In the beginning of September we played several ice breakers games that involved students getting to know one another and building a foundation of excellent sportsmanship/teamwork. Then we jumped into our soccer unit where students learned about the history of the game, worked on ball skills, dribbling, passing, shooting, game play and even experienced a soccer tabata workout!
This week, we will begin our fitness testing. I want to emphasize the purpose of fitness testing at Cascade Heights is for students to learn how to set goals for themselves and to understand what the data is telling them. If you don’t know where you are you won’t be able to improve or have set goals for yourself! Everyone is different, which is awesome!!!! Love the saying, “Do your best, forget the rest” (PE Specialist). My ultimate goal for your child is that they see improvement over the year and that they don’t compare themselves to others. We talk frequently in class about our giftings and how for some students music is their gift, others math or art, and so forth. These tests maybe a struggle for some and others may love it! I just ask that you encourage your child to take this information as a goal setting exercise. This month your child may or may not be able to do an exercise, but next time they might be able to do 3 or 4 repetitions of that exercise. This is amazing! Let’s celebrate their successes together! I know we will be doing lots of celebrating in class. An emphasis is placed on effort and this will show the true progression of their fitness goals. Below are the objectives I have for each test and what grades will be performing the tests.
Pacer Test
- TSWBAT (The student will be able to) understand that your heart is the muscle that pumps the blood through your body, which allows you to run/exercise for extended periods of time.
- TSWBAT complete the Pacer test successfully and understands what that data is telling them (cardiovascular endurance or heart/lung strength). (4th and 8th – know how to set goals to improve their score).
Curl-up Test
- TSWBAT complete the Curl-up test successfully and understand what that data is telling them (abdominal strength). (4th and 8th – know how to set goals to improve their score)
Push-up Test
- TSWBAT complete the Pushup test successfully and understand what that data is telling them (upper body strength and endurance) (4th and 8th – know how to set goals to improve their score)
Sit and Reach Test
- TSWBAT complete the Sit and Reach Test successfully and understand what that data is telling them (flexibility) (4th and 8th – know how to set goals to improve their score)
K-1st Grade
- Introduction to Pacer Test (Modified Distance)
- Exercise Stations (includes teaching of curl-ups/push-ups, flexibility/stretching)
2nd Grade
- Try full length Pacer Test (20 meters)
- Learn/try the curl-up/push-up test
- These are “practice” tests so they will be ready in 3rd grade
3rd Grade
- Complete the Pacer, curl-up, and push-up tests
- Intro to sit and reach (flexibility)
4th-8th Grade
- Complete all Fitness Testing
- Focus on Goal Setting and Improvement
- Will complete personal goal setting worksheets (will take home at the end of year and be a celebration for all they have accomplished and goals to have for over summer break)
I appreciate your support and encouraging your child to set fitness goals for the year. Proud to be a part of this community,
Mrs. Jackson