Learning about Personal Space

This week we used the hula hoops to learn about personal space in the gym. We talked about what personal space is and how we need to respect the personal space of others and protect our own space. We also talked about personal space in the classroom (we need to leave space when sitting on the carpet or when we are standing in line).

We used the hula hoops to represent our own personal space. We did some warm up activities in our own hula hoop. Next we played a game called spaceship travel. While standing in our own hoop, we pretended we were flying around space (the gym) in our ships. We needed to remain in our own hula hoop and respect the space of others; we had to be observant and avoid touching or bumping into other spaceships. It was a great way for us to visualize personal space.

Rocks and Rings

This week we got to participate in the Capital One Rocks and Rings program. The program introduced us to the sport of curling; with indoor curling equipment we participated in various relays and drills in the gym. We learned about different curling vocabulary like "sweeping" and "the house" (the target). We had a lot of fun exploring a new sport.

To find out more about the program, click here to visit the Capital One Rocks and Rings website.

Let the Games Begin!

This week we caught the Olympic spirit and held our own Olympic games in the gym. 

We decorated the gym with flags and Olympic colours. 

We began our Olympic games with a relay race. We took turns moving across the gym carrying the "Olympic Torch" (we balanced a ball on a plunger). We thought it was so funny that we were using plungers in the gym. 

Next we participated in a mogul ski race. We pretended the lines on the gym floor were bumps of snow. We needed to jump over the line, from left to right, to avoid the snow. 

It's time to bobsled! We participated in a bobsledding race using the scooter boards. We traveled to the other side of the gym and back using our arms and legs to control the scooter boards.

Our next Olympic event included a large game of noodle hockey. 

Hula Hoop Fun

This week we had the opportunity to play with the hula hoops. It was a great way for us to practice and develop our spatial awareness when moving throughout the gym. We are also developing our balance, coordination and control of body movements when running or walking.

We each had our own hoop and we began with some warm up activities. We had to travel around our own hula hoop, making sure to stay in our own space. When the whistle blew, we had to quickly jump into our own hoop.

Next we moved around the whole gym; we needed to be alert and aware so we avoided all of the hula hoops on the ground. When the whistle blew, we had to find and jump into any hoop. But, as the game went on, hula hoops were taken away! We were very good at finding and sharing space with our peers.

Warm Up Activities

We like to play a warm up game called follow the leader. Students take turns leading the whole class in a warm up exercise. It takes a lot of courage to stand at the front of the room. We do jumping jacks, various stretches or even jogging on the spot. It's a great way to begin our gym classes.

Fantastic Drivers

One activity that we love to play allows us to drive all over the gym! In order to develop spatial awareness and to develop control, coordination and balance in our movements, we move around the gym by following the lines on the gym floor (it also helps us to become more familiar with the gym itself).

We walk or jog ("drive") on the lines while watching out for our peers. If we come across one of our peers on the road, we get to honk our horns and pass one another. There are also some challenges in this game - we might have to run on the spot if our tires are stuck in the mud or do jumping jacks like windshield wipers if it is raining. If we are doing a lot of driving, we might even run out of gas!

Healthy Eating

This month we have been exploring the benefits of nutritious foods. We have been talking about the food guide pyramid and the different food groups. We learned that food helps us to stay healthy and gives us the energy we need to work and play. Nutritious foods help us to grow big and strong.

Picture taken from: http://ctworkingmoms.com/2013/06/07/sneak-in-veggies/printable-food-pyramid-for-kids/

 Students in Mrs. Logan's class identify and circle healthy snack choices on the Smart Board. 

Students in Ms. Tonon's class identify and sort healthy and unhealthy snack choices on the Smart Board.