|
PHYSIO-BALL
UNIT
During the month of
March, we will be
"on the ball"
covering our physio-ball unit.
Students will be working
cooperatively with
partners incorporating
the use of the "physio-ball"
(exercise ball, fitness
ball, Swiss ball, yoga
ball, etc.). This
unit will help our
students develop
balance, coordination,
rhythm, and fitness
skills. Physio-balls
have been used for over
forty years with people
of all ages and
abilities and enhance
many areas of fitness,
such as
cardio-respiratory,
flexibility, muscular
strength and endurance
and relaxation. In
addition, students will
be working on enhancing
their core strength and
posture. Toward
the end of the unit, we
will incorporate a
variety of rhythms on
the ball such as the
"Macarena", "Cotton-Eyed
Joe", "Y.M.C.A." and
create our very own
"dances".
You
should have received your student's first Fitnessgram Report
in the middle of January. The FITNESSGRAM is a
health-related fitness assessment that we administer in the
fall and again in the spring and it measures areas of
health-related fitness. Parents will receive another FITNESSGRAM report in their student's final report card
in June.
Some
things to consider when evaluating each student's fitness
levels are as follows:
1. This
is a health-related assessment.
2. Your
child does not pass or fail this assessment. We use it to
identify areas of fitness and areas that need improvement.
3. We are
striving to have each student achieve the “healthy fitness
zone” in each category. If there is an area that needs
improvement, suggestions will be given on the back side of
the Fitnessgram report.
4. A major
area of concern is the body composition component. While we
do not want to put undue emphasis on body image at this age,
we do need to make students aware of the relationship
between exercise, physical activity and healthy eating
habits. Studies tell us that overweight children usually
become overweight adults and are at a greater risk to
develop health problems. If we can create an awareness and
begin to work on a healthy lifestyle, we may be able to
change the statistics.
Every time we see your child for physical education class,
we work on the areas that the Fitnessgram measures. On the
other days, we hope he/she is doing something active at
home. Hopefully, your child maintains his/her level of
fitness and achieves the “healthy fitness zone”. If there
was an area of concern, we hope he/she will find improvement
as the school year progresses.
To learn more about the
FITNESSGRAM, please go to:
http://www.fitnessgram.net/overview/
We will
continue to encourage all of our students to strive for at
least 60 minutes of physical activity daily (outside of
school activities). As always, please feel free to contact us
throughout the school year with any questions or concerns
you may have and we look forward to working with your
student.
Fit Forever,
Mrs. Magid
& Mr. Turi
|
