More Soccer and Remember Your Shoes, Please!

We continued to practice soccer this week.  Both fifth and sixth graders practiced a lot kicking in relay teams.  Each student had a chance to play goalie both times that I saw them. 

The first time was when small groups of four were able to kick a ball through cones to score a goal.  The goalie was reminded that they could use their hands and needed to stay in front of goal.  I got some good pictures and short video that I would like to post, but I need to make sure I have permission to post them first.  I am waiting for the slips to be signed (from computer class). 

The second time I saw students they were put on to two teams.  The kicking team had to kick as far as they could and run to a cone and back (approximately 50 feet).

Justin drop kicking the ball

The other team had to dribble/pass/shoot in the goal to score a point.  If the kicker made it back before a point was scored they received a point.  The kicking team provided the goalie.  I have just a few pictures and video of that game.  I really enjoyed how the sixth graders got in to the friendly competition. 

As for the shoes, we still have some students forgetting their tennis shoes.  I cannot let a student play soccer in flip flops for fear they might hurt themselves.  So please remember your shoes. 

Starting With Soccer

We have officially kicked off our physical education classes.  We are beginning the year with soccer.  The students were able to dribble and trap the ball today.  I also set up cones to practice ball control while weaving through and around each cone.  I mentioned to sixth graders that this will be one of the many field events at the annual 44th annual 6th grade track meet in the spring. 

We played a game called "Terminator" also known as "Dribble Knock-out".  I just like to say "Terminator" like Arnold Schwarzeneger so that's what I call it.  Nobody got it when I quoted "I'll be back...".  I must be getting old and/or they must not be watching that kind of violent movie.  The majority of students were asking to play again next class.  That makes me smile! J  

It was fun to watch some strategy and alliances being formed during the game.  They were thinking about ways to keep themselves in the game.  I enjoy watching their minds come up with creative strategies. 

"Hasta la vista, baby"  (imagine my great Arnold impression again)

6th Grade's Good Character Relays

Yesterday I was able to meet all of my sixth grade classes.  I had them two years ago as fourth graders, so it was nice knowing most of the students.  What I remember about this group is they were very competitive. 

We did a warm-up called "double up" where I realized that we need to practice our skipping on a regular basis.  I talked about the rules, the new traveling shoe trophy, and the year at a glance. 

The class ended with a relay race using character words.  The students had to race to find each letter in the character word that their team had picked.  We used most of the following words:
1. Integrity (part of our Mustang MAGIC) - I had one person remember what this word actually meant
2. Sportsmanship
3. Teamwork
4. Effort
5. Respect
6. Responsibility
7. Listening
8… and a few more that I will update when I get back to McGuire - I am at Pullen in between Kindergarten and still in the 5 and 6 year old state of mind

We went over each word and said our good byes.  What a great first day!

Grading Changes for 5th Graders

Since Kindergarten the fifth graders have been getting number grades.  I told all of the fifth graders about the different grading scale this year.  They will be receiving the letter grades A, B, C, etc.  This is not new to the sixth graders because they received letter grades for PE last year.  Just a heads up to the fifth graders in case they weren't aware of it.

Let the MAGIC Begin

Yesterday we finally kicked off the 2012-2013 school year!  I’m so excited I could do a cartwheel (again).  Our assembly brought everyone together in the gym.  The staff was introduced (picture my cartwheel again) and most importantly we discussed Mustang Magic.  The acronym MAGIC was displayed on large pieces of paper and the whole school was encouraged to repeat the words Motivated, Appropriate Actions, Good Choices, Integrity & Character.  We are going to live by the MAGIC words to help McGuire become an even better learning place. 

I have had most of the fifth and sixth graders before so they are familiar with the Physical Education rules.  I ask that students come prepared with appropriate shoes for activity.  There will be a sticker awarded to the class that has everyone remembering their shoes.  At the end of the trimester the class with the most stickers will receive a traveling shoe trophy to display in their room.

Also, please give your personal best effort in class.  Each student is an important part of our class and it works much better when everyone is trying their best. 

There is a lot of great equipment at McGuire (some of it is older than the students here).  I ask that students respect each piece of equipment because it is expensive to replace.  I love having enough equipment for each student to practice their skills. 

Finally, I ask that students show respect for me as well as their peers.  We will be learning skills and playing games that may be challenging for some students.  I ask that at McGuire we can help each other be the best physical education student possible by sharing, respecting others, and playing fair.  I get teary eyed when we play a game or a tournament and I see students helping and encouraging each other (especially on the other team).  I feel so proud of our students when they display great sportsmanship!  It always amazes me when students use their manners, listen politely, and use respectful words when interacting with me, I feel like a proud parent.  I can’t take the credit, “thank you” to the parents and guardians that continue to help raise such great kids.  Feel free to give me any parenting advice because I also want my two kids to be great.

A quick recap of our rules are:

1.       Come prepared with shoes

2.    Give your best effort

3.       Respect equipment

4.       Respect others and me