Coach Rice and Coach Onanuga started the new year at Feldwood with a new unit on striking! Students participated in various striking stations:

* Hockey Sticks

* Pillo Polo Sticks

* Balloons and Hands

* Volleyball

* Lollipop Paddles

* Push Up Ball Game (to practice for Fitnessgram)

* Sit Up Ball Game (to practice for Fitnessgram)

* Scooter hockey Sticks

the MVPA Time was over 80% for the lesson. Students enjoyed the variety of activities that allowed them to work on their striking skills. The P.E. staff at Feldwood do a great job of including level 3 and level 4 Depth of Knowledge questions at the conclusion of class. Email Coach Rice - ricec@fultonschools.org or Coach Onanuga - onanuga@fultonschools.org for lesson ideas.

Students at Oakley Elementary are getting ready for the Fitnessgram assessment. Coach Pharr reviewed the proper procedure for the curl up and push up test. Students practiced the exercises and set goals for themselves to practice at home. The data bulletin board below features the results from the PACER test that was taken before the winter break.

taken from http://www.gophersport.com/blogentry/increasing-differentiation-choice-in-physical-education

Programming-based Choice Strategies:

1. Warm-ups: Providing instant activities with choice or a leveled progression helps students feel empowered and ‘hooks them’ for the rest of the lesson as they feel ownership of their learning. This also allows the teacher to work more one-on-one with specific students in need.

2. Sign-ups: After introducing several activities, provide choices within the same space (flag football, Ultimate Frisbee, disc golf, walking, or yard games), or have students choose an activity within the same learning category (ex: Ultimate or Flag Football for invasion games). My students are on a weekly rotation. At the end of a three-week cycle they sign up for their favorite choice allowing them to be able to work with students from other classes and specialize in a preferred choice from the recent learning cycle.

3. Level of Competition: When students choose their level of competition for game play they experience more success, which sustains their interest and enjoyment. A ‘Competition League’ is for those who prefer to keep score, play through brackets, and have a higher interest in the activity (notice how I did not say higher skill level). A ‘Recreation League’ runs through a round robin format and for those who do not wish to focus on a win/loss rather more skill development in a less-competitive yet still engaging atmosphere. Sportsmanship is a priority for each league. This is a nice strategy to incorporate especially in net games (Badminton, Pickleball, Tennis).

Product-based Choice Strategies (Differentiation):

1. Bingo or Tic-Tac-Toe: I modify game handouts so students can make self-directed fitness choices and learn content simultaneously. Offering two choices within a box (average and advanced) allows students to choose an activity that fits their ability level. Use the handout multiple times to eventually complete both levels and then have students compare and contrast their experiences.

2. Workout Logs and Fitness Plans: Once students learn fundamental fitness concepts and exercises they log their workouts on a choice-based log that offers a variety of exercises by each muscle group. Students also create personal workouts they can try in class or at home. Or I’ve designed a “Webquest” walking students through creating a fitness plan.

3. Station Choices: Stations and circuits become boring if not spiced up with variety and choice. Give two options or “challenges” when practicing skill work in stations. Incorporate technology and use QR code readers so students scan a choice to see their choice and then complete. Have students design station choices to empower them and take ownership of the learning process.