Physical Education Newsletter
Mr. Redmond
PHYSICAL EDUCATION NEWSLETTER
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!
Now that most of us have been sitting inside for the winter holidays, it’s time to get active again. All four grades will continue to use short jump ropes at the beginning of each class as a warm-up tool. Short jump ropes are one of the best and least expensive fitness tools! I recommend that you invest in one for your child.
Grab your partner! Franklin School will begin their annual square dance unit. They will be do-sa-do-ing, swinging, and promenading in the month of January. Don’t be fooled by the “we’re doing square dancing” long face when your son or daughter comes home. They really do enjoy it. In addition to square dancing, we will also do many popular party dances: the Hokey Pokey, Macarena, Alley Cat, Chicken Dance, and others. The fourth graders will be introduced to some more challenging square dance movements this year. Our annual Square Dance Night is scheduled for February 2nd.. Last year’s dance was a huge success.
February is a busy month. The second graders will learn the basic skills of dribbling, passing, and shooting in basketball. The third grades will also practice these skills and learn some of the rules of basketball. The first graders will work on throwing and catching, using beanbags, foam balls, and different sized playground balls. The students will also take part in a Cup Stacking unit in preparation for an April stacking competition between the Roxbury elementary schools. There will be more information on this event coming home at a later date.
Lastly, studies now show that since the 1970s the prevalence of childhood obesity has more than tripled for children aged 6-11. In late February, the third and fourth graders will be working with pedometers during NASCAR month. These are relay activities where students will accumulate points towards becoming the NASCAR points’ champion. We hope to improve the health and fitness of your children through enhanced education for healthy lifestyles and increased opportunities for physical activity. Please join me in stressing the importance of daily fitness activities and healthy nutrition choices. Let’s put down the video controls, turn off the TV and put on the sneakers!