It's a Balloon World!

        Today was the beginning of a new unit!  I like to combine football and volleyball into one unit.  We just rotate every couple of days within the unit.  I believe that teaching sports is an important part of physical education.  I keep everything very basic when doing these units.   My thought process behind them is that eventually these students will leave elementary school and move up to Jr. high, high school, college, and eventually have a family.  Knowing the basics of various sports, may be the key to keeping them active (and healthier)! 
      So back to today's lesson.  We started with bumping the "volleyball," which in this case is a balloon.  I own (my school owns) the fancy oversized volleyballs, that I used waaaayyy too much of my PE money on.   I use them eventually, but I discovered quickly, balloons and beach balls are where it's at.  Back to today...bumping.  I kept it really basic, we are in "shortstop,"  (ready position), arms are strait, and hands are together.  You can imagine how many times I had to show the correct way to put your hands together! :)  I also realize that necks begin to ache pretty quickly when waiting for the sloooow balloon to come down.  My fix for that?  Music plays, you can hit the balloon however you would like to, when the music shuts off, we are BUMPING it only! This gave me time to walk and round and do quick evaluations for the future! So if you haven't already, go buy some balloons, kids love them, fantastic/safe way to learn!

 

 

This summer when I was getting the gym ready, I was thinking about how I want to make sure the students are exercising their brain as well as their bodies in PE.  After doing some internet searching, I found an idea that I tweeked a bit.

 

     As my students line up to leave the gym, I encourage them to take a look at the questions, and be ready to give answers.  I randomly ask a few of the kids these questions.  When our ipads get ready (yep, still waiting....boo)  we will use them to answer the questions once in a while!    I have already found that the students are thinking a little bit more.  Throughout the class I carefully point out key words (usually are also on the word wall, or in the Today I am........ statement on the whiteboard).

 

   Last night I laid in bed wide awake thinking about my upcoming presentation at KAHPERD.  I am so excited to share the #pegeek that I am!  I have so many idea's, it's going to be hard narrowing it down to a 1 hour (or less) presentation!  Eeekkk, I am excited.  I wanted to share a few of my favorite apps that I have used frequently.  I have so many more that I cannot wait to try out! Watch for feedback in upcoming posts!

 

Apps:

Educreations (awesome way for students to see a picture of themselves doing a skill and be able to speak their evaluation, then send it on to me)

 

Counter Up: Great scoreboard up, simple but effective!

 

Qrafter Pro: Have you explored QR codes yet? They make perfect stations, demonstrations, the list goes on and on!

 

     I'm out of time for today.  If your going to check out just one of these apps, go for Educreations (maybe my very favorite)!   Also, I am part of a three person team who is starting a elementary teacher twitter chat on the second Monday of each month from 7:30-8:30pm.  The hash tag you want to search for is #DCELEM  It will be an awesome way for you to find others educators and chat!  The first night (Sept. 8th) is for Twitter Newbies, so If you do not have an account....you have a problem, now go fix it!

 

Make a difference!

AB

Follow Me!  @baugha