Welcome to Tabata!

"Welcome to Tabata"...and get a PE buddy!


Tabata is a fitness circuit to upbeat music; K-3 students rotated every 20 seconds through a variety of motor skill activities and cahllenges with 10 seconds of rest/transition time in between each station.  There were 24 different stations and students worked with a partner.  During this unit, they learned about heart rate and cardiovascular fitness, which will be woven throughout many lessons this year.  Students learned how to feel their pulse and count their heart beats per minute. Tabata is a high energy, fun and engaging activity.  The students loved it and got a great workout!

Another fun twist to this Tabata unit was that students in some classes were matched up with a PE buddy from a different grade.  This is a wonderful opportunity for community building within Buker.  This called for double classes in the gymnasium at times and students had a great time meeting some new friends from different grade levels.  The classroom teachers were very supportive and accommodating in last minute schedule changes to allow for PE buddies. I hope to continue this time to time this year.  The older buddies really stepped up to the challenge and demonstrated leadership skills with their buddies.  The younger buddies were so excited to have an older buddy in PE.

The 4th and 5th graders have been continuing to focus on the "spirit of the game" concept while they play different versions of Capture the Flag - with balls, frisbees and rubber chickens, pigs, and fish.  Team strategies and cardiovascular fitness are the main focus of the these large group games. 4th and 5th graders will also be doing some Tabata in the near future!

An all school 30 minute movement event is scheduled OUTSIDE for Tuesday, November 14th.  Stay tuned for more information!

Step and throw...pass me the ball! I'm open!

We have had a pretty hot and humid start to the year.  My goal is to get PE classes outside as much as possible but due to the heat, I have kept most of the classes indoors so far...However, cooler weather is right around the corner and out we will go!  I have taken this opportunity indoors to establish routines and expectations as well as get to know everyone's names. Sending your child to school with a water bottle makes going outside for PE much easier.

Each week for the first three weeks, students have learned a new "instant warm-up activity".  My goal is to get them used to entering the gymnasium and warming up for about 3-5 minutes with a quick activity to get the wiggles and jiggles out before instructions are given for the main lesson.  I have found that children are more successful at listening to directions after a quick warm-up. Not to mention, it's just a more fun and engaging way to start class!😁  We will also end each class with a quick "calm down" activity before heading back to the classroom.

Grades K-2:  UNDERHAND THROW / ROLL

Students in grades Kindergarten - Grade 2 are working on the underhand throw and roll.  Verbal cues to help them remember the motor planning have been taught for this skill. Ask your Kindergartner, first or second grader to show you this skill and these cues at home. (Hopefully you will hear them whisper to themselves, "stay there leg - don't move, step opposite, tic-toc"). They have been practicing rolling and throwing balls to a partner and at bowling pins and mini hockey nets.  They have also had the chance to practice some defensive skills as they guard bowling pins or play goalie with mini nets while their partner rolls or throws a ball at a target.  Students in the lower grades will be given exploration time to for new skills.  We have also played some group games which focus on the underhand throw / roll.  Grade 2 students will also be working on the overhand throw. (Motor planning cues for this throw will be taught  as well.)

Grade 3: THROWING, CATCHING and LEAD-UP TEAM GAME SKILLS

Students in Grade 3 are also practicing the underhand throw and roll similar to grades K-2.  At this level an accurate overhand throw will also be emphasized. They will also have opportunity to participate in basic activities leading to Ultimate Team Handball skills (a game they will learn in grades 4 and 5).  At the 3rd grade level, simple game concepts will be broken down into activities that encourage team play and sportsmanship.  Throwing, catching, being in a "balanced and ready" position and finding an open spot on the court will be emphasized.  

Grades 4 & 5: THROWING, CATCHING, ULTIMATE TEAM HANDBALL GAMES

Students in grades 4 and 5 will be learning a modified version of game of Ultimate Team Handball.  It is a dynamic game which allows practice with throwing with accuracy, catching and working as part of a team. This is a modified version of the game with smaller teams so that everyone gets to touch the ball.  We are talking about the phrase "spirit of the game" (An ultimate frisbee term).  This involves learning how to play a team game with honesty, integrity and self control - with the end goal being able to referee your own game. Strategies for how to resolve conflicts that may arise during a game will be reinforced. We are also discussing the importance of sportsmanship being a "good winner" and a "good loser".  We will debrief on how this "spirit of the game" concept can be carried over to recreational games and "pick-up" games outside of sports and organized sports.  Grade 5 students will   be in game-like situations during the first class and grade 4 will have one class of a slower introduction to the game before playing "full speed".  This is a great game with many concepts which relate to other sports. It is an excellent opportunity to practice throwing and catching skills in a real game situation.

I hope your child is off to a great start this year.  Feel free to contact me if you have any concerns or questions this year.

~Maggie Schack

m.ward-schack@hwschools.net

Welcome to Physical Education!

Welcome to the Physical Education Blog! I am excited to join the Hamilton-Wenham school community this year.  I have been teaching PE for 15 years and am passionate about helping children learn new motor skills, gain confidence to participate in lifetime fitness activities and understand the importance of being active.

I have enjoyed meeting your children over the first two weeks. During our first class meeting, students in grades 1- 5 signed a Class Values Contract.  We discussed the importance of respect, kindness, fair play, safe play, giving your best effort, and of course, having fun.  All the students signed their grade level "contract" and we will refer back to these core values and add some additional ones throughout the year.  Kindergarten students will be signing their contracts soon.  You will see these colorful posters in the gymnasium.  Stop by and take a look for your child's name during curriculum night. I look forward to meeting you then! 

Please help your child to remember to wear sneakers on PE days.  Class time is 50 minutes and we will head out and enjoy the nice weather as much as possible.  Water bottles are helpful especially on these warmer days when we are outside. 

The gymnasium and fields will be buzzing with fitness activities, motor skill development, sports skills, group games and cooperative learning lessons. Lace up those sneakers because it's going to be a great year in PE!

~Maggie Schack