Grades 3-5: This week, we begin our spring round of the Mile Run test
and AMAP (see below for information). For grades 3-5, "The
Mile" is part of our FitnessGram testing. Any student grades 3-5 not
finishing or not participating in the mile test during regularly schedule PE
class will either make the test up during another PE class or during lunch
recess (fifth graders makeups are almost always during recess because of
scheduling). Students are encouraged to take a speedwalk break as needed,
to be safe, pace themselves, and try their very best during this activity.
Almost ALL students are physically able to do the mile in less than 20
minutes, even if walking the whole way. We can do it!! This year, I added
music -- bringing the wireless speaker and iPod outside. This makes the
atmosphere more fun for students! Additionally, I run a stopwatch app on
my phone during the test, and set this on the rolling cart. This way,
students can be checking their times at each lap. (See photo below of the
stopwatch!)
I truly strive to make The Mile fun and focus on
best effort, intentionally NOT making the test a high pressure,
anxiety-producing experience for students. Just like everything at
school, each student approaches the mile run differently, with a different fitness
level, amount of sleep the night before, different breakfast/lunch/food before
the test, emotional status, effort level, etc. I only ask that students
give their best effort when we test!
For more information about Fitness Testing,
check out my other blog posts about this topic, including this one from last
spring: http://haisleyphysicaleducation.blogspot.com/2015/05/pe-weeks-of-54-and-511.html
All grades -- AMAP: AMAP stands for As Many As Possible. I found this idea
on a PE blog, and have used it this week! Classes compete to see who can
get the most laps per student. Students hold a piece of paper and get a
mark each time they go around. I total these laps and divide by the
number of class participants, and that's the magic number (laps per student)!!
Kindergarten and young fives have not participated in this yet -- but
will in the next few weeks.
For some classes, we used the mile run bubble
sheets for AMAP. For other classes, we used scrap paper (no names needed
since total laps are divided by the total number of runners!).
Grade 2: Second graders experience a practice of the mile run
test during PE in the spring. This helps students know what the mile run
test looks, feels, and sounds like -- before third grade. I tell second
grade students if they don't finish a mile during our time, it's okay - just
try your best, and this is a practice! Second graders are also participating
in AMAP. =)
Grade 1: First graders do a half mile timed test, and also AMAP.
During our AMAP time, many students have completed more than one mile!!
Grade Y5 and K: Young Fives and kindergarteners experienced "Sidewalk Track
101". We talk about how the sidewalk track is the area around the
"big kid" playground. The sidewalk track is used for our school
Walk-a-Thon, and for mile testing starting in third grade (and spring second
graders). We discuss basic expectations before going outside: keep
moving, hands/body to yourself, stay on the sidewalk, and listen for the
whistle/megaphone for directions. Then we take a walk around the sidewalk
track all together. We stop at different points around the track to talk
about expectations. Then, students are allowed to do 1-2 laps (time
permitting) around the track at their own pace (speedwalking/jogging/running).
Y5 and K will do AMAP in the coming weeks.