We use a metal box with a slider to measure how far students can stretch. Students set up their body straight in front of the box, feet flat on the box. Then, one knee up, and students reach three times with both hands. They have to keep their straight leg straight while reaching. Then, they switch: other knee up, other leg straight. This method of testing (with one knee up, then switch) is designed to a) protect students' back and b) identify flexibility differences between legs.
Curl-Ups Test
Curl-ups, rather than full sit-ups, are used to measure abdominal muscle strength and endurance. A measuring strip is used on the mat. This measuring strip helps students know how far they need to curl up, and is an attempt to make the curl-up more uniform for all students testing. I use tape on the mats to mark out the measuring strip distance (for grades 3-5, the measuring strip is wider than for grades K-2). As students curl-up using their abdominal muscles, they feel with their fingers along the measuring strip. When they reach the other edge of the tape with their fingers, they can lower themselves back down. There is also an audio track that plays during this test, setting the pace for the curl-ups. If students fall behind the pace, or break form, they are allowed one warning. Another break in form or another pace warning ends their test.
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| Students completing the curl-up test. A scoring partner watches for form, pace, and writes down the testing student's score. Six students test at once, so I can also watch student form and pace. |
