1) April DEAM
Attached is the Drop Everything And Move activity calendar. Print this off and distribute to students to encourage physical activity at home.
2) Instant Activity
Equipment: 4 cones for boundaries, some balls or flying discs
Set-Up: Create a large playing area, using four cones. Scatter students around the perimeter. Place the balls (or discs) in a pile in the center of the playing area.
Activity Procedures: This activity is called “Lap Pass.” On “GO!” students on the perimeter should perform the designated locomotor movement in a counter-clockwise direction. The students in the middle should toss the ball/disc to a student moving around the perimeter. When a student catches (or retrieves) a ball/disc they move to the center and then make a pass to someone else.
Modification: The teacher can be the lone passer. Once students catch a flying disc, they bring it to the middle and then return to the perimeter.
3) Wow…
This past week Joey Feith, founder of ‘ThePhysicalEducator.com,’ posted a resource for learning soccer skills. Joey used “Treasure Hunt” from the K-2 OPEN Foot Skills Module and broke down the activity into easy to follow progressions. By now, I am sure you know that OPEN is free and customizing the lesson the way Joey did is exactly what teachers are encouraged to do. Check out the link below:
4) App/Tech Tip
Have you tried using QR Codes? There is so much that can be done with these! I am not even going to try to be the expert on this topic, because there are so many resources out there for you to utilize. Download a QR-Reader on your smart device, Google something like “QR Codes in Physical Education,” and then give it a go. If you try it, send me a Tweet (@PEtop5) and show me what you did. Good luck!
5) Reflection
One week ago I was recovering from a busy week. I spent 6 days in Boston attending the SHAPE America national convention. The days are brutally long… I get up early and the nights often extend far past my typical bedtime. That being said, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Being surrounded by so many amazing teachers/professionals that love PE is an incredible feeling. I love seeing everyone that I have met along the way and now consider to be some of my closest friends. I submitted two sessions that were both accepted. I presented with Mike Martinez (Democracy Prep) on CSPAP activities/ideas and then with Helena Baert (SUNY Cortland) on Pre-K activities/resources. If you have not been to a state or national conference, I encourage you to do so. You will not only gain useful insight to support your practice, but you will also make many great friends along the way.
