Lower and Upper Elementary participated in a Wiffle Ball Unit. Students learned how to run the bases and how to hold a wiffle ball. In addition, they learned how to throw and receive a ball, as well as batting off a tee. Students also had a choice for the ball to be pitched to them instead of using the tee. Throwing a ball is not just physical, it is also cognitive. A child has to plan how much force to put into each toss, where to aim to keep the ball from going too high or low, and when to release. The benefits of wiffle ball include: improved balance, coordination, strength and stamina, motor skill development, social skills development, improved self-confidence, and sportsmanship.
Before the start of PE class, students participate in warm-up running games. Some favorites are: Rock, Paper Scissors, Earth Day Tag, Sports Tag, Ice Cream Tag, and Pluck the Turkey. Once a week we run laps for our warm-ups for our 100 Mile Club. Warm-ups in Physical Education prepare the body for movement. A warm-up allows the body to gradually increase its heart rate and body temperature which would reduce the risk of injury.