Thursday, November 8, 2012

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.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

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!!!

Monday, August 13, 2012

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

Thursday, May 10, 2012

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/
Accelerated Degree Programs

Sunday, April 15, 2012

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.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

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!

Sunday, February 26, 2012

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!! 

Sunday, February 12, 2012

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.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

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.   

Sunday, January 1, 2012

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!! 

WEEK #15

K4 & K5 started class using Uno Cards to play a spin wheel game called Uno Fitness! We discussed what fitness means and why it's important for our bodies and mind. We then used plastic bags and manipulated them in many different ways. We used them to develop movement skills as well as creative movement development. We ended class playing an activity called Bag Flag Tag.
2nd grade this week started class using Uno Cards to play an activity called Uno Fitness. We then reviewed why fitness is important for the body and mind. We then used swimming noodles and played Leaning Tower of Noodles, Jump The Noodle, and Noodle Juggle. We ended class playing a quick CV activity called Mosquito Tag.
3rd thru 5th grade began class playing an activity called Energy In and Energy Out where we discussed what calories are and how they affect weight management. We then finished class with an activity called Battleship. This game was used to reinforce movement concepts and strategy.

7th and 8th grade this week played Sumo Wrestling and Dagger. They also used medicine balls to develop their muscular strength and endurance. We then continued to discuss NASPE Standard #5 and played Satelites to develop those characteristics.

WEEK #14

K4 started class with a CV song called The Jumping Jack Song. We then used plastic candy canes to practice the skill of striking. We used deck rings to learn striking and dribbling skills. We finished class playing a striking activity named Got Cha!!

K5 thru 2nd grade began class with a CV activity called Toilet Tag. The cues of bouncing and dribbling were dicussed and reviewed. We then took mini red balls to practice these skills. To finish class, we played a game called Whack A Mole!!!
3rd & 4th grade played The Turkey Dance for their fitness time. This game helps us develop our muscular strength and endurance. We then played Battleship where we discussed, practiced, and learned about movement concepts and strategies!!
7th & 8th grade finally will have Physical Education. This week started the beginning of PE for the 2nd Trimester. This week we went over grading and the class expectations. We also went over PE Standard 5: Exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others in physical activity settings and what it means and looks like. We then played Battleship to practice this standard.

WEEK #13

K4 & K5 started class with a heart healthy song called The Jumping Jack. We then used plastic candy canes to practice the concept of striking an object with another object. We had to use our imagination and we pretended to be hockey players. We learned and practiced dribbling stationary, as well as, dynamic. We also got the chance to see how far we could make our deck rings go by striking them safely!! The class ended by playing a pretend game of Driving to Grandma's House for the Holidays.
1st & 2nd grade participated in a cardiovascular activity called Knockout! We then got the opportunity to use big boy hockey sticks to practice the skill of striking. We learned the proper grip, the skill of dribbling (static and dynamic), and actual striking. We did all of this with gator balls. To finish class, we played a game called The Fox & The Hound!!
3rd thru 5th grade began class playing a fitness game called Same & Different. We then participated in an activity called Battleship where we focused on the concepts of offense and defense.

6th grade was very, very sad. This was their last week of Physical Education for the rest of the year. What a shame!! Healthy students learn better. How are we going to raise the next generation to be life long movers if they can't have physical activity in school for the whole year!! Anyway, this week we started class with the fitness game named Energy In & Energy. This game uses the concept of energy balance!! To finish class, we played the real game of Badminton.