WEEK 17: VOLLEYBALL ENDS / THROWING

(December 10-14)

3rd-5th grades

A... Students will work in groups of four using the bump and set to try to keep the ball in the air without it hitting the ground. Students will be encouraged to use proper form and count consecutive strikes. Students will set up their own court lines and play once again modified volleyball. Students will be instructed that one day remains of volleyball and we will once again change the rules to get closer to real volleyball.

B...Today will be our last day of organized volleyball. We will talk about pre-game activity: stretch, warmup exercises, talking strategy, and skill warmup. Students will pick how and what they want to warmup as far as skills go and take 5 to 10 minutes to do this. Games will start and we will play "Modified Volleyball" just like last week. We will talk about the similarities and differences between our game and the real volleyball.

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K-2nd grades

A...Students get into groups of three, each with their own box of 100 tennis balls. The will attempt to throw or toss balls non-stop over the volleyball net and into a grocery cart. Upon completion, balls in carts will be counted and students will pick up balls. We will regroup and do it once more, this time with carts much further away. After again picking up balls, we will do 10 minutes of Parachute games: "Waves", "Tent", "Magic Carpet", "Hot Air Balloon", and "The Dance".

B...We will continue to throw today. Students will practice the three types of throws: basketball shot, baseball throw, and one/two hand toss. Students will line up in relay type form in groups of two behind an orange cone. Six carts will be placed on the opposite side of the net for "Grocery Cart Ball". Students will throw over net and try to get ball (volleyball) to stay in cart. They must report a make to teacher for a point. Periodically, the carts will be moved forward and backwards. Class will end with 10 minutes of parachute includes games such as: "Waves", "Magic Carpet", "Hide N Seek Under", and "Hide N Seek Over".

WEEK 16: VOLLEYBALL / PARACHUTE & THROWING

3rd-5th grades
A...For the second week, students will work on volleyball skills. This week students will be taught bumping skills. Emphasis will be to keep arms straight, hands locked and down, and a slight bumping motion with the arms. Students will practice serving a little and then bumping. We will continue volleyball play but again modify the rules. This time we are getting closer to volleyball. Rules include everything the same as volleyball except unlimited strikes by students before the ball goes over and one bounce on the ground between strikes.
B...Students will work in groups of three, bumping over the net from inside a hulahoop. Students will toss balls over the net to their partners, taking turns at the sound of the whistle. We will stop periodically for skill comments. They same modified volleyball from earlier in the week will continue this week.

K-2nd grades
A...Students will use the parachute today working on many different games including "Carousel", "Waves", "Igloo", "Golf", and "Popcorn". Students will pause to play "Musical Hoops" with locomotor movements to music then in a hoop at the music pause. Parachute games will end class with "Magic Carpet", and "The Dance".
B...Students will get in teams of three, each team with a box of about 100 tennis balls. They will attempt to throw the tennis ball over the net one at a time but very quickly. Next students will be continue throwing but this time each team will set up their own array of 9 bowling pins and attempt to knock them down. They will be placed about 50 feet away making it quite a task.

WEEK 15: VOLLEYBALL / THROW & CATCH

3rd - 5th grades
A...The first day of this week our students will continue to practice their serving. Students will serve over the net with a partner and do an informal skills test with ten serves. Students will again play "Serve Ball" with the back out line closer in to encourage more controlled serves. Students will end class with "Serve Newcombe Volleyball".
B...Today students will get to learn more about the game of volleyball by managing their own games. Four courts will be set up with a scoreboard and directions at each court. Students will divide into teams and begin play. Teachers will monitor games for sportsmanship and teamwork and studnets will be responsible for managing all other aspects of the game.

2nd grade
A...Students will do the same thing as 3rd through 5th grades except all of the serves will be throws.
B...Again students will work on throwing and catching with a partner over the net. We will talk about baseball throw, toss, basketball shot, and soccer-style throw. Students will play "Serve Ball" then play "Throw Newcombe Volleyball".

K - 1st grades
A...Students will each have a soccer ball or volleyball and practice throwing in different ways by themselves. Students will toss up, throw up, basketball shot up, all the time making catches. Students will next attempt to throw over the net and then with a partner over the net. Finally, students will play "Throw Ball" over the net with few rules, just over the net, stay on your own side, and use any ball.
B...At the end of the week, students will pratice more throwing and catching over the net with a partner. Then students will again play "Throw Ball" over the net, this time encouraging catching balls to save "points". Class will end with about 15 minutes of "5 Corners".

WEEK 14: VOLLEYBALL / LOOSEN UP

There is only one day of PE this week because of Thanksgiving holidays!!!

3rd - 5th grades

A...Students will begin volleyball this week. We will start with serving skills. Students will attempt to hold the ball steady for the service strike. The serving arm should stay straight while striking the ball. Students will practice with a partner in thie rown space, then over the net. We will end our partner unions and combine into two teams on each side of the net for "Serve Ball'. This is a wild game where students will attempt to serve the ball over the net so it drops and hits the ground on the other teams side. Teams can save balls by catching them before they hit the ground. We will transition to "Serve Newcombe Volleyball". Two separate games will occur over the net. Students will play standard Newcombe rules only using serves to move the ball. Concepts discussed and used will be the server, the service, three touches on a side, volleyball lines, rotation, and scoring.

2nd grade

A...Students will do the same activities as 3rd - 5th grades except they will use the throw or toss instead of the serve.

K - 1st grades

A...Students will take a break from the intense work they have been doing. Groups will be formed and work on assorted activities, switching from station to station at the whistle bursts. Activity stations include soccer, football, flag belts, jump ropes, basketballs, hoops, and others.

WEEK 13: SOCCER / KICKING

This week should be the middle of November, ending on November 16.

