On to Jump Roping....

Well, our quick golf unit concluded on Monday. The kids did a marvelous job learning the techniques and strategies for putting, chipping over the rough, and driving the ball for long distances. Many of our students realized how difficult golf really can be. I saw a ton of improvement and lots of enthusiastic faces throughout the unit. I can't say enough about how proud I am of our students for trying so many new activities. A huge thank needs to go out to Joe P., our First Tee of America golf instructor and father of two of our wonderful Ridgecrest kids. Thank you!!!

Now we move on to a jump roping unit. Jump roping is one of those activities that I find students either love or despise. I know that when I was a students I disliked jump roping to a great extent. Unfortunately, that led me to being a pretty terrible jump roper. Needless to say, I have learned a few things since then and I strive to make jump roping fun for even our struggling students. This year we are starting off with the basics of jump roping as we assess one another on the 4 cues of jump roping (elbows in, head up, land on the balls of the feet, and move your wrists in small circles). As we all get more comfortable with ourselves jumping through a our rope we will begin to challenge one another with twists, crosses, dance steps, and many different maneuvers sure to engage and challenge even the slowest jumpers. My goal for this unit it threefold. #1. I would like each student to improve their jump roping ability. #2. I would like each student to be challenged. #3. I would like each student to enjoy their time during this unit.

That's all for now. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns,

Thanks,

Allyn Woods

Tired Kids

After a much longer Winter Break than we had anticipated, the Ridgecrest gym is getting right back into the swing of things. This week, being a strange week with all of the half days for teacher conferences, I thought I would see what sort of shape our kids are in after being away from school and everything that school entails (recess, PE, socializing with friends). I have been pushing the kids with running and tagging games all week and have been seeing some hot, tired, and red faces as they leave. Some students can hardly complete the 30 minutes of PE time without asking for a break or a trip to the water fountain. In fact, I have had a few classes that have had to stop early because so many of the kids just can't handle any more movement. I wonder how many families out there are able to participate in activities on their own outside of school. I wonder how many kids are signed up for basketball this season. I wonder how many families have had a chance to check out the brand new Shoreline YMCA over on 99 by Costco. I have heard that it is beautiful and offers a ton of exciting programs for kids and adults. I wonder how many parents exercise with their kids. I know that I have struggled mightily to get outside and do something over the break. It is evident that some of our students have to.

What ways have you found to get your kids active?
Are you able to be active with your kids every day or at least once a week?