Upcoming Races!!

It's fall....the colors are GORGEOUS, the weather is crisp....perfect for a run or walk!!  Many MANY events out there....Check out this site for races!!  Below are races I plan to participate in.

Wicked 10K:  Plymouth, Michigan
Rick's Run:  Ann Arbor, MI-  In honor of AAPS PE teacher Rick Dekeon.
Turkey Trot:  Detroit, MI  (I'm not sure which distance yet, 5K or 10K)

If you're participating in these or other events, let me know and we can try to connect on race day!!!

In-School Bowling

We have the privilege of a program called Bowler's Ed.  The program brings 6 carpet bowling lanes, indoor-safe practice bowling balls, and 6 sets of pins.  For one half day, two bowling experts instruct students on bowling basics.  Then, we continue using the equipment for two weeks of bowling activities.  At the conclusion of the two week loan period, students receive coupons for bowling at Bel-Mark Lanes.  This program is possible through their partnership with Bowler's Ed.

All students will be experiencing the bowling program - fundamentals, practice, and game time.  This includes our special needs classes, as well as our young fives students!!  We are so excited for this program, and the first day was a great success.  Thank you to Phil Goodman, Bowler's Ed, and Bel-Mark Lanes!!!

Bowling lanes, all ready for our first class!!  

Bowling experts teaching basics to a fifth grade class

Bowlers, line judges, and pin setters rotate through practice shots and tournament play.

Hula Hoops

When most people think about hula hoops, they often think of hula hooping around the waist.  There are so many more activities to do with this amazing piece of equipment!  We work with space and body awareness (example:  stand behind the hula hoop, hop inside the hula hoop on your left foot), basic locomotor skills, and much more during these lessons.

One of the most exciting activities for students is spinning the hula hoop.  Students spin the hoop, leave it spinning, and challenge themselves to touch one wall.  They hustle back to their hoop to try to catch it before it is flat on the floor.  Students are moving in all different directions, so safety is important.  Reminders about personal space and watching out for others are always given immediately before this activity.  They love it and I love to see them succeed!!

Students at squad seats, in personal space, experimenting with the hoops.  

Spinning the hoops in place.  

More activities we enjoyed include using the hoop as a jump rope, bridges/balances over the hoops, and holding the hoops in different ways.  Hula hooping around arms or ankles are also fun to try!!

PE/Humanities - Health!!

First grade and kindergarten students have been working hard during their PE/Humanities - Health time in the gym.  We have been learning about social/emotional health, including how to have positive relationships with others, and learning about feelings.

First grade students illustrated how they are good helpers at home and at school.  Kindergarten students created a coupon booklet for a special adult at home.  Each coupon can be redeemed for a job around the house, such as making a bed or helping with laundry.

First grade students illustrating how they help others at home and at school.  

Fitness Testing

We have (mostly) concluded our fall "pre-test" fitness testing.  We'll test again in the spring!!  Below is a photo of the curl-up testing.

The tape on the mat marks how far the students are to curl up -- sliding their fingertips from the beginning of the tape to the end on each curl-up.  An audio track from my computer counts out the pace.  Just for fun, we named the man who counts the pace on the track "Walter".

To set up, students bend their knees over the tape and line up their fingertips with the start of the tape.  Then, they use their abdominal muscles (abs, tummy muscles) to curl up their upper body, sliding their fingers along the tape until they feel the end of the tape.  The tape is wider for upper elementary, and less wide for lower elementary.