3rd - 5th grades
A & B...Our advanced PE classes will continue soccer this week. We will again use 5 soccer balls, work on defensive strategies, positions, and teamwork/sportsmanship skills. We will create different scoring opportunities with smaller goals inside larger goals.

2nd grades
A...Our 2nd grades classes will continue working on their kicking skills. We will work with a partner, trying to dribbling and control the ball, similar to a one on one game. We will line up on opposite sides of the field, facing partners, to create two equal teams. Teams will play "Kick Sty" to constantly kick balls to the other teams side. Our last activity will group students into groups of two or three behind a cone. Students will dribble zig-zag then pass to the next person in line continuously.
B...Students will dribble inside a large circle, continue playing keep away, then kick the balls of other students out of the circle while controlling their own. Students will then play "Steal the Bacon" with 5 to 8 groups around the field with their own hula hoop. Students will try to steal the ball from others hoops and dribble or run the ball back to their own hoop. We will end class with a goal shooting contest. About 15 teams of 2 will face the goal, kick the ball into the goal, and run the ball back to their partner. We will dribble the ball into the goal first then take a big shot at it!

K - 1st grades
A...Students will all have a ball and then kick and stop on the whistle, though almost continuously. Students will then kick with a partner, followed again by all students kicking their own ball from one end of the field to the other trying to score a goal
B...Students will line up around the perimeter of a large circle divided by a middle line. Students will attempt to kick balls out of the other side of the circle. Students can retrieve the ball and kick it back across the opposing side. We will end class with a goal shooting contest. About 15 teams of 2 will face the goal, kick the ball into the goal, and run the ball back to their partner. We will dribble the ball into the goal first then take a big shot at it!

WEEK 12: SOCCER/PUNTING/FLAG GAMES

3rd - 5th grades
A & B...Students will stretch and talk about teamwork and sportsmanship in sports. No run test will occur this week. Students will be quickly divided into teams and a meeting before the game will discuss rules, strategies and soccer positions. "5 Ball Soccer" will begin, one coach on each side of the field to keep goals and fouls. Scoring should be high and students should learn the basic concepts of soccer.

2nd grade
A & B...Students will stretch and run before advancing to the field. A review of punting skills will follow with an emphasis on "drop and kick". Students will be encouraged to drop the ball to punt, not throw up and wait for the drop to kick. Students will practice in groups of two, be challenged to catch their partners ball in the air or on one bounce, and then keep their own score. Students will advance to the soccer goal and then try to punt over the goal to their partner, counting catches their as well. We will discuss game rules for "Punt Ball" and students will then try to punt any ball over the soccer goal for points.

K - 1st grades
A...After a warmup and a "Freeze Game" to encourage locomotor skills and some exercise, students will learn about flag belts. We will spend time practicing putting flags on. Students will partner up and play "One on One" flag tag on the court. We will then advance to the field to learn some lead up games for "Hill Dill". Students will run across the field and not touch others flags, they will run across and be aware of out of bounds on the sides, they will stop on the end lines, they will leanr about the terminology of "out". We will put a student in the middle and run a few times across the field with the middle "monster" trying to pull their flags before they make it safely to the other side.
B...Students will warm up and do a quick jog. We will again review the flag belts and go straight to the field. We will do a few lead up runs to remember the "Hill Dill" rules and then play "Hill Dill". If time permits, we will do some other flag games like "Flag Tag".

WEEK 11: KICKING / FLAG GAMES

2nd - 5th grades
A...Students will do a 5 minute stick run and discuss the 2nd nine weeks final exam in December. We will meet in the field in groups of two. Class will review the "Power Kick", encouraging students to strick the ball long and high on a stationary ball on the ground. Students will be instructed to step beside the ball with the non-kicking foot and strike under the ball with a bent foot for lift. Students will be encouraged to try and catch their partners kicked ball on no bounces or one bounce and keep totals. Next students will use a hoop and play "One on One Soccer" using dribbling skills to try and get the ball to touch the inside of the hula hoop. Next students will get on opposite sides of the center field line and play "Wild Kick" trying to drive the ball as far as possible over the other teams heads. Students with the least balls on their side wins the game.
B...Students will do a 2:30 No Walk test. Journals will follow and students will be given fitness test scores from the entire class and have to put them into a graph or chart. We will return to the field in groups of 2 to continue practice the Power Kick. Students will then play "Goal" where groups of three will try to score as many goals as possible. At about 20 yards away, one student will kick, one student will retrieve, and one student will be on deck for the next kick. Play must be fasst paced and balls going through the goal count one point and over the goal for three.
K - 1st grades
A...Students will do a 4 minutes walk/run. Flag belts will be reviewed and tested. Next students will get in groups of two and play "One on One Flag Tag". Students will be encouraged to spread feet apart and move feet quickly. Students will learn to put their flags back on quickly. We will advance to the field for "No Elimination Flag Tag" inside a pre-set circle. Students will pull other students flags. Out until they get their flags back on then back in!
B...After a long run around a spot inthe field, students will again work on putting flags on. Partner groups will play "One on One Flag Tag" again. Students will advance to the field for an introduction to "Hill Dill". We will work on the end lines, the side lines, crossing the field, the safe line, and how the middle person pulls flags. This is in preparation for the real game, which may be played by 1st grade.

WEEK 10: MORE FOOTBALL / OVERHAND THROWING

K - 5th grades
A & B...This week saw the fifth grade leave school for Camp Crystal. While I was gone, Coach Conn ran PE classes. The older grades finished football skills with more chasing/fleeing/dodging games and ended the short week with a footbal game. The younger students advanced from last weeks work with the underhand throw to the overhand throw. Students were taught to throw with the correct hand and practiced throwing hard and low. They used targets and threw lots of balls. Throwing will be revisited many times throughout the year for the K - 1st grades!

