Thursday, November 17, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

This week at St. Mary's the theme was Thanksgiving. Everyone had great games and activities that went along with the theme. My group was in charge of special projects and the closing activities. During our time my group and I interviewed our peers about why they enjoyed going to St. Mary's and why they chose to major in physical education. Many people responded saying that they really enjoy working with the students of St. Mary's. By being able to teach different games to the students gives a real life experience as to what's to come in the future. Some of my peers even said coming to St. Mary's gives them a good work out! I think this should be the case. I believe that if you aren't sweating and tired by the end of the lesson you weren't as involved as you could have been.

My group was in charge of the closing game, dance, and cheer. I worked with Heather for the dance. The original song was the Turkey Dance, but the song would not play. So we ended up creating a song and singing to it without the music. It was called The Turkey Hokey Pokey. Heather was quick to come up with different parts to put in during the song. Some of the parts used were beaks, claws, and feathers. Everyone had a good time with this original song. I found this to be a perfect example as to always have a back up plan in case your first plan doesn't work!

This week the skills being assessed were stationary bounce and kicking! Click here to see what I observed.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Happy Halloween from St. Mary's!

What a hectic day it was! This week at St. Mary's I worked with the Pre- K students. Not only was I working with these hyper little students, it was Halloween on top of it! Even though it was crazier than usual, I still had a great time. I forgot what it was like to work with such small children. They have the biggest imaginations I have ever seen! Since it was muddy outside my group and the Pre- K students stayed inside for play time. I played house with two or three girls who would come up with the most interesting ideas I have ever heard. One moment I'm eating fruit soup, the next thing I know I'm eating spaghetti off the same plate. It was so much fun to get on their level and play their way. While playing house, I learned to not ask questions. Going with the flow is exactly how you want to approach playing with them.



Out in the gym, the students worked on the skills of an over hand throw and catch. Once again I forgot what it was like to be working with such young students. I found that being patient with the students was the key to being successful. Since the majority of the students haven't worked on the skills that much, I was teaching them the proper way to throw. It's amazing how after many years of throwing it just is a natural movement. For the students the movement was a new idea. I would tell them okay now make a T with you arms! Move your arm to your ear! Now step forward and let go of the ball! It worked for many of the students and they got the basic idea on throwing. I got very excited when a student progressed in their throwing because of my help.

Looking forward to another week at St. Mary's!

To see what I found challenging or difficult about teaching this week click here!