Phys Ed update by CW In gym we have just finished our “build a game” unit where we made games and got feedback form our peers by playing them during gym. Now we have just begun our fitness unit. The goal of the unit is to learn how to push yourself and to become better at exercises. We do a 10 minute rotation through 10 stations. Each rotation lasts 1 minute. We do things from cardio to core strength workouts such as Planks, Burpees, Wall-sits and bicycle crunches etc. Mr Schaefer teaches us ways to get through the exercises; for example… breathing, singing a song in your head or as simple as counting to ten.
TRACK AND FIELD Our entire second term has focused on individual improvement. We started with fitness training, then gymnastics. Now, it is track and field. Students are working on improving in areas that they want to. Each student is signed up for a minimum of 4 events. During gym, students are to be practising those events while supporting each other for strategies. They will reflect on how they did and what they did, specifically, to improve. Naturally, focus and participation during gym time is key. I do expect students to attend track and field. To not participate would not fit with all of the work we have done to build safe, fun, and participatory gym classes.
TRACK AND FIELD IS Tuesday, May 24 (RD May 25). Students are asked to have water, wear sunscreen, and dress in suitable clothing. They are to bring their lunch as leaving for lunch is not an option.
GYMNASTICS We completed our gymnastics unit. This was part of our second term focus of individual improvement. While I was impressed that students completed the task, the focus of the groups on how to improve varied greatly. I stressed to the groups to be on task, to use the outline, etc. I spoke directly to some groups, but I did not see great improvement. In turn, some students will love their marks for participation, while others will not. Like all subjects, I focus on being the best we can be. Student marks can be heard on showbie. I encourage parents to find out their child's mark. I am hoping the students who struggled to commit to task will look at track and field prep as a chance at redemption.
MINDFULLNESS As part of our work in health, and as a follow up to our anxiety workshop, our class is welcoming Susan James in for 5 lessons on mindfulness and meditation. The goal is to help students develop strategies to help deal with the stresses of life while increasing other benefits. Students can access the mediation we do on drive under "Phys Ed and Health." Below is an video showing the benefits of meditation in a community in the US.
Physical Education: This week Alana and Leah lead a great gym lesson where everyone examined their heart rate and how it increases during exercise. The students completed reflections on their own fitness levels and received feedback as to their goals setting and next steps. Overall the everyone is really beginning to understand the importance of staying fit and living a healthy, active lifestyle.
ANXIETY WORKSHOP This week, we welcomed health nurse, Veronica Kolkman, into our class to lead a workshop on dealing with anxiety. She effectively led the students through a process of discussion and reflection on how everyone has stress and stressors no matter your age. It is learning how recognize the stressors and find strategies for dealing with anxiety that is key. There were many great lessons in this process for students and the follow up survey was very powerful Here is a file that outlines the process and notes what the students shared/brainstormed.