In Physical Education class, students participate in warm-up games prior to the class activities.  Warm-up games this month were:  “Pluck the Turkey,” “Happy Thanksgiving,” “Happy Holidays,” and “Grinch Tag.” In the game “Pluck the Turkey,” students try to pluck as many turkey tails as they can.  If a tail is plucked, the student can come see Mrs. Pascarella for another tail.   In the game “Happy Thanksgiving” and “Happy Holidays” students have to pick a food or object that is associated with that holiday.  Students line up on one end of the gym and one tagger is in the middle.   For example, when the tagger (the caller) calls out “are there any turkeys?”  Those that chose to be turkeys would then try to run to the other side of the gym without getting tagged.  If tagged, he or she will join the tagger in the middle.  The game goes on until there are one or two students left that have not been tagged.  In “Grinch Tag,” all run around as elves preparing gifts for the holidays.  The Grinch is holding a green ball and tries to tag the elves with the ball and stop them from making presents.  Two students (Mr. and Mrs Claus) are holding a red ball and help the elves that are frozen to get back into the game and start running again.  In The purpose of these warm-up games are for students to work on their cardiovascular endurance, loco-motor skills, and prepare their bodies for activity so that they are less prone to injury.

Students in Kindergarten through fifth grade started a floor hockey unit this month.  The Floor hockey skills of dribbling, passing, and shooting were introduced.  To practice dribbling, we engage in an activity called “Walk Your Dog,”  Dribble Knockout, Dribble Relay, Keep-away, Knock the Pin, Steal the Bacon, and Sideline Hockey.  We practice these hockey skills in order to help students develop hand-eye coordination, agility, balance, and group cooperation.  At the end of each class, students participated in sideline hockey.  Sideline hockey is a game where only two to three students from each team come out to the court while the rest of their teammates are on the sideline and can help make passes.  Small sided games allows for students to be more actively participating in team games.