| Greetings!
During March National Sportsmanship Day is observed. This is a
great time to take time out of your physical education classes to
talk about sportsmanship and what it is like to be a good sport.
In this issue, I will highlight a variety of websites that can be
used for resources to teach your students about sportsmanship. In
addition, I have highlighted a variety of character education websites
that can be used for additional information and activities.
Also, during March, we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. I have
listed a variety of games and activities that can be used to celebrate
St. Patrick’s Day. In addition to these games, I have highlighted
several Irish activities to introduce your students to different
Irish traditions.
I hope you enjoy the issue!
Laura Peterson
Interdisciplinary Section Editor |
| NATIONAL
SPORTSMANSHIP DAY |
| National
Sportsmanship Day will be held on March 6, 2007. Over 13,000 schools
and organizations around the world are expected to participate this
year. The two themes for the day will be “Don’t Punch
Back, Play Harder” and “Defeat Gamesmanship.”
The Institute
for International Sport has many useful resources that can be
used to celebrate National Sportsmanship Day, including a how-to
packet for conducting an event, discussion topics for all grade
levels, and a list a great motivational quotes.
|
Character
Counts
“The purpose of the CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition is to fortify
the lives of America’s young people with consensus ethical
values called the “Six
Pillars of Character.” These values, which transcend divisions
of race, creed, politics, gender and wealth, are: trustworthiness,
respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.
CHARACTER COUNTS! is the
most widely implemented approach to character education, reaching
millions of youth. The CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition is a diverse,
nonpartisan alliance of hundreds
of human-service and educational organizations that seek to develop
core ethical values that transcend political, religious, class and
ethnic divisions."
The Character Counts! website offers a variety
of excellent resources for teaching character education concepts.
The website offers a variety of free teaching resources, including
lesson plans, activities, and handouts.
Character
Education: Free Resources, Materials, Lesson Plans - This site
offers a variety of free teaching resources that can be used to
teach character education concepts. There are resources for use
by teachers at all grade levels, with specific guides for elementary,
middle, and high school levels. These guides have discussion topics
and activities that can be used to teach the “Six Pillars
of Character”. You can also sign up for a free monthly newsletter
to keep you updated on the current news and trends in character
education.
Character
Education Resources - This educational resources web page by
Midge Frazel offers a variety of resources that can be used when
teaching character education concepts. There are numerous links
to lesson ideas, unit plans, and websites with additional information.
Emphasizing
Sportsmanship in Youth Sports - This excellent article from
the Institute for the Study of Youth Sports looks at sportsmanship
in youth sports. The article looks at how coaches can create a safe
environment for promoting sportsmanship.
|
| RESOURCES (added by webmaster) |
5
a Day - You can teach students the importance of eating at least
5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day through tours, puppet
shows, activity sheets and more.
Language
Lesson Plan - (gr 5-6)
Use what students have learned about various fruits and vegetables
and describe them using
rhyming verses.
Math
Lesson Plan - (gr 5-6)
Objective: The students will identify equivalents
among 1 cup, 1/2 cup and 1/4 cup. The students will identify objects
that represent 1 cup, 1/2 cup and 1/4 cup.
Report
Topic Ideas - For social studies or language arts lessons.
Mathematics:
Fats and Labels Quick Activity.
Arts/Music/Drama:
Heart-y Lunch Quick Activity.
Arts/Music/Drama:
Healthy-Heart Minute Quick Activity.
Mathematics:
(gr 3-5) Physical Activity Math Quick Activity
Reading/Language
Arts: (gr 3-5) No-Smoking Dialogue Quick Activity.
What
Factors Affect Exercise Habits? Lesson Idea
Heart
Word Game Activity Sheet. (PDF)
What
or Who Influences Your Food Choices? Lesson Idea.
Walking
Activities, 30
ways to play tag, traditional
activities, and more traditional
activities.
Got
Broccoli? - (gr 3-5) Lesson to understand why the body needs
food, and how it takes necessary nutrients as food passes through
the digestive system.
Food
and the Digestive System - (gr 3-5) Lesson to learn about the
digestive system. To begin to explore where nutrients come from,
as well as their importance for particular tasks in the body.
Good
Food, Good Health - (gr 3-5) To explore ways in which food provides
energy and materials for our bodies.
Incorporate
nutrition into language arts, math, science, social studies,
or music. |
|
 |
|
I have a question for those
in the PE profession. In my classes we have been discussing
obesity among children and adolescents and how those kids
that are overweight feel and perform in PE. The inclusion
of an "Alternative PE" was offered as a possibility
for those kids that struggle physically and emotionally
in regular PE. "Alternative PE" would be a more
specialized class that tends to the physical needs of
obese children. I was wondering what PE teachers thought
of this idea and if they have ever heard of or experienced
this type of PE? Please share. |
|
| TEAMWORK AND COOPERATION GAMES |
Human
Knot
Activity Description: Have small groups of 6-10 students stand
in a circle facing each other. Each member of the group joins
hands with two different students whom are not standing next to
them in the circle. Once everyone in the group has joined hands
with two other students, the group attempts to untangle the knot
without letting go. This activity can be very time-consuming but
it is a great problem solving activity. Once the group has finished,
a debriefing session should be conducted in which the concepts
of problem solving, communication, and leadership are discussed.
