Model PE Program

from Traci Wetzel:

http://www.silvergateschool.com/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=41819&type=u
Silver Gate Elementary School, Point Loma
Model Physical Education Program (Coach- Geoff McCloud)
I observed the P.E. program at this school site.
An important part of the program is inclusion = included (demonstration- students acted out inclusion).
I observed three different 1st grade classes in physical education activities (lesson focus- “underhand throw”).
Each 50 minute class period included a warm-up (crunches, push-ups, and jumping jacks- coach picks a student to spin the wheel to determine the amount of jumping jacks to do); stretching; cardiovascular activity (running), and skill drills.
In the beginning of the period, each student walks into the classroom and the coach says “Good morning, [name].” Students reply, “Good morning, coach.” (personalizes)
Activity- “Can You Find”- mini figurines were hidden around the classroom (helps improve observation skills).
Running activity- “Everybody’s It”- a running game where everyone is it; anyone can tag anyone else (kneel down when tagged).
Skill- the coach/teacher taught students the “underhand throw” (under the shoulder). Cues: feet together, eyes on target, arm back, step forward with opposite foot, step and throw at the same time.
Practice activity- students used underhand throw to play catch with a partner (throwing bean bags back and forth to each other).
Drills (six stations set-up on blacktop: hula hoops, buckets, cardboard box, bike tires, bases, and bowling pins) to practice throwing a bean bag at various targets; the coach walked the students around to each station and explained what to do. Two to three students were assigned to each station; each student threw three bean bags at the designated target a few times. When told by the coach, the students rotated to the next station (all students went to all the stations).
I liked that the coach integrated Math into this lesson by making each target have specific points that could be earned; it was the students’ job to use their math skills to add up their points at each station.
At the end, the coach had the students regroup in order to review the skill. Students helped to collect equipment into a pile (clean-up).
During recess, I observed 3rd and 4th graders riding unicycles. I talked to many of these students about unicycle riding (how they learned; how long they have been riding- anywhere from a week to three months, different skill levels; do they like it; etc.). They all said it is a lot of fun; practice to get better. Helmets are worn for safety; appropriate footwear must be worn for any physical activities.
Climbing wall (used for building upper body strength) - I looked at it, but did not see students using it. I talked to the coach about what kinds of activities he does with it (holding on, traversing, etc.). He uses it every couple of weeks, so that the kids do not get bored with it.
This school has a before school running program (students can run laps around the field for 20-25 minutes before school; over 50 students currently participate). The mileage that the students run is recorded by parent volunteers (rewards given); plotted on a map to show distance ran over the school year. Student record- 300 miles in the school year.