Integration
in Physical Education
Fitness Testing at Edgewood
When Do They
Have P.E. ?
How Often
Should My Student Exercise?
Physical activity adds to the children's overall education and keeps them from becoming obese as so many children and adults are in this country. Educating the whole body is essential to a well rounded person. Did I mention that the only way that we grow new brain cells is through physical activity? What better way to make use of physical activity than in learning itself. Math, science, social studies, spelling, social skills, can all be enhanced by using activity both in the gymnasium in Physical Education and in the classroom using "energizers". This will increase your students possibility for success in a variety of "academic" areas; by exercising the brain and the body simultaneously. So why not build those biceps right along with increasing your brain power.
There
is no official fitness testing at Edgewood Elementary School. The
Pennsbury School District Policy for elementary physical education believes
that fitness concepts are more important at this age. We educate
your students on what it takes to live a healthy life. Children learn
the basic bones and muscles of their body. They learn not only how
to use these parts, but also where they are located and the proper names.
We do a wide variety of activities which require the students to identify
which muscles are in use. The students work, individually, in small
groups and as teams to locate and explain muscle usage. With guidance,
the students often have a chance to create their own activities to focus
on a muscle or muscle group.
Students do have a chance
to try out several of the fitness tests that they will be using at higher
levels. Some of these you may be familiar with yourselves; 50 yard
dash, distance run for time, shuttle run, curl ups (modified sit ups),
V-sit and reach, push ups, and pull ups. Strength, flexibility, endurance,
agility, and cardiovascular ability are all addressed by these "tests".
The main difference in administering these tests is that they are
done through a goal setting process. Students are given baselines
for each activity and then they are asked to predict the score they can
achieve. During class, the students are then given the opportunity
to try to complete as many tests as possible. The kids do
the "tests", the kids time or measure the "tests", the kids record
the scores earned and then they set new goals. After each "test"
or event is complete, the student is to record the numbers on their card.
They then decide if they have reached their goal; if so they set a new
goal for the next attempt. If they have fallen short, they evaluate
whether the goal is still attainable or if they need to set a more realistic
goal. This continues for each of the class periods that we work on
theses fitness "test" stations.
Household chores/jobs: vacuum, mop, hang up laundry, dust the house, plant or work in the garden, chop some wood and stack it too, mow the lawn, shovel the walk clear of snow (*), rake leaves (then jump in them with the kids), clean the car/truck, and lots more...
Daily activities: go up and down the stairs an extra time, do not skip any steps, walk around the house, take a walk at the mall (window shop), go for a walk with the dog or a friend, walk your student to the bus instead of driving them, park your car in the far spot don't wait for the one next to the store, GET up and change the channel instead of the remote, dance (with or without rhythm and music) to a favorite song, take a hike (for real), fly a kite, bicycle, and lots more of course...
(*) When shoveling snow be careful, it put a lot of stress on the heart, especially if the snow is deep or wet. Make sure to use your legs and not your back, by bending your knees. Also be sure to throw snow straight ahead to prevent injury. Be sure to pace yourself, take breaks, breathe properly, do not over exert yourself, and check with your doctor. If you are not in an active daily aerobic routine you WILL be under duress while shoveling.