WEEK# 35

K4 this week reviewed their locomotor skills with an activity called High Five. We then participated in an activity called Treasure Hunt where the kids had to search for the hidden treasure that was placed all over the gym!!! K5 this week warmed-up with an activity named Body Parts. In preparation for our school having a going green day, we exercised with plastic bags. We discussed ways of reusing things that we use every day and we exercised with them. We made balls, a parachute, a rocket ship, and finished class playing Keep It Up and Plastic Bag Tag. At the end of the class, I reminded the students to never play with a plastic bag by themselves. They should always have an adult around to watch them for safety.

1st grade this week went outside for gym. We got our five levels of fitness exercise with an activity called Math War. We then participated in an activity called Two Base Kickball. This is not like your typical kickball game. You play the activity with two bases and three people. This allows for more participation and skill development.

2nd grade this week spent the day doing cooperative activities!!! We played a game called Same & Different. We then discussed what teamwork means and what it looks like, sounds like, and feels like. The activities where we practiced teamwork were Transformers and Partner Pick Up.

3rd thru 5th grade this week got their five levels of fitness in with an activity called Poppers (you use cut up noodles). We then talked about and learned how to strike with a long handle implement. We used baseball bats and tees to development this skill. We finished class playing the game 2-Base Baseball.

7th/8th grade this week continued with their softball/baseball unit. This week we practiced the skill of the underhand softball throw. We also reviewed fielding (pop-ups, fly balls, just catching, and grounders). We finished class with some hitting practice. The students had the opportunity to choose the way they wanted to hit, either with a tee, self toss, or being pitched to.

WEEK# 34

K4 this week warmed up with an activity called Same & Different. We then participated in a game called Dead Bug. Here the students developed their chasing and fleeing skills. We also practiced using our manners when someone helped us. We finished class manipulating different pieces of equipment in relay races. At the end of class, we discussed how we just don't exercise our hearts but we also exercise our body's muscle system.

1st grade this week got their five levels of fitness in with an activity called Transforming. Here we played rock, paper, scissor and the winner got to transform from egg, to chicken, to dinosaur, and last to super hero. We finished class discussing the concept of teamwork. We talked about what it looks like, sounds like, and feels like. We practiced this important lifelong skill with an activity called Partner Pick-up!

3rd grade this week got their five levels of fitness in with an activity called Poppers. We then discussed why we have Physical Education class (to learn how to use our bodies). The skill we discussed and practiced this week was striking with implements. We practiced hitting with baseball tees. We discussed other activities striking activities and how these activities develop hand-eye coordination.

4th & 5th grade this week needed the whole class to participate in the activity called Finding the Solution to Heart Disease! I had it published in the Great Activities Newspaper in Volume 27, number 1, Issue #131, in September/October, 2008! Here the students are given a Google map of the Fairview Property. They must use the map, a pedometer, and their partner to run around outside the school looking for the clues to find the answer.

6th grade this week took a little break from units to have a Fun Fitness and Exercise Day. Here I had the students participate in cooperative activities to get in their exercise this week. We played a warm-up called The Turkey Dance (Not really a dance). We then played a whole group activity called People-To-People and a small group activity called Partner Pick-up.
7th & 8th grade this started their final unit of the year softball. We used the resistance bands this week for our warm-up and took our softball pre-test. We discussed the ways to field a ball and finished class developing our fielding skills. We practiced taking grounders and fly balls in various ways.

WEEK #33

1st grade this week practiced the skill of catching. We discussed why, where, and when we would use the skill of catching. Our five levels of fitness warm-up was a tag game called Wipeout. We used the song from the group The Safari's and practiced our listening skills during the activity. After Wipeout, we practiced catching a variety of objects. I placed beach balls, footballs, a foam die, a noodle, etc. into hula hoops on the ground. The students paired up and practiced catching the various objects. Then they would switch on command. We finished class playing a catching activity called It's Raining Cats and Dogs!!!!

