Enrichment Activities

 Physical Education Enrichment Information for grades 3-6

 

 

Hello,

 

I hope everyone is doing well during these uncertain and stressful times.  We have been asked to provide our students with enrichment activities for them to complete on their own during this time away from school.  What I would like to do, at least to start, is provide some simple instructions regarding activities students can be doing on their own, to the best of their ability based on their particular circumstances.  I will be posting some downloadable activities on my teacher page if you are interested in more information and additional activities to try on your own.

 

I will try to post new content periodically, just to give you some idea as to what activities you may wish to try.  I don’t feel that giving a structured daily list of activities is the way to go right now, but you are more than welcome to “borrow” some ideas from the articles/sheets that I post. 

 

Obviously, you may have to do most of these activities on your own or with a family member, which is certainly fine.  If you are able to get outside, I think that is best, but I understand not everyone may have that option.  Here are a few of my simple suggestions and guidelines to get you started this first week:

 

1.  If you can, get outside and play as often as is reasonable.  I know the social distancing guidelines might make some things unwise to do, but you could certainly ride a bike, take a walk, go for a short run, throw catch, shoot hoops, climb a tree, jump rope, etc.  Be safe with whatever you do, and make sure you have permission. 

 

2.  If you are stuck inside, maybe your best bet is to do some body weight activities like push-ups, sit ups and chin ups (if you have a chin up bar).  I will try to put some things on my teacher page that could give you some more ideas.  If, while watching tv or playing a video game, every few minutes you crank out a set of push ups and sit ups, that would be far better than just doing nothing.

 

3. Trying to include a family member in the activity makes it more enjoyable and more likely that you will do something.  Create a fun exercise challenge with a parent or sibling and try to make it something you do on a daily basis.  Look over some of the enrichment sheets on my teacher page for ideas.

 

4. I don’t really recommend students in grades 3-6 do actual workouts and would much rather have you out playing games, but, again, anything is better than nothing.  Use your imagination and find things to do outside if at all possible. 

 

5. Remember that proper nutrition and rest are an important part of being healthy as well.  I will dig up a few simple tips that will help you in these areas and post them to my teacher page if you are interested.  Again, parents are most likely the greatest influence on their children, so parents, please set a good example to the best of your ability.

 

6. I am recommending you get at least 60 minutes of activity every day, and it doesn’t have to be all at one time.  The more active you stay throughout the day, the better.  Doing something once and then sitting around the rest of the day isn’t as good for you as being active several times throughout the day.

 

7. Doing chores around the house is a good way to get some exercise, especially if you are able to be outside.  Mowing the lawn by push mower, for example, is a good activity that also benefits the household.  Obviously, make sure you have permission to do something like this at your house.

 

8. I am including an “exercise log” that you can fill out if you wish.  It should be included in this packet, but I will also have it on my teacher page for you to download.  If you wish, and if you have you means to do so with a laptop, you could type in your daily activity and send it to me via email each week.  I would be happy to give you feedback based on what you send me.  This is, of course, totally up to you. 

 

9. Please email me if you have any questions.  I will be happy to help.  I really believe that exercise is a great way to relieve stress and feel positive about yourself, which is probably more important now than ever.  Doing things as a family is also a good way to connect with one another, something that is often missing in our technological world.  If you are able to get outside and explore the natural world, that is probably the best way for you to stay healthy, provided you take all the necessary precautions that we have been advised due to the current health situation. 

 

10.  Here is a sample week that may help get you started:

 

Monday-1. Walk the dog or walk with a friend/family member for 30 minutes. 2. Ride your bike for 30 minutes

Tuesday-1.  Do 5 sets of 5 pushups/10 sit ups for a total of 25 push-ups/50 sit ups.

2. Throw catch with a friend/family member or by yourself against a wall

Wednesday-1. Jump rope, trying for a total of 10 minutes, including breaks.

2. Go for a short run where you run for 1 min/walk for 1 minute for a total of 15-20 minutes

Thursday-1. Ride your bike 30 minutes.

2. Play outside, doing anything that keeps you moving

Friday-1. Frisbee with a friend or family member

2. 2. Walk/hike 30 minutes

 

Saturday/Sunday-Nothing formal or structured, just try to get out of the house and stay active. 

 

Good luck, and please continue to check my teacher page periodically for some useful information about physical activity, nutrition and proper sleep.  Take care!

 

Mr. Wehrle

PAES Physical Education Teacher