Walking the Trolleys-Making Homemade Trolleys
Activity Description: Two wooden planks are needed, which are
about 9-10 feet long, 1 foot wide, and 6 inches thick. 5 holes
must be drilled in the middle of the plank, along the length of
the plank. In these holes, ropes are tied underneath so that they
act as support. Five students must stand on the planks, with one
foot on each plank and using the rope for support. The group must
walk a designated distance while all are on the plank. If any
students fall off, the group must start again. Once the group
has reached the desired distance, a debriefing session should
be conducted in which the concepts of leadership, communication,
and cooperation.
Blind
Crossing - This partner activity is great for building communication
skills and trust amongst students
Keypunch
- This group activity is great for building communication, problem
solving and cooperation amongst a group of 10 or more students.
|
| ST. PATRICK'S DAY ACTIVITIES |
History
of Irish Step Dancing - This site gives a detailed description
of the history of Irish Step Dancing. The site also describes
the four types of dances, the jig, reel, hornpipe, and set dances.
Irish
Jig Tag (gr 1-3) - This tag game can be used to introduce
students to Irish Dancing.
Leprechaun
Treasure Hunt (gr K-2) - Academic content: math computations
and graphing.
Pot
of Gold Hunter (gr K-2) - This is a great warm-up game with
a St. Patrick’s Day theme.
Catch
the Leprechaun (gr 2-5) - Another great warm-up game with
a St. Patrick’s Day theme.
St.
Patrick’s Day Circuit (gr 3-5) - This station activity
incorporates underhand and overhand throwing, and kicking with
the inside of the foot with a St. Patrick’s Day theme.
|
| INTERDISCIPLINARY GAMES & ACTIVITIES |
CARD
RUN 21 (From
PE Connections) gr 2-5
Purpose:
To reinforce the math skill of adding while increasing the heart
rate.
Set-up:
Place four cones in the activity area so that they form a large
rectangle. Put a box of cards (no face cards) on opposite sides
of the rectangle. In addition, there will need to be safe areas
for hula hoops, beach ball volleying, jump ropes, and basketball
dribbling.
Activity description:
Students will walk or jog around the rectangle, picking a card
out of each box every time they pass. When a student has collected
cards totaling 21 or more in number, he or she shows the cards
to the teacher and places them in the collection box, which is
located in the middle of the rectangle. After placing their cards
in the collection box, the student will choose one of the activities,
hula hoops, jump ropes, beach ball volleying, or basketball dribbling,
and perform 21 repetitions. After completing the exercise, the
student begins the process again.
ALPHABET SOUP (From
PE Connections) gr K-2
Purpose:
To cooperatively work to form shapes using the body.
Activity Description:
Students skip around the playing area while music is playing.
When the music stops, the teachers rolls a die. Students must
quickly form a group with the same number of students as shown
on the die. During this time, the teacher will call out a letter
of the alphabet. Once students have the appropriate number of
students in their group, they will form the letter of the alphabet
using their bodies while standing or lying on the ground. Once
the groups have finished, repeat the process again. The teacher
can also call out 2-3 letters, and the groups must form all the
letters.
ODDS AND EVENS (From
PE Connections) gr 2-5
Purpose:
To reinforce math skills, while increasing the heart rate
Activity Description: Divide
the class into two teams. Have the teams face each other with
one team on each side of the centerline of the playing area. Teams
should be one giant step apart. Designate one team as the odds
and the other as the evens. The teacher will roll two dice and
call out the two numbers that come up. Each student must mentally
add the two numbers in their head. If the total is even, the “evens”
turn around and run towards their end line. At the same time, the
“odds” must chase after the “evens” and
try to tag them before they reach the end line. If a student is
tagged, they join the opposite team. Repeat the process, with
all students starting at the centerline of the playing area.
Red
Ribbon Locomotor Stations (GR 2-5) - Purpose:
To integrate activities that enforce saying no to drugs during
red ribbon week.
Free
Radicals Attack! (gr 3-5) - Purpose: To review
and practice soccer dribbling skills while learning the basic
concepts of how free radicals and antioxidants affect the body.
Food
Group Fitness Relay (gr 3-5) - Purpose: To
reinforce nutrition concepts while having students increase their
heart rate. |
|
|
| THINK BREAKFAST! (added
by webmaster) |
Breakfast
Food Labels: Figuring Them Out (gr 3-5)
Connections: Health/Nutrition, Mathematics
Breakfast, though
often eaten “on-the-go,” is one of the most important
meals of the day. It provides the energy needed for students to
carry out their day. Students who skip breakfast are typically less
attentive, less focused, frequently tardy, and visit the school
nurse more often. Therefore, it is essential for students to learn
the importance of eating breakfast at an early age.
