Week ending 11/13/09

This is one of the fastest school years ever! It seems like we just began the year, and we're ending the first trimester already.
We finished our climbing wall unit and also had a great time using the scooters.
Next week we will have stations in the gym and will use the climbing ropes. It's great fun. Can you tell, I really like it all! I will also be attending the IAHPERD Convention for two days at the end of the week (Illinois Association for Health Physical Education Recreation and Dance). What a wonderful experience it is to spend time with so many other teachers in your field. We get to view and try out new equipment, games, sports that pertain to us. The levels go from K - 12th gr. and include pool activities and driver's education. It's exciting to bring back new ideas to our district and Prairieview School as well.
Have a great weekend. Stay active, stay healthy

Week ending 11/06/09

Wow. What beautiful weather to end the week. We actually were able to get outdoors on Friday afternoon to take advantage of it. We tested for net games and most students scored very well. I was most impressed.
Our next unit is on the climbing wall. We began on Thursday, and are just having the most fun. Many students are surprised at how difficult it is to climb. I love it!
Hopefully we'll be able to spend time active time outdoors this weekend. There's many leaves to rake, bushes to prune, bikes to ride, etc. Stay active. Stay healthy.

Week ending 10/23/09

I cannot believe that another week has gone by! This school year is just flying.
We managed to get a few days of outdoors and ran the 50 yd. dash. We have some amazingly fast runners. I'm still hoping for a few more nice weather days, but certainly cannot count on it.
Next week we will probably finish up on net games. However, since we are weather dependent, it's always a mystery until the day actually begins.
I hope everyone is staying healthy. Stay active.

Week ending 10/16/09

It was sad saying good by to Mr. McDonald. He will start at Hinsdale South High School on Monday and will be there for the next eight weeks. Many students made special pictures and gave him their advice on how to be a great physical education teacher. Our very best wishes to him. Certainly, we'll stay in touch.
This week we played newcomb (lead up to volleyball). If the weather gets warmer next week, we'll try to go outdoors again to begin a track and field unit. Another cold, damp week will keep us indoors and we'll finish newcomb and begin deck tennis.
Remember - stay active, stay healthy.

Week ending 10/9/09

Wow! Can you believe that our student teacher, Mr. McDonald, only has one more week at Prairieview? He states that the experience has been fantastic and he will truly miss everyone - staff, as well as all students. After next week, he will be at Hinsdale South High School. We will surely miss him.
Remember - stay active, stay healthy.

Week ending 10/2/09

Fitness news - most classes were able to complete the 1/2 mile, or the mile. The weather was nice and cool, and we were able to work around the rain. Some of the scores were just excellent - some future cross country runners for sure. Other fitness tests included trunk lift and sit and reach. These are for flexibililty. We also do the flexed arm hang (upper body arm strength). Traditionally, our students, and most other students, don't fare well in this area. As Americans, we really need to improve our strength. We hope to complete the fitness testing next week and hopefully we'll be able to begin a track and field unit. It would be great if the weather cooperated.
Remember, stay active, stay healthy.

Week ending 9/24/09

We concluded our soccer/lacrosse unit this week with a written test, and began fitness testing. Some classes got lucky with the weather being cool and without rain, and so we were able to run the mile (1/2 for 3rd grade). Others got rained out. We began testing for flexibility in those classes that needed to be indoors. Next week is more of the same - fitness testing, both indoors and out depending on the weather.
Stay active, stay healthy.