We returned from our December break to discover the gym floor was refinished! Shiny and ready for the PACER test. :) So, we've started the PACER test - along with other fitness testing items. This year, my goal is to finish our second round of fitness testing (except for the mile run, of course!) while we're inside the gym during winter months. Springtime, approaching Walk-a-Thon, we'll prepare for our second mile run testing of the year.
The PACER stands for Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run. Students run back and forth between two lines, 15 meters apart. They have to make it to the line on or before the music beeps. The beeps begin farther apart, and slowly get closer together -- making the students keep "pace" with the beeps. A student gets one warning, and then if they're late to the line a second time, their test is over. The test is, at most, 6 minutes 30 seconds or less for most students (only fifth grade could possibly go as long as 6:30). Students are encouraged to push themselves to score their best, but also reminded that their safety and well-being is the most important thing. They can stop the test at any time.
For grades Y5, K, and 1, I set out colored cones to help students stay running on a straight line. Y5 and K don't have recorded scores for the PACER test, but they participate to learn how the test feels, looks, and sounds. First through fifth grades do have recorded scores for the PACER test. I stop first grade at 20 laps, second at 30 laps, third at 40, fourth at 50, and fifth at 60. These upper lap limits are for student safety, and also in the interest of time. All of those scores are well above the lower threshold for the healthy fitness zone for age.
See these previous posts about Fitness Testing for more information. :) Also, the FitnessGram website has a wealth of information.
Here is a first grade class ready to start the PACER test. Students have a colored cone that is their target, right behind each line they have to touch. This encourages running in a straight line -- to save energy, and also to stay out of other students' running paths.