WEEK 9: FOOTBALL / TOSSING

2nd - 5th grades

A...Students will stretch and do a short run then gather in their line groups to write in their line journal. They will be asked a question about fitness testing and must come up with the best answers among their group members. Students will practice the football throw in groups of three. They will model the football throw from the baseball throw learned a few weeks ago and just add some nifty hand movement to create a "spiral" then pay "Three Man Football" with a quarterback, receiver, and defender. Next, Students will put their footballs away and wear a flag belt in groups of two next. They will play "One on One Flag Tag" to learn quickness and speed. Students will see and feel the importance of keeping low to the ground, bending the knees, and spreading feet apart to be quick.

B...Students will begin class with stretching and a run then group in threes. Students will play "Three Man Football" then get into relay race form, groups of 3 to 4. Students will pass to a teammate in a hula hoop about 10 feet away and on a catch, move back 3 feet. Every catch students move hula hoop back 3 feet, with periodic switches of the catcher in the hoop. Next game will feature students on court playing "No Elimination Flag Tag" where all students have a flag on and try to pull off anyone elses flag. If the flag comes off, student must stop and put it back on before resuming play. At the end of class students get a form with their pre-fitness test scores.

K - 1st grades
A...Students will do a short run and all get a tennis ball. "Tossing" will be reviewed and compared to the throw. Students will practice tossing the ball low and catching, high a catching, high twist and catch, high clap and catch, high and hit a roof cross bar, high and bang the roof, and into the basketball goal. Students will partner up and practice tossing with a partner close range. Emphasis on control, easy throw that can be caught. Partners then use two balls and try to toss at the same time and catch. Challenge to see how many in a row can be caught.
B...Students will get into 112 groups of 3 or 4. They will do relay style tossing into a basket. Comparisons between the throw and the toss. Students will then have a free toss while we get the balls lieing on the court and into the open baskets. Students will line up again and have a challenge to see whose team can toss the most balls in the basket.

MEET COACH CONN!

Williams Elementary School would like to welcome Coach Conn from the University of Florida. She will be coaching in our PE classes for the next two months. The last two months found Coach Conn at Westwood Middle School coaching sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students. They spent several weeks in the pool!! Coach Conn is excited to be at our school. She says "I am excited to be working with Coach Drost and the students at Williams. I have heard such great things about the students here and I am looking forward to the next two months!"

WEEK 8: FITNESS TEST ENDS

Though the rain set us back a bit, all classes managed to complete the entire fitness test this week. Students passing the test at the National (50th percentile) and Presidential (85th percentile) levels will be posted below. Students in 2nd through 5th grades will bring home their scores next week with information regarding the test.

Presidential Award

5th grade

Michael M

4th grade

Jonah T

2nd grade

Anousha P

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National Award

5th grade

Antwain P - Charlotte T - Janelle T - Kate W - Lonquisha W - Aloha B - Isaac B - Jasmin B - Alice H - Ayaz K - Noah K - Deja B - Timothy A - Darius M - Meghan M - Stella R - Kaitlyn S - John TD - Jasmine J

4th grade

Rafael B - Elizabeth F - Camilo ML - Jason M - Wilson P - Dylan P - Allison R - Jamie W - Carly A - Will B - Ryan J - Caroline R - Delaney R - Demari M - Davonte S - Joshua Q

3rd grade

Tyrik B - Chacity B - Lynette B - Morgan G - James L - Nicholas S - Alex S - Elijah K - Sophie S - Xzavion C

2nd grade

Aeriyana B - Nahshaun S - Catherine B - Jake D - Lulu F - Daniel M - Deshon P - Lauryn Y - Jakeshia L - Alexus O - Jessica B - Camden F - Grace W - Destiney B

WEEK 7: FITNESS TEST BEGINS

K - 5th grades
A & B...Both days this week will involve pre-fitness testing. Our school tests in four areas: (1) mile run for cardio-respiratory endurance, (2) sit and reach for flexibility, (3) pull ups for muscular strength, and (4) sit ups for muscular endurance. The mile run test will begin the week and we will continue with sit and reach and sit ups. The rain may interfere so we will adapt if necessary. K and 1st grades will only do the half mile run test instead of the entire mile. Top scores and those passing all four fitness tests will be posted on this website and at school.

WEEK 6: SCOOTERS

2nd - 5th grades
A...This week will be a transition from Throwing to Pre-Fitness Testing. Scooters will be used after a 4 minute run, working on teamwork, coordination, and building our leg muscles: hamstrings, quads, and calves! We will start with partner scooter pushing. Students will explore their own needs, both with speed, balance, and safety. Ropes will be given out and students will explore speed, balance, and safety with pulling their partners. We will do some "Scooter Races" for speed and then have a three person game to promote more balance. 2nd grade will do an obsticle course with partners during the last game.

B...We will stretch and do a 2:30 no walk jog and then jump right into scooters. We will do some practice with partners, both with and without a pull rope. We will do a few races then play NASCAR around a set circular area. Students push or pull partner around changing directions every so often. The class will end with a tennis ball collection using the partner scooters.

K - 1st grades
A...Students will stretch and then practice their "Lap". Students will take turns practicing moving around the court on scooters. Students will see the difference between forward scooting and backward scooting. We will do 2 person relay races and then have a partner push free time. All this to MUSIC!!!

B...Students will again be using scooter, first with a little practice. A large circle of cones will be formed and students will be in groups of one or two. They will have to sail into the middle and steal treasure from the sea because they are pirates. The name of the game... "Treasure Hunt". Students can only collect one piece of treasure, laid out throughout the middle and keep it intheir hidden treasure chest. Different values will be given to treasures. 2nd grade will play this game as well.

