Soccer Unit Starts October 27th!

This week we are beginning our soccer unit at Maple Avenue.  This unit is a three class unit that focuses on all different aspects of soccer.  This week our focus will be on discussing different pieces of equipment that are required to play the sport.  During this part of the class we will talk about shin guards, mouth guards, proper footwear, uniforms, and the balls.  After discussing equipment needs, the class is introduced to dribbling the soccer ball.  Here the students are shown how to make little touches on the ball.  These touches move the ball, but at a slow enough pace that keeps the ball within reach of the player at all times.  Each student is given a ball to use for the remainder of the class.  We will play numerous activities that focus on dribbling during the remainder of class.  This should be a fun filled unit!

Bartlett October 23, 2008

BRRR!!!! Winter is definitely on its way.   Remember to dress your children in layers this time of the year.  By doing this it allows them to be warm in the morning when it is cold out, but have appropriate clothing on in the afternoon when it has warmed up a bit.  This week we are working on soccer with the students.  This is the number one played sport in the world, and continues to grow rapidly in the United States.  Today the students will be practicing dribbling the soccer ball around the gym.  This is when they move with the ball at their feet, keeping it close to them and under control.  The students will be practicing some basic moves with this as well, and these include pullbacks (dragbacks), step-overs, inside turns, outside turns, and a few others.  It should be an exciting unit and I know the kids are looking forward to it.

Physical Education Classes for the Week of October 20th

This week the students are going to be doing scooter board activities.  These activities are based around the use of scooter boards in the gym.  These are boards that the students sit on using their feet to push, pull, stop, and turn themselves.  We will play a variety of games like Grinches which is a tag type of game to scooter soccer.  All of these games are very physically active and promote good sportsmanship.  Please feel free to stop in and visit the gym where you can be an observer or an active participant!

Bartlett October 16, 2008

This week the students played a game called team bowling.  During this activity the class was divided into two equal teams.  Each team was given 20 bowling pins to set up and protect on their side of the gym.  A bunch of balls were place in the playing area, which the students used to role and try to knock the other teams pins down.  This game is a very high paced action packed activity that allows for teamwork, strategizing, and physical activity.   Next week we plan on beginning our soccer unit which will focus on basic rules and fundamentals of the game.  

What's Happening in October

October is an excellent month to be outside and active. The weather offers an ideal climate to get out and play.  In physical education classes we are finishing our cooperative games unit with the second through fourth grades.  These activities are designed to build a stronger community in the classroom by getting the students to work together and communicate.  I give the class a challenge that requires total cooperation and communication to beat.  When this is done, their is great pride in their work and community involvement.  The first graders are finishing up their gross motor skill unit.  Here the kids learned about different movements they can do and control with their bodies.  These movements include running, jogging, skipping, hopping, galloping, etc..  All grades will be moving into a soccer unit.  Here we will learn basic rules and fundamentals related to this wonderful sport.