Vacation Stations

The week before students have a break we provide them with opportunities to choose their challenge in physical education class.  Students may freely move to different areas of the gym and participate in a variety of different activities.

The activities include foam stick floor hockey, pin-ball, jump rope, snurdle, hula hoops, scooters, pump cars, cuckoo cars, roller racers, climbing wall, climbing rope, basketball, etc.

Another activity that is available to them and  is new to our school is walking a slack-line   This is similar to a walking on a tightrope.   We have installed it between two volleyball poles in the gym and it is about 18 inches off of the ground.  This is proving to be a tremendous challenge for our students.  Many are putting in some great effort trying to improve their performance.

We have found that during these type of classes, where students are given choices, that they become very engaged and participation levels and intensity of workout increases.  Many leave at the end of class sweating, with red faces and worked muscles.

Check out some of the students below.

Fitness Stations

Students are having a good time while challenging themselves during our fitness unit. They are visiting various stations that are set up in the gym.  The stations cover many components of fitness including: flexibility, upper body strength, balance, endurance, agility, speed, etc.  By the end of our 40 minute classes, if students are working hard, they will get a good workout.  Below are some of our students in action.

Fitness Testing in Grades 4 Through 8

The last two weeks we have been fitness testing in grades 4 through 8.  Students take four tests; the PACER, push-up, curl-up and flexibility test.  Their scores are compared to national standards and results are sent home with their report cards.  Below are some pictures of our students in action.

In Grades K - 3 We Went For a Hike on the Nature Trail

My younger students really enjoy going on the Nature Trail here at SATEC.  Check out the pictures below.

Many Miles Were Traveled During Our Cross-Country Unit

Students, in all grades, were given the opportunity to run or walk our cross-country course during their PE classes.  The requirement is to complete one mile per class.  Some students went above and beyond expectations and traveled 2, 3, even 4 miles during one 40 min class.  In all grades we reward them with a plastic foot to put on their shoelaces or hang on a necklace to celebrate their accomplishment.  In grades 5 through 8 we also acknowledge each of their miles traveled by adding a sticker after their name on the "Mile Club" bulletin board outside of the gymnasium.  Grades 5 through 8 traveled over 1,600 miles this year during our 2 week unit - AMAZING!!  Below are some pictures from the unit.