Physical Education February Newsletter!

This year has been off to a great start in Physical Education Class. The younger grades (K-1) just completed a unit on striking, volleying and dribbling. While the upper grades focused on juggling skills using a wide-variety of materials.  Students in grades k-1 were able to apply the striking, volleying and dribbling skills that they practiced in PE class to the sports of hockey, baseball, tennis, volleyball and basketball. Our goal was that students will be able to manipulate an object with control and strike an object with a mature striking pattern. While grades 2-4  focused primarily on juggling one, two or three pieces of equipment. They also created a routine to perform in front of their peers.  We were looking for creativity, and wanted students to be able to work cooperatively in developing, practicing and performing their routines.

February is heart-health month, and on record, February in Vermont is the snowiest month.  The snow opens up numerous possibilities for physical education that are only available in the winter.  Some popular activities that students will explore during PE class this coming month include; snowshoeing, indoor snowboarding and outdoor cooperative activities.

Winter outdoor fun ties in with our instruction on heart rate, cardiorespiratory endurance as well as locomotor movements.  Snowshoeing is an intense cardiorespiratory activity that reinforces proper walking form.  It requires individuals to pick up their feet rather than shuffling and to have a high knee drive when running.  Students will need to be able to work cooperatively with others. We also look for students to exhibit responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others.

Union Elementary School will be having our school-wide and award winning “Jump Rope for Heart” activities in the gym during the month of March. More information about this event will be sent out soon.

If we can be of help, please feel to call us at school 225-8264. Or e-mail us at either emmanuelr@mpsvt.org or mj@mpsvt.org. Feel free to check our blog: uesfitnessforlife.blogspot.com

Thank you very much for your support at home!

Sincerely,

Emmanuel Riby-Williams and M. Jennings