Always Thinking

People talk about how teachers get the summer off and just lounge around the pool....WRONG!  I (and most teachers) are constantly thinking and planning for the upcoming year.  We are looking for fun equipment and how we can creatively use it with our students.  

Here is a perfect example...and I hope to get some ideas from you!  I am in search of the dice that came in the Chick-fil-A Kids Meals.  I have a handful and could kick myself for all of the story cubes that were thrown out.  UGH!  They look like this....

Story Cube Kids Meal Toy

There are different versions of the story cube.

I am trying to think of some different ways to use these cubes in PE.  I was thinking that small groups could use them to find out which station they go to.  This will determine at random which activities the kids will do.

What ideas do you have?

Not Your Typical Scooter

There are a couple pieces of equipment that I can bring out to ALL of my classes and they will ALL get excited.  The one I want to talk about today - SCOOTERS!  You might be thinking of the scooters you or your kiddos ride in the drive way or through the neighborhood.  Nope, I'm talking about the square piece of plastic on four wheels.  

Seriously - the kiddos love it...I'm talking preschool class to fifth grade.  I don't even have to have a game or activity to go along with them.  If we are on a shortened schedule or space is limited due to risers in the gym, I will give the kiddos a scooter - and their eyes light up! (I promise - behind those rainbows are HUGE smiles 😁😁😁)

Older grade level scootering in PE.

I prefer to use the larger scooters.  It is nice because ALL of my students can feel comfortable on the scooters and can be successful.  Unfortunately, I do not have a class set of the larger scooters.  To help with this issue, I have put together a DonorsChoose.org project.  Check it out!

When we use the scooters, we have three main rules:
1. Do not run over fingers - your fingers or a friends ✋ 
2. No bumper cars.
3. Have FUN!

We have played soccer, floor hockey, run through obstacle course, had relay races, etc.  Do your kiddos enjoy riding scooters?  What games to do you play?

Teeing It Up In Class

The last two years we have been fortunate enough to have the First Tee Roanoke Valley come work with our 4th and 5th grade classes.  Coach Bill and Coach Drew bring the SNAG indoor golf equipment.  Not only do they teach and practice golf skills, they also incorporate healthy nutrition and core values.  I think our kiddos can't get enough of that!  It is also nice for them to hear from people other than their parents and teachers 😉  

On the first day, the students are introduced to the equipment and work on rolling shots/putting.  When they are practicing this shot, they are not just using a putter, some stations that are rolling or tossing a tennis ball.  This is nice because it breaks up the stations.

On the second day, the students move into a full swing.  They are able to hit the length of the gym.  The same safety protocol is used as the day before.  The class really get excited when someone hits the back wall 😀

It is a great opportunity for our students to experience an activity that can be played for a lifetime!  

If you have a First Tee program in your area - REACH OUT!  See if they can come and be involved with your school. 

Check out some of our pictures....

Coach Drew going over the lesson for the day.

First Tee does a great job of providing "safety zones" for the students. This protects them from getting his with a club or ball.

Students practicing the skill for the day.