They are experiencing them. Yes, you read the heading correctly. I am not teaching skills. I have not instructed how to dribble, kick, or toss a ball. I have not taught how to jump a rope, roll on a mat, or even how to catch objects. Many in my profession as well as readers of this post may be confused and even appalled at this confession. But, my students ARE LEARNING how to dribble, kick, and toss balls. They are learning how to roll on a mat and catch objects. They are even learning what happens to their body and brain when they are active. Even better than all of that- They are learning how to take risks, fail, and try again. They are learning that they can succeed and what effort it takes to get there. THEY ARE LEARNING HOW TO FIND FUN IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY! But how? I AM NOT TEACHING! THEY are EXPLORING! THEY are TEACHING each other. I am GUIDING and what I would like to think...INSPIRING them. As Aristotle stated,...we learn by doing. I want children to DISCOVER how their body moves and what strategies they need to employ to be physically successful. I believe giving children opportunities to be physically active in a safe, judgement free zone with support and guidance to develop their skills will do much more to foster an understanding and appreciation for physical activity. Many may see this video as just kids jumping rope. I see this video of students trying a new strategy and finding success. We all know jumping rope improves cardiovascular health. But, when children jump and specifically jump rope, they are strengthing bones, muscles, and their BRAIN! Jumping rope activates both sides of our brain for improved concentration and learning, balance, coordination, and rhythm-all of which help to develop and improve mathematical reasoning, problem solving, and IMAGINATION just to name a few. When students juggle they are developing eye-hand coordination, improving concentration, and even strengthening fine motor skills. Therefore this skill extends beyond the gym to help students improve academically as they are better able to track print, concentrate during instruction, and even utilize strong fine motor skills when writing. Please rest assured students are learning skills. But, I will be honest, I am more excited that they are finding THEIR STRONG and developing an appreciation for physical activity. Neither of which can be taught but are crucial for developing a foundation for living a healthy, fit, and ACTIVE lifestyle for LIFE!
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Yesterday, I ran the Indianapolis Monumental Half-Marathon and I always feel blessed every time I step to the start line. Running is not easy and I am certainly not a natural. I actually did not start running until about 8 years ago, so I always say-"age is just a number and you are never too old to start something new." ;)
As I step into my corral at any race, one of the first things I do is scan those around me and pause in a brief moment of awe of the various sizes, shapes, and ages of the mass of runners. Yesterday, my eye was caught by a mother and who I would perceive as her young son. They were reviewing their plan incase they would become separated during the run. The boy could not have been older than 12. That was my first moment of awe. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE seeing kids participating. When he turned around, I could read the back of his shirt..."It doesn't get easier, you just get STRONGER." What a POWERFUL MESSAGE and one that resonates with me personally and my mission. We look to tasks whether it be exercise, writing a paper, resisting temptations, or learning vocabulary words and want them to be easy. But, we forget that when we face those challenging tasks or situations with a determined mind, PURPOSE, commitment to give our best effort, and a willingness to sweat/change and even fail a few times, only then will it SEEM EASIER because we are ACTUALLY STRONGER! We can be STRONG IN EVERY WAY! P.S. I don't think it was coincidence that I had the pleasure of being passed a few times along the way by this young boy. He must have known just the right moments I needed a little reminder that NOTHING EASY will make us STRONGER! This month, I introduced the students to ABC fitness circuits as another way to put a little fun in EXERCISE-Not to mention the vocabulary and spelling opportunities! I decided to make it a daily challenge and give them another tool to be creative with physical activity outside of the gym. I often tell them, "think outside the box." Who says exercise has to be done in a gym or with equipment? The Fitness Challenge has been posted on Canvas, our Student Learning Management System, for my 3rd and 4th grade students. They are encouraged to get their entire family in on the challenge! Be on the look out for a challenge EACH MONTH! They are already asking for it and they WILL RECEIVE!
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