WEEK 5: THROWING / COOPERATION FUN

2nd - 5th grade
A...Students will stretch and then come up with one muscle that is used in the throw. The Run for the Stars will be a long run and depend on place of finish. Students return and divide into four teams, playing "Tattoo" where students throw tennis balls and try to smash their target, the basketball backboard. After cleaning up the tennis ball. Students will be placed in four groups around an 18 foot-side rope perimeter square. The game "Cleaning House" will involve throwing medium sized balls at the targets in the middle and try to keep them clear of their side. At the end of each game, the team that has blasted the targets farthest away from their own side is the cleaning champion.
B...Today will be a similar day as earlier in the week but we will make the games more competitive. "Tatoo" will have two teams on each side of the court, divided by an extended tug-o-war rope. Students will try to hit their target, the basketball goal on the opposite side as many times as possible. Score will be kept. "Cleaning House" will be improved with a larger square to give students more room to throw. Nerf balls will be removed and more volleyballs will be added. Less targets will be in the center.

K - 1st grade
A...Students will stretch and practice once again on running "Around" and completing a "Lap". We will pull out the Parachute and have a little fun this week. We will do (1) waves, (2) the Tent, (3) Magic Carpet, (4) Turtles, (5) Igloo, (6) Merry-go-round, (7) Popcorn, and other parachute games. Class will end with some advanced "5 Corners" and start to understand the concept of winning and losing.
B...We will start the day with more emphasis on going "Around" cones and completing a "Lap". We will move nto some "Self-Exploration" where students will use equipment that has been placed on the court. Kindergarten classes will use any equipment and 1st grade will be put into centers or stations and moved from center to center, like an circuit course.

MEET COACH AUGUST!

Williams would like to welcome Coach August to our school! She has come from the University of Florida and is a true GATOR fan. Coach August will graduate with her degree in Physical Education in December and is really excited about teaching PE. She says she loves our students and will be sad to leave at the end of October when she heads to Sidney Lanier to continue teaching PE. Thanks Coach August for all you do for Williams PE!!!

WEEK 4: THROWING / BODY ID

2nd - 5th grades
A...Students will stretch and star run with a "long run of 2:20". Upon return, students will make seven groups and do the "Muscle PreTest". Next, Students in 3rd - 5th that received an A last week on their throw will play "Battleball", a wild target throwing game with two teams on different sides of the court and lots and lots of tragets to throw at on the opposing side. Work with the non-A students will result in inclusion in the game with a little extra practice. Students in 2nd grade will practice throwing in lines designed by skill level and help will be given to students that did not get an A on the throw.
B...Stretching will be followed by a "no walk/stop long run". Students will return to their lines and work together to think of the 12 muscles we study and report to the teacher for a line point. 4th and 5th grades will begin Battleball and 2nd and 3rd grades will partner throw before starting Battleball.

K - 1st grades

A...We will start with our stretches and again practice locomotor movements with the "Freeze Game". Students will grab a partner, not hard of course, and will be challenged to touch body parts together when that part is called. The called parts will get more complicated including two or three different parts touching. We will throw in a new twist, and when "Scramble" is called students will have to switch partners.

B...Stretches will start class and we will really get serious about teaching students to go "Around" cones, in the fashion of a lap. We will try different types of runs trying to work up to a "Lap". Will will play "Freeze" one more time and then sit on our own spot, spread out on the court. Students will be shown large flash cards with body parts shown and students must figure out how to put only those parts on the floor. Students must have good balance and be thinking! We will end with a beanbag and balnce it on certain body parts!

WEEK 3: THROWING / SPATIAL AWARENESS

2nd - 5th grades
A...Students stretch and warmup, with emphasis on deltoids, including a 2 minute pacer run, called a "no pass." Students are introduced to the throw in 4 cues: (1) stand to the side, (2) ball behind head, (3) slide step, and (4) twist and throw. Students model the throw while they are observed and corrected. Students then throw for power and distance, as compared to a baseball pitcher. Small team of 2 or 3 are formed and students are challenged to throw at targets, like bowling pins and stacked crates to knock them down with force.
B...Students will again stretch and warmup, again emphasis on the deltoids. The run today... a 2 minute no walk or stop! Students will play catch with a partner and be graded based upon following the four cues and without regard for accuracy. Students will then get into groups of 2 to 3 and play more target games, like "knock it back" where stacked crates are moved back every time they are knocked down.

K - 1st grades
A...Student names will be reviewed...AGAIN!!! The "Freeze Game" will be played for spatial wareness, locomotor movements and moving to music. Polyspots will be spread out on the court to encourage "own space" and we will move around spots to music and even play "Moving Spots" once again. We finished the day with some "Body Part Identification" and played "5 Corners" to complete PE time.
B...Students will stretch and again encourage spatial awareness through the "Freeze Game". Polyspots will be put in a large circle formation and we will play "Magic Color Call" encouraging students to move quickly, pay attention, and learn colors. We will add beanbags to the middle of the circle and play "Magic Beanbags" as students have to hear their color and quickly run to get a beanbag or sometimes more from the middle...carefully! We will finish with "Ship to Shore" working in partner groups. Different motions are called and partner groups will perform the motion when called. If SHIP is called students must find a different partner quickly!

WEEK 2: GROUP CHALLENGES / SPATIAL AWARENESS

2nd - 5th grades
A...Students will once again reveiw spots, stretch and warmup, then do a "Run 4 the Star". Students will find the same groups they had last week during the "Group Challenges" and then be sent to the next challenge. Today, students will participate in 2 more challenges. Music will accompany the work.
B...Today will be the final day of "Group Challenges". Students will participate in 2 or 3 challenges. 5th grade students will end 5 minutes early to be shown the techniques to use to succeed in each challenge for future use. Music will accompnay the work.

K - 1st grades
A...Students will review lining up on red spots, review student names, and do stretches. We will play the freeze game to get students moving in different types of locomotor movements and to identify that the whistle means stop. Music will accompany. Students will play small and large group games. Class will end with a "Snow Ball War".
B...After warmups, students will revisit the "Freeze Game" and then do some new parachute games involving colors and "under the parachute" action! We will use polyspots to introduce "spreading out" to studnets and practice with and without spots. We will move in different locomotor movements around the spots to music and then play "Musical Spots" and those not finding spots will have to go to exercise corner for some intense workout before returning to the game! Class will end with an elimination "5 Corners" game!

