Learning About Rules and Procedures in Physical Education

The beginning of the year is such an important time in Physical Education because there are many rules and procedures in place to help children have a positive experience.  The year starts off with me visiting each classroom to read the book, "Come Along Daisy", by Jane Simmons.  This story is about a baby duck who does not listen to the mommy duck's directions.  I wear a duck hat on my head and a duck "quacker" around my neck.  I tell children that throughout the year I will be the mommy duck and they will be my ducklings. I emphasize that it is my job to teach them and keep them safe.  In order to do that, they will need to watch me and listen and follow directions.  This analogy is one that children seem to understand. Children love my duck hat and think the "quacker" is a fun way to stop and listen for instructions.

  

Part of our first days in Physical Education involve learning the rules for the gymnasium.  I find it helpful to use pictures to denote expected behavior.  These pictures are placed on the wall where children can see them each day.  Inspector Respect reminds students to listen and follow directions so everyone can learn. I stress that children need to respect the rights of others to learn.  Topsy Turtle stands for "Try Your Best."  Shoo Fly reminds students not to tattle.  I try to teach children the difference between tattling (hurtful) and telling (helpful) and help them to resolve conflicts on their own by using their words.  They even act out a scenario so they can practice talking to another individual or apologizing. Happy Hearts reminds students to treat one another with love and kindness.  We talk about the "Golden Rule" and how if you want to have friends then you need to be a friend. Healthy Hands reminds students about germs.  We talk about keeping hands away from our nose and mouth so we do not spread germs. Private Space and General Space simply designate the area in which children will work during our Physical Education time. During PE, children did a movement activity to reinforce these rules.

At the end of class, students self assess their day in Physical Education.  If they feel they tried their best, they touch Daisy and say "Daisy Day."  If students feel that they did not give their best effort, then they can touch Oops and say "I'll try harder tomorrow."  This practice helps children become accountable for their work and behavior.  They love having a Daisy Day!

3.1 That's How It's Done!

If you've been reminded by your child to slow down when traveling through the early childhood hallways, it may be because of the new 3.1 miles per hour speed limit that we have posted this year.  3.1 is considered the normal average speed for walking, so our students are working on maintaining this safe pace when going from place to place.  We had fun practicing in the halls as Mrs. Wagner used her special "speed detector" to determine if children were moving at the correct speed.  Luckily, no tickets were issued! Help your child remember this rule when you are walking together in our hallways.  Thank you!

Jump In To a Great Year

I hope everyone is ready to "Jump In To a Great Year."   Summer is over and we are ready to get started on learning new activities and information.  This year our theme will be "Fun with Fundamentals."  The emphasis will be on learning and reviewing basic skills that help us with various games and activities.  This is always an important part of PE, but it will be our greatest focus this year.  Don't worry, however, we will still include lessons in Nutrition and Health, as well as our annual traditions like the Kentucky Derby and the Pancake Race.  It's going to be a great year!

This bulletin board, located in the west wing of the Early 
Childhood building, encourages children to select more fruits and 
vegetables when they eat, in an effort to add more color to their plate.  
The bulletin board says, "Brighten Your Day With Color."

What a Great Summer!

Welcome back to school, everyone!  I hope you had a wonderful summer.  Mine was very exciting, as I took an Alaskan cruise.  Alaska is such a beautiful state.  On my cruise I got to take a side excursion to learn about the Iditarod dog sled race.  I took a helicopter ride up to a glacier where the dogs were living at a special camp. Iditarod trainers spoke to the group about this amazing race and how the dogs are trained to participate.  I got to drive the sled and take a turn at being the "musher."  It was a fun experience.  As many of you know, we have learned about the Iditarod in PE in the past, but we will certainly study it again this year.  At the beginning of March, we will choose real participants in the Iditarod dog sled race (which starts March 7, 2015) and follow their progress throughout the event. We will also do our own mini Iditarod in Physical Education.  It should be a good time!