"Physical Education is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body; it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity." John F. Kennedy.
Before Thanksgiving break, we completed creative dance unit for all grades. Please ask your child to show you some of the creative dance moves they learned. This week we did a short unit on Fitness. This was to introduce your child to the four health-related physical fitness components including cardio-respiratory endurance or strong heart/lungs, muscle strength or strong muscles, flexibility or stretching and body composition. The objective was to have students understand the four components and be able to identify and/or do exercises that will improve each fitness component throughout their lifetime.
Starting in December, grades k-1 will start a Gymnastic unit and grades 2-4 will begin a basketball unit. Gymnastics activities are an important component of children's experiences in physical education. Balance, stunts and introductory tumbling activities are closely related. Stunts are primarily designed to increase abilities such as balance, coordination, flexibility, agility and strength. Tumbling, at beginning level, involves various types of body rolls and inverted balances that encourage the development of these same attributes. In addition to these elements of physical fitness, children learn important personal lessons including self-confidence, initiative, social skills (sharing, taking turns, courtesy, and respect for others).
Basketball is a great activity for elementary students, and it is taught and played in all types of settings. Basketball involves a variety of skills that may be practiced individually, in pairs, or with groups. In this unit, we have planned activities for students to practice and develop fundamental skills required for successful game play. Activities in this unit follow a high-activity, skill progression which can be adapted for a variety of skill levels. Aligned with the Physical Education Content and Performance National Standards, activities are designed to include and challenge all students physical skills, while maintaining enjoyable, health-promoting, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during class.
If we can be of help, please feel free to call us at school 225-8264. Or e-mail us at either emmanuelr@mpsvt.org or mariej@mpsvt.org. Also feel free to check our blog: uesfitnessforlife.blogspot.com
Thank you for your support at home!
“Healthy kids make better students. Better students make healthy communities.”