WEEK 1: COOPERATION

Welcome back Williams students and families. I hope you are ready for an exciting year in PE. Some new changes have made Williams PE again one of the best places for students to learn about their body, working with others, physical skills, and how to have fun physically! All classes will attend PE two times every week and for 50 minutes. We are able to do this by have two classes come to PE at a time. The classes are bigger but will not sacrifice time in activities. We have added lots of new equipment with grants, additional budget money, GRU funds, and PTA funds.

2nd-5th grades
A...Students will become familiar with the red spot formation, learn the 2 class behavior rules, and then go immediately into parachute activities. We will add a parachute and do (1) waves, (2) tent, (3) igloo, and (4) magic carpet. Next, we will stop parachuting and learn our assigned spots for the rest of the year. Our coomunication/cooperation game will follow. Student must group themselves by the answer to several questions. All students must cooperate with each other to succeed in finding everyone with the same answer. This game will be followed by a few more parachute games: (1) merry go round, (2) blast off, (3) over under, and (4) popcorn. Within theses parachute games, the 3 grading rules of PE will be introduced.
B...Students will review their spots when classes begins. We will introduce warmups and stretch, emphasis on "Hamstrings". The class will do a few parachute games that did not get finished last class or have student choice. Students will begin their unit on "Group Challenges". Students will get into groups of 6 - 8 students and be placed in a station, or challenge: (1) Acid River, (2) Time Machine, (3) Frogs on the Pond, (4) Three Story Building, (5) Group Juggling, (6) Hot Lava, (7) The Switch. Students will see two challenges today.

K - 1st grade
A...These grades will learn about red spots for lining up when coming to PE. Parachute games will follow with similar games as 2nd - 5th grades. The PE behavior rules will be introduced. We will review spots once again then go over the concept of running "Around" something! We will do a few practice runs, a few more parachute games, then play "5 Corners". Students must moves to one of five designated areas on the court in ten seconds without touching other students.
B...The second class of the week will again review spots then learn about stretches and warmups. Students will play parachute games once again and revisit games from earlier in the week. Students will do a "Grouping Game" where a number will be called out and students will have to get themselves into groups of that size as quickly as possible. We will end class with active games of "Squirrels in the Trees" and "Dog Tails". These games are designed to get students to start thinking about spatial awareness and locomotor movements.

WEEK 36: BONKER BALL BASEBALL

In our second to last week we are doing baseball striking skills for thrid through fifth grades. We will review the baseball swing and play "Bonker Ball." Students will divide into groups of 4 or 5 to play. Each student will get a turn to bat, either off a tee, a toss and hit, or off a pitch. Upon the hit, the batter runs to 1st base and back home as many times as he/she can until the fielding players get the ball and tag home plate. Students keep score from inning to inning. Strategies are encouraged and reviewed on fielding techniques. Students should understand positions and relay to move the ball quickly to home plate.

Some students in kindergarten through second grades are finsihing up their test still!! They will move to striking with a bat when complete.

UPDATE ON THE MILE RUN!

Top 20 Boys Mile Run
1. Will Burger 3rd grade 6:48
2. Ayaz Khan 4th grade 6:59
3. Kyung Seok Oh 5th grade 7:22
4. Jonah Thiele 4th grade 7:22
5. Eric Burch 4th grade 7:33
6. Damonte Flowers 4th grade 7:42
7. Nathan Fisher 4th grade 7:43
8. Bamboo Blanchard 5th grade 7:48
9. Robin Xu 5th grade 7:49
9. Joshua Quillen 3rd grade 7:49
11. Rico Mirti 3rd grade 7:52
12. Noah Killingsworth 4th grade 7:54
13. John Dampier 4th grade 7:55
14. Ricky Rivers 5th grade 7:59
15. Stephen So 5th grade 8:04
16. Aloha Blanchard 4th grade 8:05
17. Steven Gu 5th grade 8:11
18. Jamie Williams 3rd grade 8:12
19. Davonte Scott 3rd grade 8:14
20. Luke Hall 5th grade 8:19

Top 20 Girls Mile Run
1. Madison Burger 5th grade 6:30
2. Christine Pu 5th grade 6:43
3. Sarah Collings 5th grade 7:03
4. Kelsey Dunn 5th grade 7:21
5. Jasmin Brown 4th grade 7:29
6. Charlotte Talham 4th grade 7:53
7. Vivian Zhu 5th grade 8:02
7. Amaleah Mirti 5th grade 8:02
9. Samantha Payne 5th grade 8:10
10. Stella Reneke 4th grade 8:22
11. Jasmine Jackson 4th grade 8:26
12. Kate Warren 4th grade 8:41
13. Ladajah Arnold 5th grade 8:45
14. Allie Sourakov 5th grade 8:48
15. Delaney Rua 3rd grade 9:01
16. Lillian Zhu 3rd grade 9:28
17. Ul'Ondrea Johnson 3rd grade 9:31
18. Lonquisha Williams 4th grade 9:33
19. Amber Monk 5th grade 9:34
20. Brianna Moorehead 5th grade 9:43

WEEK 34: THE DUEL & FINISH TESTING

Third through fifth grades have completed their fitness tests. Some make up testing will be done this week for these grades but classes will study tournament play and brackets this week while performing the activity "THE DUEL." Students will be taught how a tournament is set up and write their own names into a tournament bracket as it progresses toward a champion. The Duel is a one on one tug of war game that combines strategy and balance. Students stand on a platform about 5 feet apart holding the end of a 12 foot rope. On the signal each student will try to make the other fall off their platform while remaining on their own. Don't forget to keep hold on the rope, if you let go you are finished.

