Tuesday, September 28, 2010

St. Mary's Pirates off to a sailing start

Our second week at St. Mary's went awesome!! The kids really enjoyed the pirate theme and a lot of teachers in the class dressed up and this made the kids ready to get involved right from the start. The starting games got the kids used to running, jumping, skipping, and hopping. After that the kids were able to go color, play in the gym, or play a game led by another group. I feel like the kids had a good time, and while some didn't want to be physically active, a lot went along with the pirate theme and got involved with the games. I also got a taste of what it is like trying to get the attention of 15 little kids. If you have their attention for more than 1 minute straight, you are lucky so you need to get the directions out fast and clearly. I had a blast this week and can't wait for next time!

https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1Q9i0It8fiR57WG6lu1RogQyViYg8bij5dU7LqSQLp50

Hall of Shame Games become Hall of Fame Games

Games that were played in Old PE became hall of shame games after they were evaluated. Old PE games such as line soccer, Simon says, and dodge ball focused on eliminating weaker kids, and limited playing time for all students. The games in chapters 3, 18, and 19 are very different from the hall of shame games. The games in the book focus on loco motor movements, movement skills, creativity, and fun. The Hall of shame games are more concerned with winning, high skill levels, and sometimes exercise as punishment. The hall of shame games embarrass kids through early elimination. being targeted as weak, and through the choosing of teams.
If I were to teach dodge ball, I would alter it so that the kids aim the balls at balls balancing on comes on the end lines. This prevents people from ganging up on weaker kids. This game would match all the standards because it would maintain a high level of physical activity, provide a safe environment, help the kids learn strategies, increase participation, and instill value in physical activity.
I am personally glad that people have realized that dodge ball is humiliating for kids and that it needs to be changed to fit the new PE system.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Most Popular youth sports in america

I think it is interesting that almost every sport on this list is a lifetime activity sport, as a Physical Educator I would like to gear my curriculum towards lifetime sports, and less towards team sports that are hard to keep up with at an older age.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/99949-popular-youth-sports/

Thursday, September 16, 2010

More on Kids with sticks

http://home.comcast.net/~magister11/090116-NMSSOC/090116-NMSSOC-1921.jpg


http://media.fans.nhl.com/_13-month-old-baby-playing-hockey/video/1060466/111820.html

Introducing Sticks to Young Children

When I first heard of introducing sticks (hockey, lacrosse, etc.) I was convinced that it was a bad idea.  After giving it some more thought though, I changed my mind.  I think if young kids are introduced to using sticks earlier, their skills may develop faster.  If a young child learns stick control along with learning other basic motor skills, he or she will adapt quicker to stick games.  A child obviously doesn't need to person drills, but just get used to holding and using the stick.  Kids will love it because it is an activity they're not usually exposed to.  Safety is a big issue for kids with sticks.  If a child is playing with a stick, he or she should wear plenty of padding, and be made aware of safety concerns.  I think introducing kids to sticks at an early age can be very beneficial. 

First Day at St. Mary's


This is a picture of me helping Susan how to throw up the helicopter leaves.

Monday was my first day of going to St. Mary's school and being with the kids.  I had such a good time there!! I loved being able to interact with the kids and see how much all of their skill levels varied.  One girl I played with had a little trouble even rolling a ball!  When I went outside I taught a group of pre-k girls how to throw helicopter leaves up into the air and watch them fall down.  They really liked it, and Susan actually brought a bunch home to show her mom.  It was cool to be able to show her how to do a basic skill.  I can't wait to go back in two weeks!!

https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1xHgTssTCAEOU1h03WuQzX2CjbDJqwdR9wsq0whLeXLo

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Video games: a good source of physical activity

I think that using video games as a source of physical activity is a great idea.  A good example would be for an elderly person going through rehab.  A video game will help them focus on having fun, and not even realize that they are being physically active or working on improving skills.  Small children will also like using video games for physical activity because they won't even realize that they are up and moving.  Kids will love playing a game and being physically active at the same time.  Also, if a child is playing the bicycle course game, and has a good time, he or she may be interested in learning how to ride a real bike, or pick up mountain biking as a hobby. 

Importance of Fundamental Skills

Fundamental movements are necessary for overall good physical activity.  Loco motor, manipulation, and stability skills are most important because they create the foundation for all physical activity.  Loco motor skills include walking, running, leaping, jumping, and hopping.  Manipulation skills include ball-rolling, throwing, kicking, etc.  Stability skills include bending, twisting, and turning.  These are the most basic forms of movement and when put with other fundamental skills, create physical activity.  Without these skills, a child will not be able to live a healthy and active life.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Why development of fundamental Movements are important.

The development of fundamental movements are important to help with the overall development of Physical Activity.  Without fundamental movements, kids won't be able to learn other, more complex skills, and therefore will not be able to live healthy lifestyles.  If a child is taught how to hop, he or she will be more inclined to skip, and then run, and then maybe a more complex skill such as long jump.  All those activities started with the basic movement of hopping.  I can't wait to get into the teaching environment and watch kids learn skills, and add on to those skills until they can do complex activities.