is a great cardiovascular activity. We then discussed and practiced the basic basketball skill of passing (chest and bounce). We then took the skill of passing and used it in a game named Zig Zag.

7th/8th grade began class with skill station review. We had 4 stations of serving, tap ups, tap downs, and circle hit. We then played some more Hit and Go and ended class beginning to play the real game of Pickleball. 

WEEK #23

K4 thru 2nd grade this week participated in fitness time with The Freeze (K4 & K5) and Star Wars (1st & 2nd). We then practiced catching a ball with a glove!! However, we don't have real gloves so we used milk jugs instead. I cut the bottom off of 2 gallon milk cartons and used them as gloves. We manipulated the milk jugs in many different ways. We ended class with a game called Catch A Falling Star.

3rd thru 5th grade this week played Deal or No Deal for their 5 levels of fitness warm-up. We then reviewed the basic basketball shooting cues (BEEF). To practice, we laid down on the floor and practiced keeping our elbows in and snapping our wrists with a partner. To end class, we either played 7-up (3rd & 4th) or Cone Shootout (5th).

7th/8th grade this week played Deal or No Deal for their 5 levels of fitness warm-up. We then started our first day of pickle ball. We went over the rules and cues of serving and practiced this skill. We ended class playing the serving game King and Queen of the Court and Hit & Go.

WEEK #22

K4 this week started class with I See...You See! We then played a cardiovascular activity called Fire & Ice. We ended class playing a game named Dog Catcher.

1st and 2nd grade began class playing a fitness game called Do What I Say-Not What I do! We then went over the cues of underhand rolling and practiced this skill using their own 3 pins. To finish class, we used our skill of underhand rolling to play Ultimate Pinball.

3rd & 4th grade this week spent fitness time participating in an activity called Squirrels In The Trees. We then reviewed the cues of dribbling a ball with the concentration on keeping our head up. To practice this, we used bean bags and dribbling while manipulating the bean bags in creative ways. To end class, we played Dribble Flag Tag, again concentration on keeping our heads up.

7th/8th grade this week spent fitness time with an activity called Switch. It is a great activity to incorporate all five levels of fitness. We then went over the basics of shooting a basketball and I skill checked as they practiced against the wall. We then played Shootout #2 to review and practice these cues.

Fairview Physical Education - Be Heart Healthy!: Fairview Students Exercising!!!

Fairview Physical Education - Be Heart Healthy!: Fairview Students Exercising!!!: KEEP MOVING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  This video was made several years ago. I hope you enjoy it!!!

Mr. B

Fairview Physical Education - Be Heart Healthy!: "An Apple a Day Is Not Enough" is a powerful poem ...

Fairview Physical Education - Be Heart Healthy!: "An Apple a Day Is Not Enough" is a powerful poem ...: "An Apple a Day Is Not Enough" is a powerful poem written and performed by Taylor Mali (a well-known spoken word artist and teacher) about t...

Fairview Physical Education - Be Heart Healthy!: Connection Between the Exercise and Learning - CBS...

Fairview Physical Education - Be Heart Healthy!: Connection Between the Exercise and Learning - CBS...

WEEK #21

K4 thru 1st grade this week finished getting ready for JRFH by jumping rope on their own. They were constantly reminded to turn first and jump second. We then manipulated the jump rope by making letters from the alphabet. We made lower case and capital letters to give us time to catch our breaths. We then finished class with some long rope games called Snake In the Grass, High Fence/Low fence, and Tic Toc.

2nd grade continued learning and practicing long rope tricks. They then played a game called Partner Duck, Duck, Goose where everyone is active. This activity is not at all like the old school game of Duck, Duck, Goose!!! We ended class playing Don't Become a Turtle!! During this game, we focused on NASPE Standard #5.

3rd and 4th grade this week continued with their long rope trick practice for JRFH! We then started our mini basketball unit with the skill of dribbling. We went over the cues and practiced some static and dynamic dribbling. We then finished class playing a classic dribbling game named Knockout.

5th grade also continued their long rope trick practice for JRFH. They started their mini basketball unit, but they started with shooting. As a class, we went over the BEEF concept of shooting (Balance, Elbow In, Eye On Target, and Follow Through). We then peer critiqued each other as we practiced shooting against the wall. We ended class with a cool shooting game called Spot Shot.

7th/8th grade's fitness this week was called Fitness Basketball. We did some dynamic foot and ball handling activities to get ready for class. We then went over the cues for shooting and ended class playing Shoot Out!

WEEK #20

K4 & K5 this week started class with a movement song called Sammy. We then played an activity named Body Parts. This activity is used to practice and learn getting into groups. We finished class playing Shipwreck. I was the captain and they were the crew. The students were given commands and they had to act then out. If they could get to level 10, then they could do the bonus round. This is a fantastic 5 levels of fitness activity!!!