Kindergarten through second will complete their final fitness test this week!

WEEK 33: MORE FITNESS TESTING

The second week of fitness testing will see most of our students complete the fitness test. Third through fifth grades will be completing the situps and the sit and reach (flexibility) test. Any make up tests that need to be completed will be done this week also. Kindergarten through second grades will take the situps and sit and reach test also but they will have to complete one more test next week, the pull ups.

A mile run make up test will be next week. Students who missed the mile run last week will come on this day to do their mile run. Fifth grade students wishing to improve their mile run one last time will also get the opportunity to run next week.

WEEK 32: FITNESS TESTING BEGINS

This week the second through the fifth grades will run the mile run and the kindergarten and first grades will run the half mile. This will be the first leg of the fitness test, one of four test students will take over the next few weeks. Students are encouraged to run for several reasons: to set a personal best, to pass the fitness test at the national or presidential level, to pass the school time of 14 minutes, to get into the "Mile of Fame", and to be a top runner in the school or grade. Next week the top scores will be posted. Students who miss the mile this week will make it up later. If time permits, the pull up or flexed arm hang test will be performed.

Next week will be situps and the flexibility test. Remember if students pass all tests at the presidential or national level, they will win an award! The testing scores to pass can be seen in the links section titled "FITNESS TESTING STANDARDS." A passing score depends on the age and if the student is a boy or girl.

5TH GRADE GOES TO COUNTY FIELD DAY

On April 20, 2007, Williams 5th graders participated in the county field day. 18 team were competing to win first, second and third place ribbons in each event. Events include the ring relay, baton relay, sack relay, block relay, tug of war, boys mile and girls mile. Williams did very well in the team events. We had 4 first place teams, 5 second place teams, and 4 third place teams. In the final event, the mile run, each school put two runners in the boys and girls race. With runners jammed onto the starting line, Christine Pu and Madison Burger represented Williams with pride. It was not crowded at the end of the race though as Madison won the mile run and Christine finished second. Great job to all fifth graders!!

WEEK 31: FORCE AND POWER

This week we will be on the field having a little fun and learning about power and force with athletic movements and stances. Students in second through fifth grades will begin seated in a small circle with five colored teams marked with numbered polyspots from one to three or four, depending on class size. We will begin our game with "Crab Soccer" utilizing the giant blue ball! Students seated on their bottoms will stay opn their bottoms and be the goalie for the game, only using their hands to block. Points, which are bad, are scored when the ball goes through a team out of the circle or a bottom comes off the spot. A number will be called and those students will crab walk to the middle and try to kick the ball out another side. Emphasis will be put on using the feet for the most power and accuracy. Later, we will change to standing on our spots with all the same rules except when a number is called, those students run in and either push or lift the ball through or over another team. Emphasis now will change to athletic stance for balance and power, compared to athletic stance for speed, balance and agility.

Kindergarten through first grades will also use the big blue ball this week. Class will start with a freeze contest on the court, working with walking, skipping and dancing movement! Students will them progress to the field and sit on numbered polyspots. Their game will involve trying to go get the big blue ball, located in the middle of the circle and push it out there own side, which is a point and it is good! Students will be urged to use balance and force by getting low and bending the knees. Students will also uise strategies to help their teammates get the ball out their own side! At the end of class students will try to score a goal on the soccer field by pushing the big blue ball.

WEEK 30: RELAY DAYS!

Third through fifth grades will be doing relay races this week. At the end of the week, the entire 5th grade class will go to Citizens Field and participate in the county "5th Grade Fun and Fitness Day." Classes will start the week with assorted relay races. Teams will be divided in to teams of four or less. As relay races are performed by teams, we will talk about comparisons to track and field, disqualifications, strategies for better performance, and teamwork. We will do realys such as normal running relay, backwards forwards relay, skipping relay, ball behind the back relay, ring relay, one block relay, tee block relay, baton relay, and others. Teams will run relat races to two different lengths, thirty feet and sixty feet. Some classes will meet again and do a quick review of relays then do sprinting. Students will run the 50 yard dash. Five line will be set up and students will run against each other, then walking abck to get back in a line to race different students. We will discuss running through the finish line and sprinting style. Students will try to match with students of similar skill. At the end of both classes, students will play a quick game of "Hill Dill" before leaving.

Students in kindergarten through 2nd grades will do chasing, fleeing, and doding games. They will be reintroduced to "Hill Dill" and go throught the steps to learn all the rules. The game will be played until there are about 5 to 10 left and then restarted. Students will be encouraged to watch there space and look in all directions when running. Out of bounds will be discussed in detail.

WEEK 29: BASKETBALL GAMES II

Students in fourth and fifth grades will talk about game play and relation to basketball. We will talk about types of small games and how playing basketball promotes fun. Students will break into groups of 3 to 5 and spend time in class working together playing their choice of games or creating their own games together. Students will be encouraged to get along and have fun!

Third grade will play "Around the World". The game will be taught using a demonstration and students will break into groups of 3 to 5, given poly spot sets of 10 numbers, and sent to their own basketball goal. Tips will be given from group to group on best play practice and modifying games ideas to make the game more fun!

Kindergarten through second grades will play the basketball number game on a small sized goal. K and 1st grade will use only numbers one a two and will do shooting challenges by "how fast can that number group make 15 shots" and so on. They will start with checking the basketball shooting technique off in the grade book. The class will end with a couple of minutes of free basketball.

WEEK 28: BASKETBALL GAMES I

Third through fifth grades will play number basketball during this week of the basketball unit. The court will be preset with poly spots numbers 1 - 3 or 1 - 2, each set of numbers in a diffferent color. Each student willbegin class practicing the basketball shot in their own space. Technique will be reviewed and then students will be graded on their own shooting technique. From sooting students will have free shooting on goals until a signal to find a pre-set spot. Coach will call a number and students will follow set criteria to score points for their team. Some criteria will be first 5 students to make a shot, first five shots, first two students to make a shot, and so on. Points may be kept or not, bonus points awarded for teamwork and sportsmanship.

