Fat vs Fuel

Hey there, Wildcats!

          These week in PE we've been learning some things about nutrition. We played a game called Fat vs. Fuel. This is a fast-paced tag game to get students thinking about the foods that they put into their body.  This activity leads to some really good conversations about good fats and bad fats, lean meats, whole grain foods, food preparation techniques, etc.
           Every year, it is so interesting to see what foods students identify as a Fat or Fuel. A few of the debated items were chicken, cheese, and hot dogs. What we put into our bodies is almost as important as how much we move our bodies, so these are important conversations to be having with our Wildcats while they are young.

Check out this link for some interactive games that your Wildcat can play to learn more about nutrition -

https://www.choosemyplate.gov/games

Thanks for checking in :)
Miss Stone

PACER - what's that!

Another week in the books, Wildcats!

         Last week, the intermediate grades completed the initial PACER test. The Fitnessgram assessment tool is the most widely used youth physical fitness assessment. The PACER test evaluates aerobic capacity which is essentially how efficiently our hearts transport blood to the rest of our body. 

         According to the Cooper Institute, "Aerobic capacity is perhaps the most important component of any fitness program. Research indicates that acceptable levels of aerobic capacity are associated with a reduced risk of high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, obesity, diabetes, some forms of cancer, and other health problems in adults." 

        So when your Wildcat asks why they have to do the PACER test in PE, please assure them of the importance of cardiovascular health :) The 20 meter PACER test progressively gets more difficult as it continues - the running speed starts slowly, but gets faster each minute. They run as long as possible - the second time they are unable to complete a lap before the sound, their test is over. 

        Students fall into one of three categories - 1) Healthy Fitness Zone 2) Needs Improvement 3) Needs Improvement - Health Risk. If you would like more information on how these ranges are determined, check out this link - http://www.cooperinstitute.org/healthyfitnesszone

         Even though the PACER test is a nationally recognized test, it is important to remember that many factors could impact the results (ie amount of sleep the night before, a good healthy breakfast, activity level outside of school, maturation, motivation, etc). 

        That being said, I have some homework for you :) If these Wildcats are going to improve their cardiovascular system, they need to be getting at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK! Take a walk in the evening, play at the park, go on a scavenger hunt out on the trails - just move! Keep up the hard work! 

Thanks for checking in! 

Miss Stone 

Toss, Chuck, Launch - THROW!

Wildcats!

          We are in our throwing and catching unit, and I've seen huge improvement already :) The primary grades are focusing mainly on the mechanics of throwing this week, while the intermediate grades are now refining their throwing skills to achieve better accuracy. 

Check out one of the first graders showing us the steps - 

Hope you had a good weekend :) 

Miss Stone 

Lifeboats!

Happy Monday!

      Watch our 5th grade work...only two lifeboats and a tug rope to get your team off of your sinking ship :)

https://vimeo.com/184059684

Miss Stone

Getting in the groove...

Hi Wildcats!

         In PE, we have been hard at work getting down routines and expectations. We are learning everything from drinking fountain expectations to earning a student choice day in PE. *Ask your Wildcat how their class can earn a student choice day in PE*

         As we learn our routines and expectations, the upper grades are focusing on cooperative activities. These activities are important as they provide us with opportunities to experience what it looks like, sounds like, and feels like to be a good "teammate."     

                                             Cooperative games                                                               

...encourage children play with one another.              

...allow everybody to win and succeed.                     

...eliminate fear of failure.                                         

...let children play for play's sake.                             

...do not allow for elimination.                                  

...are fun and supportive.                                           

...build feeling of worth.                                           

…encourage problem solving and decision making 

...increase self-esteem                                              

http://www.sandiegocahperd.net/ 

Mrs. Robinson's 4th graders trying to cross the "Radioactive Ocean"

         The younger grades are also doing some partner and small group activities to cultivate interpersonal skills. We have also been practicing some space awareness :) They raced around the gym in "hula hoop cars" getting gas, pumping up our tires, and washing our vehicles. 

Miss Moncrief's second graders working on space awareness during Hula Hoop Car Town

Keep up the good work, Wildcats! Thanks for checking in! 

Miss Stone 

Welcome to 2016-2017!

Welcome back Wildcats!!!

           It's been SO wonderful to see you all this week! We hit the ground running in PE this week. We covered a lot! And to be honest, I'm getting tired of hearing myself talk! We moved our bodies as we discussed and practiced what it looks like to be safe, respectful, and responsible in PE. I was so happy to see all of you sweating and smiling again.

            From the sounds of it, you all had a great summer and are ready to be back at school :) This was a very fun, busy summer for me, but I am glad to be back in the swing of things. I spent the summer hiking, mountain biking, camping, playing at the beach, and enjoying some family time. Hopefully all of you got a chance to get out and enjoy the beautiful PNW as well.  Please check back to see what we are doing throughout the year - you can get an idea of what we're learning in PE, resources for home, and information concerning wellness related activities at Wilson. Thanks!

Miss Stone

Summer snapshot...

 At New Smyrna Beach with all of my nieces and nephews 

 A view from  McCulloch Peak on my last mountain bike ride of the summer with Mrs. Boock and Mrs. McCracken 

 Backpacking with some of my family and my dog, Truman

The end of another year...

Farewell for summer, Wildcats!
     
         What a great end to another year! Thanks for "holding onto the handlebars" until the very end of the race :) We finished off our year in PE with some fun Omnikin ball activities...check out the links below!

https://vimeo.com/170867957

https://vimeo.com/170867937

Enjoy the outdoors and stay active! Swimming, hiking, paddle boarding, biking, Frisbee, kayaking, mowing the lawn, sand volleyball, water skiing, rock climbing, hopscotch, rollerblading - anything! Just move :)

Hiking with my niece 

Backpacking with my lab, Truman 

Have a great summer!

Miss Stone