EXERCISE BALLS
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We are using exercise balls this term to develop strength and
flexibility. The exercise ball provide an unstable environment that the
joints and muscles must adapt to. As this happens, children become more
adept and confident. While working on the ball, the "core" muscles of
the abdominals and back are strengthed. Core muscles development
is important to overall fitness and wellness. In addition to the balls
being an effective way to develop fitness, they are definately
fun!
This Mayo Clinic site has various ball
exercises you may wish to use at home: Exercise
Balls |
SPEEDSTACKING
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Originally this was known as
cupstacking. It is an individual and team sport where
participants stack and unstack 12 specially designed plastic cups in
pre-determined sequences. When students are stacking, they are
using both sides of their body and brain, impoving hand-eye
coordination, ambidexterity, quickness, and concentration, skills that
translate into all areas of their lives.The students enjoy challenging
themselves and each other. Improvement comes quickly with a little
practice, so children experience an increase of confidence and
motivating positve feedback.
For more information on speedstacking and some amazing video clips: Speed Stacks
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CLIMBING WALL
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Our climbing walls are still
being developed. You may have noticed the ongoing painting of the rock
wall on the back of the gym. We have a cargo net with two belay systems
and a climbing wall with 3 belay systems. Students in third and fourth
grade have the opportunity to harness up climb vertically. Our aim is
to offer children an introductory opportunity to challenge themselves
in a safe, non-threatening way. Students develop respect, safety, and
team skills as they negotiate climbing and traversing the wall and net.
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FITNESS TESTING
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We will be administering the
FITNESSGRAM again at the end of May as part of our fall/spring testing.
We strive to accomplish objectives important to all children
assosciated with good health, growth and function. Fitnessgram
assesses: aerobic capacity; body composition; and muscular strength,
endurance, and flexibility. Goals for attainment fall within a
healthy fitness zone relative to age and gender. Your child will
receive a report along with classroom progress reports at the end of
the year.
Healthy fitness zone tables for females and males ages 5-17: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/pf/documents/healthfitzones.pdf
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