3rd grade this week continued with their team building unit. For our five levels of fitness warm-up we played an activity named Bumper Cars!! After that, we discussed the word of the day. This weeks word was Teamwork! We spent time discussing the meaning. The rest of the class time was devoted to challenging the students in Teamwork activities. These activities were Musical Hoops & Loop the Hoop.
4th & 5th grade this week also continued with their team building unit. Their five levels of fitness activity was called the Turkey Dance. It's not really a dance!! We discussed the word of the day which was Problem Solving!! We then spent time discussing the meaning and what it looks like, sounds like, and feels like. The activity we used to practice this word was an activity called Maze. They needed to help their group members out of a pretend building.

7th & 8th grade this week finished up their Badminton unit. This week we practiced and developed our serving and smashing skills. We used skill stations to get in our five levels of fitness warm-ups. The rest of the class was used to start game play. The students really had a blast during this unit.

WEEK #32

K4 this week exercised with plastic bags. We started class playing a warm-up game called Body Parts (moving in general space). We then made the plastic bags into balls, parachutes, rockets, and ended class with an activity called Bag Tag! At the end of the lesson, we discussed as a class about safety and how you should not play with plastic bags without an adult watching!!

K5 this week got their exercise by playing with plastic eggs. We started class with a song called Bean Bag Boogies. We then manipulated the plastic eggs many different ways. We balanced them, spun them, and also did spin pick-up. We ended class playing an activity called Empty My Basket!!

1st grade this week got their five levels of fitness in by playing Wipeout Tag. We played this to the song Wipeout by the Safari. We then went over the skill of catching. We practiced catching many different objects of many different sizes and shapes. We finished class with the activity called It's Raining Cats and Dogs.

2nd grade this week got their five levels of fitness in by playing the Fitness Wheel. The next activity we participated in was the game called Star Wars. I played the Star Wars theme song while we used foam noodles and had a star wars battle. We finished class with an activity called Memory Match. Here we had to use our math skills.
3rd grade this week continued their cooperative unit. We started class with a group activity called Bumper Cars. We discussed the word of the day, which was Team Work (A group of people working together to accomplish a goal). The activities we used to practice this concept were Musical Hoop and Loop the Hoop.

4th grade this week also continued with their cooperative unit. At the beginning of class, we played a noodle game called Poppers. We then talked about the word of the day, Trust. We practiced this concept with activities called People-to-People and Partner Pick-up.

6th grade this week finished up their volleyball unit. Our warm-up this week was a skill review warm-up. We had four stations set up where the students reviewed bumping, setting, and the underhand & overhand serves. We ended class playing volleyball and discussing scoring and rotating.

7th/8th grade this week continued learning and developing their hand-eye coordination & long handle implement skills. This week we got our five levels of fitness in by playing the noodle game Poppers. We then practiced some basic striking skills. We finished class playing Hit & Go and Small Sided Badminton.

WEEK #31

K4 this week got a chance to go outside for Physical Education class. We began class with a listening activity called On the Whistle. We also got a chance during this activity to review our locomotor skills (hopping, skipping, jumping, galloping, sliding, etc.). We finished class with an activity called Dog Catcher. Here the students got a chance to learn and practice the skills of chasing and fleeing with the concept of changing directions (agility).

1st grade's five level of fitness warm-up this week was called Fitness Wheel. We used a stack of Uno cards and the Fitness wheel to participate in some goofy and wacky exercises. One example is swing like a monkey and sing a song. We then played a game called Stars Wars where we used noodles to pretend we were star wars characters. We even used Star Wars Music!!! To finish up class we talked about how exercise can help with your school work and we participated in a game called Memory Match. The kids had a blast this week!!
3rd & 4th grade this week started their team building unit. We discussed what the key elements to a good team are and used some physical activities to practice these elements. Each week we will have a Word of the Day. We will define the word, show examples of it, and practice it. The activities this week were Rock, Paper, and Scissors Tournament, Connecting Eyes, and Cooperative Shoe Tie. The word of the day was communication (verbal & non-verbal)!!! The students did a fantastic job!!


