Fun, Fit, & Healthy!

Exercise the mind... and the body! There are so many things that I teach my students each year. I know that they won't remember all of them, but if they take anything with them throughout their life, I hope that they will remember the importance of exercise to their overall health. I am a 5th grade teacher in a public elementary school. I teach all subjects to my 35 students. I want to balance the hours we spend indoors together with engaging, beneficial time outdoors. I am proud to say that our school is a wonderful place for both teachers and students. The campus is filled with smiles; teeming with eager learners. Teachers are given the flexibility to plan Physical Education at any time of day, so long as we meet the requirement of 100 minutes each week. As a 21st century public school, we are limited on resources and overwhelmed with challenges. Both 5th grade classes are at capacity with 35 students and just 1 teacher in each room. Although I enjoy each of my students, I often dread PE with my class as it is difficult to plan games, activities and exercises that include all of them. Our classroom has two basketballs and several bouncy balls, but not nearly enough equipment to include everyone. Most days the class will split up and do separate activities, or we default to exercises that do not involve equipment at all. Sometimes we use yard sticks and board erasers for props in group games. I know for certain that PE equipment will enrich and engage my students, resulting in a more beneficial experience for all. After browsing through a huge variety of PE equipment, I have settled on three key pieces of equipment that we will utilize the most: 1. Fit Spots: These small circles will perform three functions! The spots are designed to be spaced apart on the playground or gymnasium floor. Each circle shows an exercise or stretch. The "Fit Spots" will serve as designated areas for students to perform a specific exercise. They allow me to break up our large class into smaller groups without having to get too creative; can be used individually for the whole class; can be used over a period of time for general fitness; serve as stations in a fitness rotation. 2. Holy Moly Flags and 3. Cones: My students' favorite game is Capture the Flag. It's a game that accommodates a large number of players; utilizes a large area; encourages teamwork; gets students running. We play nearly every Friday, and so far we've made do despite our lack of resources. I use yard sticks and the lines of a basketball court for boundaries. As much as students love the game, they complain that it's difficult to remember who's on what team and to decipher the boundaries. When I came across the "Holy Moly" flags, I thought they would be perfect for Capture the Flag, as well as any team sport. They come in two colors and can safely be worn around the waist. Additionally, the flags can be linked together, rolled up into bean bags, and serve many other uses in addition to identifying teams. The cones will also serve many uses, including marking boundaries for Capture the Flag. We will also use them to mark the boundaries of our running routes; set up obstacle courses; clearly identify boundaries for a variety of games. My students make progress daily. They are mathematical magicians, writing wizards, and scientific super heroes! I want to translate our progress inside the classroom to Physical Education as well. With the support of a generous donor, my students will benefit now and in the future from a more engaging, rewarding PE experience. The right resources make all the difference when it comes to engaging students. Once they're engaged, they're hooked, and learning becomes effortless. The same will be true with exercise. My goal is to provide my student with beneficial experiences outside the classroom that will translate to the rest of their life. A healthy body will help them feel and learn better. And all this is possible with the support of a donor like you. Thank you in advance for your support.