This lesson was designed to educate students
about food labels, while reinforcing basic mathematical skills.
Breakfast should provide one-quarter of the day’s nutritional
requirements.
Bravo
For Breakfast (gr K - 3)
Connections: Health/Nutrition, English Language
Arts
Breakfast is one of
the most important meals of the day. The development of good, healthful
eating practices, which will be the foundation for good life-style
habits, are important lessons for children. The link between a good
breakfast and learning has been shown in recent studies. In addition,
school breakfast reduces tardiness, and has the potential to reduce
high school dropout rates related to absenteeism and low reading
ability. This lesson will help students
understand the importance of eating a healthy breakfast.
Breakfast
Bonus (gr 4 - 6)
Connections: Health/Nutrition, English Language
Arts
In today’s fast-paced
society, breakfast is the one meal that is most often skipped. According
to a study conducted in 2001, 42 percent of all school-aged children
interviewed skipped breakfast. These findings show that an alarming
number of students begin the day without nourishment.
A nutritious breakfast
is an extremely important start to a student’s day as it provides
them
with essential nutrients and energy to allow them to increase their
learning ability.
This lesson is designed to highlight
breakfast as an ever-important first meal. While students work together
to develop answers to questions, they will be able to explore the
physiological, academic, and social impact of consuming a nutritious
breakfast and the effect it can have on their daily lives. The development
of good, healthful eating practices, which will be the foundation
for good life-style habits, are important lessons for our nation’s
school children to adopt.
What’s
On Your Breakfast Plate? (gr 1-2)
Connections: Health/Nutrition, English Language
Arts
Breakfast, though very
important, is the one meal most frequently skipped during the day.
According to a study
conducted in 2001, 42 percent of school-aged children skipped breakfast.
These findings show that an alarming number of students begin the
day without nourishment. Students who skip breakfast are typically
less attentive, less focused, frequently tardy, and visit the school
nurse more often. Therefore, it is essential for students to learn
the importance of the Food Guide Pyramid at an early age. This knowledge
will enable students to make appropriate food choices based on the
general recommendations of the Food Guide Pyramid.
This lesson was designed to stress the
importance of starting the day with breakfast. Students will learn
the importance of how each food contributes to the Food Guide Pyramid.
In addition, students will learn where
their breakfast fits into the Food Guide Pyramid.
Breakfast:
Here and There, Then and Now (gr 2-3)
Connections:Social Studies, Health/Nutrition,
(May be extended to include ELA or the Arts)
In this country, currently,
breakfast is often the quickest and smallest meal of the day. In
the age of cold cereals and breakfast bars, breakfast is sometimes
the “forgotten” meal in terms of the contribution it
makes to a balanced diet.
In this lesson, the importance of breakfast
will be highlighted for students. Students will share common breakfast
foods and find them on the food guide pyramid. In addition to highlighting
breakfast, this lesson will highlight history, tradition, and culture,
three very important aspects of social studies. Students will share
breakfast traditions they have in their families, and will look
closely at what people have eaten for breakfast in different countries
and in different time periods.
What’s
for Breakfast? (K - 1)
Connections: Health/Nutrition, English Language
Arts
Breakfast, though often
eaten “on-the-go,” is one of the most important meals
of the day. For children, especially, breakfast is extremely important
for it provides them with the energy they will need to begin their
day and their learning at school.
This lesson is designed
to highlight breakfast as an ever important first meal. In this
lesson, students will work together to “read” Pancakes
for Breakfast, a wordless book which shows the sequence the
main character follows in preparing her own breakfast. Students
will then discuss the importance of breakfast as the first meal
of the day. Students will be given the opportunity to talk about
different items they eat for breakfast. They will also discuss choices
highlighted by the teacher. Finally, students will write their own
mini-book documenting the sequence they follow in preparing their
breakfast. |
| FEATURED WEBSITES (added
by webmaster) |
EAT,
MOVE, LEARN - Eat, Move, Learn is organized around
the idea that we must "balance" the energy we take in
through our food and the energy we spend in physical activity. Eat,
Move, Learn helps you and your class to analyze the problems of
food and fitness, find promising solutions to energy imbalance,
and design a study to test your ideas. Eat, Move, Learn consists
of 4 modules and 13 lessons that your class can use sequentially
or individually.
Learn
to Belly Dance - Why should one learn to belly dance? For physical,
emotional, spiritual, and intellectual expansion. Belly dancing
introduces the individual to a multitude of creative, social, cultural,
and fantasy avenues. Belly dancing combines dance movement with
the crafts of drama, costuming, exercise, and self expression. Find
out more. |
|