5th grade this week also started their team building unit however they are preparing for a field trip to Potters Forest, a Ropes and Challenge course! This week we discussed the conduct contract and the no put down rule!!! The activities we participated in after we got done with the grounds rules were Count Off and Connecting Eyes. Fifth grade will also have the word of the day each week.

6th grade this week continued their volleyball unit. This week we warmed up with a cardiovascular activity called Poppers. We used cut up noodles to discuss hand-eye coordination and cardiovascular endurance. After the five levels of fitness warm-up, we went over bumping and setting cues and activities. We finished up class with Mini Volleyball.

7th/8th grade this week continued with their badminton unit. This week we focused on the forehand and backhand striking skills. Our fitness warm-up was a cardiovascular and hand-eye coordination game called Poppers (I used thick noodle chips and cut them in half). We finished class with two activities called 2-on-2 Knockout and Hit & Go!

WEEK #30

1st grade this week participated in the same lesson as the first graders during week #29. They celebrated Easter by playing the games Egg Fitness, Smash the Egg, and Scrambled Eggs. At the end, every child was given an egg to take home with a small treat inside. Also, a nice message was written on their eggs.

4th grade this week started their Team Building unit. This week we discussed the no put downs rule and about the challenge by choice rule!!! We started class with a five levels of fitness warm-up called Bumper Cars. We then discussed the word teamwork and played two activities called Musical Hoops and Hoop the Hula Hoop. We had a great time!!!

7th/8th grade this week finished up some of their community building activities and started the first day of their Badminton Unit. This week emphasized birdie and racket orientation. We discussed the difference between forehand and backhand and participated in some basic striking drills. We finished class playing the activity called Keep it Up where the students had to demonstrate control hitting.

WEEK #29

K4 celebrated Easter by exercising with plastic Easter eggs. That's right plastic Easter eggs!!! We started class with a movement song called Bean Bag Boogie, but pretended it said Easter Egg Boogie!! After that, we manipulated the plastic eggs by balancing the eggs, spinning the eggs, and doing some tricks with poly spots and the plastic eggs. At the end of the lesson, we played a game called Fill My Basket where we learned the concept of sharing!!

K5 this week had to take gym outside because of Fairview's annual Science Fair. We headed outside in the cold and warmed up with an activity called On The Whistle. This activity allowed us to practice our listening skills, as well as, our locomotor skills of hopping, skipping, etc. We finished class playing a game called Dog Catcher. This a game that allows the students to learn how to change directions in open space (dodging). We also learned and practiced the skill of sportsmanship. When someone gets tagged, we always say better luck next time!

1st grade this week also celebrated Easter. We started class with an activity named Egg Fitness. Plastic Eggs with exercises and healthy messages inside them were scattered throughout the gym. The students then by themselves or with a friend helper opened the eggs and performed the exercise. Next we played the game called Smash the Egg. Here students had to take their bean bag and try to catch someone by sliding the bean bag (Egg) at each others feet. Anybody can get anybody. We then finished class with an activity called Scrambled Eggs. This is a game that really helps learn the skill of underhand throwing. The kids tried not to go to the Easter Basket!!!

3rd grade this week took a break from units. Here at Fairview, I teach the kids that you don't have to play team sports to get exercise. Exercise is for everyone. So this week the 3rd graders also celebrated Easter by playing Egg Fitness and Smash the Egg. They ended class with an activity called Try to Catch the Bunny that practiced the physical skill of rolling, overhand throwing, jumping, and dodging.

4th and 5th grade this week used their volleyballs for their five levels of fitness warm-up. We did some modified volleyball sit-ups and push-ups and go's. We then learned the why and how of underhand serving. We ended class playing the game called Bombs Away where we had to use our newly learned skill of underhand serving.

