I have about 575 students that I see twice a week. I see grades K-6. We are a neighborhood school in the city. We are over 83% free and reduced lunch. We are a highly mobile school, with students from many different backgrounds, that speak different languages. My students each have their own unique personalities and skill set. One language they all speak that is common is P.E.
I want to unlock their fitness potential & instill a love for healthy living!
We start off each day with me saying "Hey Team" the students reply "Hey Coach". We then state what we are going to do, then move right in, after we have warmed up. After each session we end with a P.E. all star, which is someone who has shown good sportsmanship, friendship and teamwork. We as a team recognize this person by doing a little chant and cheer call for them, in addition to a large sticker they get to wear the rest of the day. I want and feel it is my duty for all my students to be successful. So will you please help my offer a variety of activities to my students?
My Project
The gymnastics mats have a variety of uses. We will use them traditionally, but also non-traditionally. I will use them as mazes, dividers in games, tunnels, for tumbling, exercising and games throughout the year.
Learning through physical activity and play will make them stronger and healthier without even realizing it.
The great thing about my job, that I LOVE , is that I can teach the students through games about how to stay healthy and fit. I plan on using the mats often to enhance the learning experience. One game they like to play is battleship. This is just like the board game, except in life size form. This particular game focuses on throwing, catching, strategic planning and working with your team and their favorite part is running around the shelter (in their torpedo) to "peek" at the other teams ships, to see where they have them on the open sea. Several times a year,we also do obstacle courses to build our muscular strength. I plan to use them as tunnels, mazes, a soft place for lifelong stretching techniques, exercises, a soft landing for some jumps and walking the balance beam.
You may be asking yourself "How will gymnastics mats help in the P.E. classroom. Well it is really about opening the doors to new games and experiences, that I would not have been able to offer before.These mats have so many uses. They are a piece of equipment to help enhance the P.E. environment. I plan to use them often. My students would be blessed to have these available to them. Thank you for supporting us!
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Soto and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