Kindergarten through 2nd grade will also continue shooting. Students will be challenged to shoot high and correctly alone and with a partner. Students will expereince shooting in many different small activities with partners, small groups and large groups. A final activity gives students the opportunity to pass and catch with a partner using one or two balls in many different pthways. The last few minutes students will shoot on their choice of three hieghts of basketball goals.

WEEK 27: HOOPIN SHOOTS!

All classes jump to the basketball shot in the second week of our basketball unit. Second through fifth grades will begin the day in groups of two and practice shooting "Very High" to each other. We will stop periodically and review incorrect form and the three basketball shooting cues. Students will also help instruct their partner if incorrect form exists. After the practice session, we will play "Make It, Take It". Students will take turns shooting baskets and every time one makes a basket, they get to shoot again. There is no defense, just a shooter and a rebounder, and students will keep score. After 5 to 10 minutes of this game, where we will alternate goals to avoid the sunny goal, we will divided into two teams and play a game. Each team will shoot non-stop at their goal and make as many shots as possible. I will keep score and after 3 or 4 minutes, we will switch goals and do it once again, the winning team will shoot from outside blue lines. Our last game, if time permits, will keep the same teams and between every shoot students must dribble to the center line and step on it before shooting again!

Kindergarten and first grades will start of similarly but no partner groups, they will have their own ball. More time is spent on incorrect form and getting away from tosses and throws and thinking about "Push"! Students will line up on a line and shoot one at a time quickly so I can evaluate each students shot. Students will get in groups of two and shoot back and forth then at the hoops, two of which are low roll out goals. Novice shooters will use these and experts will use the high goals, no mare than two groups at a goal. The last five minutes of class will be free shooting time.

WEEK 26: BASKETBALL BOUNCES IN!

To get back on track after a wild month or two, we started our basketball unit on Wednesday March 7 with day one on our schedule for 3rd through 5th grades. We will introduce and practice dribbling this week. We all had our own basketball for skill work this week. There were short talks on why dribbling is the most important skill, correct dribbling technique, and strategies to avoid defenders: looking up, dribbling low and the crossover dribble. We praticed these dribbles to music. Next we got in groups of two and played "Two Ball DribbleWar" where partners score points by tapping the partners ball while keeping theirs going. If double dribble occurs, a point can also be scored. Students keep their own points. Next we put a ball away and played "One Ball Dribble War" where one partner tries to steal the ball from the other. Students try to keep the ball in their possession as long as possible. At the end of class we had three to five minutes of free basketball and shooting. Here I evaluated the shooting form of students to prepare for next week, and helped a few! Second grade did much of the same thing but if a class had problems with dribbling we focused more on technique and less on strategy. Other games that were played in these scenarios include dribble races and "Lot od Balls Dribble War" where three students don't have a ball and try to steal the ball from other students. If a students ball is stolen then they have to steal from someone else. Take away more balls and it gets more interesting.

In Kindergarten through first grades dribbled too and used many of the same set up skills with more focus on technique and stopped frequently for tips and advice. We had dribble races and then instead of partnering fro games, we partnered to pass the basketball. We tried two ball passing with different types of passes and then worked one one ball passing, mainly the bounce pass. These students had five minutes of free basketball time at the end of class too!

WEEK 25: JUMP ROPE CONTINUES

Though Jump Rope 4 Heart is over, all classes will continue jump roping this week. Some will do the single jump ropes that did not finish from two weeks ago. Other classes will work with long jump ropes. Third through fifth grades will have a little fun with the long jump ropes. Groups of three or four will be made and students will be given a chance to create a one minute jump rope routine, performed at the end of class. Each routine will be scored and students will be given tips and hints on how to score the most possible points in their routine. Everything done in the routine that is not a regular jump is a point, incuding any tricks, dancing, turner switching and running in and out. Everytime the rope stops or is messed up, one point is taken away. Students are encouraged to do tricks quickly and use strategy to score points.

Kindergarten through second grades will also work with the long jump ropes. Emphasis will begin with the rope turn. Students will practice with a partner turning high, low and slow! Students will then break into threes and try to get each person in the group to jump 10 consecutive times. At the end of class, three groups will try to see who can get the most points by jumping ten times. Every time a student in each group jumps ten times, the group scores a point.

WEEK 24: SUBSTITUTE

There were no plans this week. A substitute conducted the PE class and on Wednesday, February 14, the entire school participated in Jump Rope 4 Heart. Regular PE will resume next week on Tuesday February 20.

I was absent this week because my dad died Saturday February 10. He had been sick for a while but I am still a little sad. If you would like to read about my dad click here http://www.lsureveille.com/home/index.cfm?event=displayArticle&ustory_id=13ec27b7-f494-46ae-b5d7-4a5216bdaf3a

WEEK 23: QUICK SWITCH TO JUMP ROPES

With "Jump Rope 4 Heart" approaching next Wednesday, we will do a jump rope challenge this week. 2nd through 5th grades will be doing a recorded challenge of four jump roping skills. Next Wednesday at the event, the classes that are the best in each skill will be recognized. Class is set up in a large cone circle with a jumprope between each set of cones. Students will work on their first two challenges as I walk around and mark them correct or give feedback and instruction. Those who get checked off on the challenge can practice any other tricks. The first challenge is jumping ten times without messing up and the second is 20 times without messing up. Students in 2nd through 5th grades must do the fast turning as two jumps between each turn will not count. The second challenge will be the "Criss Cross" jump. Students will be instructed on techniques and led through all parts of this jump. If students are successful they will be challenged to beat the school record for criss cross jumps in a row...25! Last will be the "Double Turn" jump where students have to do two turns on one jump. This is very hard and if students need to make up other jumps they missed, now is the time. Music will be played all during jumping.

