Friday, October 9, 2015

Week of October 5, 2015

Here's a brief recap of the week of October 5, 2015.

Y5-5th grade PE:  Hula Hoops!!  We continued exploring with Hula Hoops.  Younger students continued exploration tasks and challenges with the hoops, and some classes had some partner time to try rolling the hoop to a partner.  Older students had more advanced tasks with the hoops, including partner rolling and backspin hoop tasks.

5th graders roll the hoop to partners

5th graders have choice time at squad seats

Strong Soldiers:  One of our warm up exercises we use throughout the year for all grade levels is ABC Strong Soldiers.  For this exercise, students go into high plank (hands and toes on the floor, push-up position).  Then, students pick up one hand and touch the opposite elbow or chest with that hand.  Then do the same with the other hand, alternating.  The ABC part is how we often count - students say one letter of the alphabet with each touch of their hand, ending on Z.  This exercise help build core muscles, along with upper body strength.  It is a lead-up to push-ups.  If a student struggles with holding high plank, they can walk their feet in closer to their hands (allowing legs to help support the body).  

Kindergarteners working on Strong Soldiers
1st grade Health:  We concluded our Social and Emotional health unit with discussion of a decision making model, WIN.  This model uses a step-by-step approach to making decisions.  We went over some basic decision-making scenarios as a group using the model.  

W:  What happened, or what is the situation.  Think about what is going on.  
I:  Ideas to choose from (options for what to do).  Consider options that are safe, realistic, and match your values.  
N:  Now, Act!   Choose the best option for you and take action.  

Our next health unit will be physical activity and nutrition!