6th grade this week reviewed the volleyball skill of overhand serving and played the game called Dead Fish for the second week in a row!! However, this week we increased the difficulty by adding hula hoops all over the court. The reason for this is because we were really trying to focus on the skill of serving for accuracy!! Our five levels of fitness activity was done with medicine balls. We did partner static push-ups alternating with squat ball jumps!!

7th/8th grade this week started a new quarter. The fourth and final quarter of the year!! The first day we went over class expectations along with some community building activities called Who Am I, Good Morning Nice to Meet You, and Hog Call. The second day we started our badminton unit. Here we started with basic birdie and racket orientation activities and finished with the activity called Keep It Up!!!

WEEK #28

K4 this week warmed up with an activity called Five Noses. We had the opportunity to practice our locomotor skills of hopping, jumping, skipping, galloping, and sliding. We then celebrated St. Patricks day by practicing the skills of underhand throwing and playing a game called Pot of Gold.
1st grade this week exercised with balloons. We warmed up with a cardiovascular and sharing activity called Balloon Tag. We manipulated the balloons in many different ways. At the end of class, we played Partner Volleyball where we practiced and improved our hand eye coordination.

2nd grade celebrated Easter early this week because they won't be able to have physical education class next week because of a program! We started class playing Egg Fitness (this is where I use plastic Easter eggs and fill them with pieces of paper with exercises and healthy messages inside). After that we played Rotten Eggs. We ended class with an activity called Srambled Egg The main skills practiced this week were dodging and fleeing, as well as, the underhand swing motion.

4th grade grade this week warmed up by playing an activity called Smoking Tag. Since smoking is one of the five risk factors for heart disease, we reviewed why we shouldn't smoke and played a game to reinforce it. We then started our volleyball unit where we learned and practiced the skill of bumping. We ended class playing the game called Alphabet.

3rd & 5th grade this week continued their volleyball unit. We warmed up this week playing an activity called Smoking Tag. Since smoking is one of the five risk factors of heart disease, we reviewed why we shouldn't smoke and played the game to reinforce it. Next, we went over the skill of bumping and finished class playing a game called Mini Volleyball with badminton nets.


6th grade this week reviewed the five levels of fitness with an activity called Volleyball Fitness. I would call off a level of fitness and the leader of the row would demonstrate an activity that their row had to copy to show understanding. We then started our 1st day of volleyball and started with the skill of serving!!! We finished class with an activity called Go Fish, a great serving for accuracy activity.

7th & 8th grade this week finished up the 3rd quarter by playing hockey. We were able to use our carrying, dribbling, wrist shot, and slap shot skills. We focused on teamwork!!

WEEK #27

K4 this week had the opportunity to exercise by manipulating balloons. We played balloon tag, as well as, practiced our coordination skills by striking the balloon with various body parts. We ended class by participating in an activity called Keep It Up!!
K5 thru 2nd grade this week celebrated St. Patricks Day by learning and practicing how to throwing underhand!!! Our five levels of fitness warm-up was the Animal Action song for k5 & Smoking Tag for 1st/2nd grade. We then practiced the skill of underhand throwing with partners and hula hoops. I hung Hula Hoops all over the gym walls and the students were able to pick any level they wanted to throw into. We ended class playing an under hand throwing activity called Pot of Gold!!

3rd grade this week continued with their volleyball unit. They reviewed the skill of setting and then began to learn the skill of bumping. We ended class with a game called Mini Volleyball where we played volleyball on badminton courts with badminton nets.

6th grade just finished their bowling unit and we decided to have a games day before we start our new unit. But that didn't mean we were not going to learn anything. Our warm up this week focused on one of the 7 levels of skill related fitness. We focused on reaction time and played an activity where we tested our reaction time. The activities were called Snatch It and T or F Tag. We finished class playing a rolling activity called Fire Fighter.

7/8th grade this week is ending their last few days of third quarter with some team building activities. We talked about verbal and nonverbal communication as we participated in activities called Snatch It, Here or There, Maze, and Cage Ball Soccer.