Physical Education vs. Recess

During physical education class students brainstormed the differences between PE and Recess.  Below are some of their ideas.  As a school, the students decided to describe PE as "a planned activity led by a teacher" and recess as "a place where we can make our own choices."  This was a very difficult lesson for the students.  They struggled to find the words to describe the differences between physical education and recess.  In the end however, they came up with some good stuff.

 

Responsible Personal and Social Behavior

Week one of school was a success.  The students were excited to be back in the gymnasium.  Other than my little fall on the clean floor, week one went off with out a hitch.  The students enjoyed the locomotor challenges and exploring ways to create and close space in the gym.

This week in Physical Education I will be targeting Ohio PE Standards 5 and 6 related to personal and social responsibility and the value of physical activity.  I chose to use pool noodle games to teach these concepts.  I am adapting my lessons from ideas described in the book Chicken and Noodle Games 141 Fun Activities With Innovative Equipment.  The games will invite the students to use skills related to throwing and catching, cooperation, conflict resolution, problem solving and social interaction.

Students work in teams to lift a ball.

Partners work together to carry a noodle to a target.

A team of 4 struggle to hold onto the ball.

Students try to move around the gym while stuck to a friend.

Success, "We picked it Up!"

Things to Cover During the First Weeks of School

1. Establish an entry and exit routine. This will be useful for those that have back to back classes with NO transition time.
2. Create an instant activity routine, the kids DO NOT want to come to PE to just sit.
3. Create a poster or bulletin board of learning targets for the month. This will keep you on track and give the kids a timeline of activities.
4. Teach rules, expectations, and social behavior through games and practice throughout the year.  Games offer a great mode of teachable moments.