Kindergarten and first grades are a little different. Students will be started like the higher grades but no challenges will exist. I will give students a quick example and they will begin to try jump roping to the music. Students will be identified and used as examples of good jump roping skills. At various time, the music will be stopped and small suggestions issued to the class like don't bend over, small circles with the hands, keeping the beat with your hands and feet. Sometimes we will review the correct swing by no jumping, just turning the rope and letting it slide under the feet, then stepping over it. I will also circulate and give specific help or advanced instructions to students. Different kinds of jumps will be done including, the one hop, two hop, the run in place, and the run around. We will end class with jump rope running races.

WEEK 22: GOLF CONTINUES & FLAGS!

Week two of our golf unit has begun. There are still some classes who have not done week one yet because of weather! We are still trying and I know that students are frustrated and want to continue golfing. In week 2, instruction time will go down and practice time will go up. We will all review quickly the rules and swing directions quickly and then get started. If I had to guess I would say every student hits at least 40 golf balls! Students will be given a letter grade. The grade will go down one letter for every cue we have discussed. These include: triangle with feet, correct aim, hand configuration correct, hands together, club behind the ball before the swing, head stays down, full swing, both hands stay on club. Students are given their grade immediately and told what can do to improve grade. Grades are constantly assessed throughout the class and they can either go up...or down! Grades will not count on report card but they are only for our ability to improve.

Kindergaretn through 2nd grades will be playing flag games. Classes have already started this and they love it! Review of flags rules will be followed by three game. The first game, with a partner, is "Grudge Match". Students will go one on one to pull their partners flag off. Once a flag is pulled off the puller must dance while the pullee puts it back on then the game restarts. Game two is "Triple Tag" in groups of three. This is the same game as before but to win a student has to be the only one left with a flag on. IF somehow all the flags come off, often the winner could be the one who puts the flag on the fastest! The third and most exciting game is "Flag Collecting" where it is you against the class. Everyone has a flag on to start but if your flag gets pulled off it does not matter, just keep going. The object is to pull as many flags of other people as possible and have the most flags in your hand at the end of the game. Sometimes students can find falgs onthe ground but you can never pull a flag out of someones hands!

WEEK 21: GOLF BEGINS & ENDS QUICKLY

After many weeks of waiting, golf began with the third grade but the fun quickly ended when a downpour completely soaked all of the equipment. The field is now wet once again and we will be doing tennis ball games on the court this week with all of the grades. We will be partnering up for some relay and continuous relay games including rolling, throwing and many modified activities. All grades will participate!

UPDATE: We have some new decent weather and have resumed golf for 3rd through 5th grades. Keep your fingers crossed for our students. They are very excited and really want this unit to begin!

WEEK 20: 5th GRADE TO CAMP CRYSTAL

This entire week was dedicated to 5th graders and their trip to Camp Crystal. Kindergarten through 4th grades have a PE sub and will be doing fun alternate plans at school. The 5th grade took a three day trip to Camp Crystal to study science in nature and I went along to encourage participation during the outside activities. We did quite a bit of hiking, played team building games, shot the bow and arrow, dancing, and played lots of volleyball and four square during our many break times. Students got more "PE" type time during these days than they ever would have during a regular week in school!

WEEK 19: WEATHER CONTINUES DELAYS

More delays this week from weather problems. We will continue "Four Square" and "Wildcat Ball" with all grades. Kindergarten through 1st grades will be doing very basic work in these areas. Golf is still planned for our next unit in the 3rd through 5th grades and Kindergarten through 2nd grades will do rolling balls.

WEEK 18: MORE DELAYS

Due to more weather problems and a wet field, PE has again opted for the optional lesson. Third through fourth grades will be playing "Wildcat Ball". "Wildcat Ball" is similar to volleyball but there are some major game modifications. The court is very large, about 30 yards wide and each side has about 20 yards depth. Anyone can serve and can be decided by the team. When the serve goes over the net, the ball must be struck in the air or it can bounce one time. If it bounces twice then the point goes to the other team and a the other team also gets to serve. Players and teams can hit an unlimitesd amount of times before the ball goes back over. If it goes under the net the other team gets the serve and point. Small classes or lower skilled calsses use the throw and catch as a further modification. Teams are encouraged to keep the ball up and pass to teammates as a higher strategy. Fourth and fifth grades are combining classes with PE2.

Second grade is still working on "Four Square" and is progressing from "Two Square" very nicely. They will continue this until next week. First and Kindergarten are at different levels of "Two Square". They are practicing the serve and some volleying but not much emphasis is given to the actual game.

COLONIAL DAY FOR 5th GRADE

PE was called off on Friday before the Christmas holidays due to "5TH GRADE COLONIAL DAY". Students in the 5th grade went to six stations to learn about things colonial americans did. One station was the "Colonial Game". Students spent time learning about colonial games and then focused on "Horse Shoes". Rules were reviewed and then the games began!

WEEK 17: LAST WEEK OF SOCCER DELAYED

Before Christmas holiday began, our 3rd through 5th grades got a few days of soccer in but due to the rain from the start of the year we have had to change plans and do an alternate activity on the covered court. PE1 and PE 2 have combined and will do a few days of "Four Square". Students will learn the rules and play basic "Four Square" in small groups. Students will learn how the proper athletic stance is helpful, strategies for personal game improvement, and strategies for refereeing their own game. Sportsmanship is the main emphasis and students are encouraged to work out their own problems in their own games.

Kindergarten through 2nd grades will be playing "Two Square" which is the same as "Four Square" but with two squares. Focus will begin basic without squares, move to serve practice, then playing small games. Some free ball time will end class. Second grade will move to a little "Four Square" play at the end of their class.