PE
PHANTASTIC PHYSICAL EDUCATION
What is physical education? That’s a good question! Physical education has changed greatly since you were in elementary school. My main stress and focus is for ALL students to be actively participating 99.9% of the time. I try to make each class as exciting and educational as possible. I try to create an environment where ALL kids can be successful regardless of their skill level.
The Seattle Public Schools have adopted a PE curriculum; 5 for Life! This curriculum stresses the 5 components of Fitness: Cardiorespiratory Endurance, Flexibility, Muscular Endurance, Muscular Strength and Body Composition. All the students learn about these concepts through fun PE games and activities. The 3rd-5th graders take a written pre and post test to see if they understand these concepts. The 3rd-5th graders take Fitness tests in September in all 5 fitness components. Mile run (cardiorespiratory endurance); Sit and Reach (flexibility); Curl Ups (muscular endurance), Push Ups (muscular strength), and Height/Weight (body composition) will be assessed. They will work hard all year getting their bodies strong and healthy. Post testing will take place in May or June to see how much they have improved.
I always start off the year with my expectations so that the students will
know what is expected of them. I also heavily stress positive social skills through various fun games and activities. I integrate many subjects into my physical education classes – reading, math, health, nutrition, science, history, current events, etc. I begin many of the classes with Yoga. Yoga allows the children to work on flexibility, strength and relaxation. It helps them to transition from the classroom to the gym or field. I’ve been incorporating “S’cool Moves” with K-2. These are patterns and poses that help turn the brain on.
PUT UPS ONLY
UP WITH PUT UPS. Down with put-downs.
Put ups are words or actions that people say or do to make others feel good. Put downs make others feel sad. Put downs are not allowed in the gym.
PUT UPS ONLY
I stress cooperation over competition. With the older students I teach appropriate competition, especially with oneself. We discuss the importance of striving to improve their skills and supporting others in reaching their goals. Learning to work together is a main focus in physical education.
“ Try your hardest and never give up”, is our motto.
Everyone can be a WINNER!
Physical education at the elementary level focuses on learning about how our bodies work and having lots of time to learn and practice skills. The younger students work on basic locomotor skills, spatial awareness, eye-hand/foot coordination, fitness and more. The older students are introduced to a variety of sports and activities to reinforce spatial awareness, eye-hand/coordination, fitness, etc.
They also experience problem solving and team building activities. I include discussions about muscles, bones, the heart and lungs, safety, health and nutrition.
My expectations for my students are that they be able to demonstrate:
Perseverance: Always try and never give up!
Risk Taking: Out of your comfort zone! A new activity. Partnering with someone you’ve never been partners with. Etc.
Making Connections: How does physical education connect with other subjects? Making connections with classmates.
Cooperation: Working positively and supportively with others.
Quality Movement: Doing your best!
I could go on and on and on … but I’d rather you ask your children what they learn in physical education class. Let them demonstrate the skills to you. To become physically educated and physically fit, children and adults must exercise and practice skills. Encourage your child to exercise. Exercise with them!!
“IF YOU DON’T TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY, WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO LIVE?”
I discuss with my students activities that can be done at home. Ask them! I sometimes send home written homework assignments. Some of these assignments are mandatory and are part of their PE evaluation.
If your child is sick or injured, please send a note letting me know the restrictions. I will try and adapt each activity to fit all students.
If your child doesn’t know how to tie shoes yet, please help him/her learn.
Please try to remember to have your child(ren) wear SAFE shoes and SAFE clothing when they come to school. Long hair tied back, please.
Please feel free to visit the gym at any time! If you have questions
about physical education, send a note, an email or call! Volunteers frequently needed!
Exercisingly yours,
Joanie Mass
McGilvra Elementary
252-3194
Physical Education Motto:
No Child Left ON THEIR Behind!
No child left waiting in a line!