Bill's Teaching Philosophy

I believe as a Physical Educator it is my job to teach my students why it is important to be healthy, what they can do to be healthy, provide them with activities/games to develop fitness and then involve them in these activities/games to become physically fit. I think it is important through the intervention of physical activity to teach and develop skills and to learn how the body works. In order for students to be physically fit, I need to help them set goals and then reach and exceed those goals. Students must be challenged physically, mentally, emotionally and socially to become a well-rounded, healthy, productive individual.

I believe it is important to communicate with parents the importance of physical activity outside of the regular Physical Education class and to encourage them to become involved in their child's physical fitness.

In using the PFA program, I have developed more activities/games that incorporate muscular strength and endurance, cardiovascular strength and endurance and flexibility. Some of these activities/games involve the use of the PFA equipment while others are incorporated through the regular Physical Education curriculum.

Since the inception of Project Fit America, I think the majority of my students have become more health conscious and some more physically fit. I have seen an increase in involvement by students in programs outside of the normal physical education class. But if we are to believe what research shows, and what the media reports then there is still plenty of work to be done in reaching an entire generation of children that has become unhealthy. We have to get our children up on their feet and engaged in physical activity.

PFA LESSON PLANS

I use the PFA equipment in conjunction with my own curriculum. With my K-2 students, I take a couple of class periods in the fall and spring and teach them how to use the equipment correctly. I then use older students to spot while they exercise on the equipment. This frees me to move around and observe and help students.

With my 3-6 students, I use the equipment in warm-ups, activities, and games. When students are tagged or captured in a warm-up/activity/game. They have to go to the equipment I have designated and exercise on it to get back into the game. I will designate 3 or 4 pieces of equipment for them to use and a certain number of repetitions to do.

Program Outside of Regular Physical Education

My students participate in a city wide Jump Rope for Heart event held at Missouri Western State College in February. Letter that I send home to parents about the event (PDF). In conjunction with the Jump Rope for Heart event, I have a jump rope club called the 100 Club. Starting in January my 3rd through 6th grade students jump rope for one minute at the start of class. We use this as a warm up. Their goal is to jump 100 times or more in one minute. Those students jumping 100 times or more receive a heart with their name, class, and the number of jumps they have completed. This heart is placed on the gym wall. Students then have to reach or exceed their goal to receive additional stickers. I run this program until the first of March.

My sixth grade students participate in a city wide Hoops for Heart event held in March at Missouri Western State College. Letter that I send home to parents about the event (PDF) .

All of our students participate in the Field Day held in late May. Some of our activities incorporate fitness concepts, such as, the tug-of-war, jumping; running and throwing events.

The Cardiac Club

Letter of Invitation, Permission Slip, Certificate - PDF

Invitation to join the Cardiac Club:

The Cardiac Club will begin Monday, Sept. 13, and will meet from 7:30-8:OOAM every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning. This is a Running/Jogging/Walking Club. The purpose of this club is to promote and develop physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle. This club is open to Mark Twain students/family/staff. Those participating will meet on the playground (weather permitting) or in the gym at Mark Twain. Participants will develop cardiovascular endurance and strength, flexibility, math skills, build self-esteem and learn the value of working with others.

In order to become a member of The Cardiac Club, participants will have to run/jog/walk at least 10 miles. Data will be recorded and the progression of the participants will be posted. There is no cost involved. This is not a child-care service. Good behavior is expected. Those choosing to make poor decisions will be dismissed from the club. Gym shoes must be worn to participate. The Cardiac Club permission slip must be signed and returned to Coach Ryser before a student will be allowed to participate. Please have your child at Mark Twain no earlier than 7:30, and no later than 7:45. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions contact Coach Ryser at 671-4270. We look forward to you and your child joining THE CARDIAC CLUB.

Sincerely,

Coach Ryser

Mrs. Miller

THE CARDIAC CLUB Sponsors

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