Saint Mary's Lab One

Our first actual lab at Saint Mary's sure was an eye opener.  I had no idea what to expect.  I have worked with kids before, but teaching at a new school can be intimidating, and it was.  I was definately quite nervous when i walked in.  The last thing that i wanted on my first day was to fail if i had to teach my game.  But as we were told already, we may fail sometimes.  But if failure occurs, you just have to move on, fix your mistakes, and get right back into it.  I was really relieved that the first game was taught by one of the TA's.  He got the attention of the kids right away, was very loud, and got down at the children's level, which is key.  He gave me a clear demonstration of how the games should be taught correcty.  At the end of the lab, Frank really ephasized the fact of being loud.  I didnt see one child not paying attention when he was teaching.  To sum it all up, the big thing that i have to work one is being loud.  I wasnt loud enough when i tried to get the attention of the kids, which Elena pointed out.  But overall, our first lab went very well.  My group did an awesome job when they had to teach their games.  There are some things that i have to work on before our next lab, but i am definately up to the challenge.

Chapter One Assignment

At young ages, fundamental skill development and assessment is extremely important because our children today need to grow up learning basic skills.  Learning basic fundamental skills is extremely important for not only improving, but maintaining one's proper health.  Obesity is a major issue in our country.  "Today, almost 25% are considered to be overweight or obese, up from just 11% a decade ago." (Developmental Physical Education for All Children, Page 8)  Obesity as a child has a direct correlation with obesity as an adult.  According to a survey by the American Obesity Organization (2000), only 81% of parents of K-12 children are concerned with their children receiving adequate daily physical education. (Developmental Physical Education for All Children, Page 8).  In my opinion, if this number isn't at 100% of parents actually caring about their child receiving adequate daily physical education, then it should at least be in the 90's.
We as physical educators, need to be responsible in leading our kids in the right direction with providing them with the proper fundamental skills.  This development can not start with kids in high school.  These actions of assessing and presenting these skills needs to take place from day one in school.  I am not saying that the younger children of the elementary stages (K-2) need to be bombarded with multiple complex skills on a daily basis.  But the most basic fundamental skills with some easy locomotion games involving running, hopping, and jumping is where it needs to be.

winter break

This is the first time i have ever created a blog.  I had no idea what to expect and how it would turn out.  This whole process seems pretty interesting and exciting.  Over my winter break, I worked for the local YMCA in Schenectady, NY.  I worked with kids from the ages of five to twelve every morning at an elementary school in my area.  I have worked for the YMCA for the past three years.  I feel that working for the YMCA ( in the childcare department) makes me a better teacher each and every day.  Teaching kids not only in the Physical Education area, but about everyday things is what i want to do.