1st grade this week started class with a cardiovascular activity named Partner Duck Duck Goose!! There is no circle with just two kids exercising!! I had the whole class active and they loved it!! We then ended class playing a heart healthy game called Healthy Heart Tag. We learned about the 5 evil things for our heart!!

2nd grade began class finishing to get ready for Jump Rope for Heart by learning and practicing 3 person long rope jumping. We then finished class playing the same activity as the 1st graders (Healthy Heart Tag).

3rd thru 5th grade started class continuing to get ready for JR4H by learning some more partner jump rope tricks and 3 person jumping. Then like 1st and 2nd grade we played Healthy Heart Tag and reviewed the things that are bad for our heart.
-Stress
-Smoking and drugs
-Too much screen time
-Too much body fat
-Not enough exercise

7th/8th grade started getting ready for Hoops 4 Heart by starting their mini basketball unit. We began class with a dynamic basketball warm-up. We then went over the basics of shooting and practiced shooting against the wall. We then ended class playing a game called Shootout!! 

WEEK #19

K4 thru 1st grade this week continued to get ready for JRFH. We started class reviewing and practicing the basic skill of jump roping. We then manipulated the jump ropes by making pictures and letters. We ended class using double dutch ropes and playing Snake in the Grass, High Fence Low Fence, and Cat/Mouse.

2nd grade this week started class getting ready for JRFH and getting some heart healthy cardiovascular exercise by learning some jump rope tricks. They included the bell, ski, straddle, and straddle cross. We then went over offense and defense and ended class playing an activity called Get In There.

3rd & 4th grade this week started with some heart healthy jump roping. We focused on the criss cross trick if they were ready. Otherwise, they practiced and reviewed previous tricks. We also went over the difference between offense and defense and ended class playing the game Hideout or Satellites.

5th grade started class with a quick game of Fitness Tag. We then started getting ready for JRFH. We discusssed the reasons why our school participates in this event. We then went over the basic jump rope cues and praticed our rope jumping skills. To end class, we played a great muscular strength and endurance game called Battleball.

7th/8th grade began their fitness testing this week. We participated in the Pacer Test to evaluate our cardiovascular endurance health. To finish class, we discussed how to be heart healthy.
-Say no to drugs.
-Reduce stress.
-Exercise 60 minutes a day.
-Maintain a healthy body weight.
-Limit screen time.

WEEK #18

K4 thru 2nd grade this week started getting ready for JRFH this week. We started class playing a cardiovascular endurance activity called Tail Tag. We then took the jump rope and did some goofy manipulation. We made hair, a beard, earring, pony tail, elephant ear, phone, karate belt, and dress tie. We then started learning how to jump rope. We first practiced jumping and then turning the rope. We then put both together and tried our best to jump rope. To end class, we played Tail Tag one more time.

3rd thru 5th grade continued to finish up their Fitnessgram tests. This week we warmed-up with an activity called Meet In The Middle. Warm muscles stretch better!!! We then did our sit & reach fitness test. We then played Satellite to get some cardiovascular exercise. To finish class, we discussed why being flexible is important.

7th/8th this week used jump ropes and resistance bands for their fitness time. We then started our Hockey Unit. We went over the grip, the push pass, and dribble to cover the movement standard. To end class, we played an activity called Got Cha, a great cardiovascular activity as well as skill development.

WEEK #17

K4 & K5 started class with a fitness warm-up called Same & Different. We then played Fitness Tag where we reviewed the primary job of our muscles. They protect our body, move our body, and help us lift, pull, and carry things. To end class, we participated is some creative relay races. Here the students learned how to take turns, have good sportsmanship, and to enjoy moving our bodies.

1st & 2nd grade started class with Fitness Puzzles. Here the students had the opportunity to work as a team to put together 5 levels of fitness exercise puzzles. We then finished class with an activity named Cookie Monster. This activity allowed the students to practice and develop their spatial awareness skills.

3rd through 5th grade this week had the opportunity to finish their 5 levels of fitness Fitnessgram tests. Either the Curl-up or Pacer test was performed.  We then finished class playing either Battle Ball or Chaos. One was a muscular strength/endurance activity and the other was a cardiovascular activity.

7th/8th grade started class getting ready for their Fitnessgram tests with Medicine Ball Fitness. We then discussed and reviewed the NASPE standard of sportsmanship and then played Satellite to demonstrate this.   

WEEK #16

K4 thru 7th/8th grade this week participated in a skill review/fitness station course. Various skills and fitness equipment were used to give the students an opportunity to review and develop their skills and fitness levels.

May all the students of Fairview School have a wonderful Holiday Break!! Have a Healthy Holiday!! Balance is the key!!