February

Special Events in P.E. 

Throughout the year I try and bring a special guest into each of my primary level grade P.E. classes for at least one P.E. class in an effort to provide a different perspective or excitement about topics and physical activities that I think would be communicated more effectively from a special guest. Some of my guests have started to become a tradition in each grade, and some of my visitors have been new this year!

So far this February, Dr. Tony Olinger--a friend who is an Anatomy  professor at Kansas City University of Medicine and Bioscience, and also happens to be a Zumba instructor--came and got both 4th grade classes (and myself!) moving and sweating! While I have done Zumba before, I did not feel confident enough to lead a class. My friend Tony offered to come teach a class, and while I knew in my gut that they would love it once they got into it, I thought surprising them with Tony's visit would be more fun. Let's just say the kids got into it--boys and girls alike!

Check out a quick video of Dr. Olinger doing Zumba with both 4th Grade classes: 

Mrs. Cowan’s class 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8AX1RjaQ80

Mrs. Van Maren’s class 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0_GBgrn5L4

COMING SOON! 

1st Grade--Friday, March 15th 

SAFE KIDS with Sean & Rita Kalmus

Parents of  current SPEDS students Nina and Maya Kalmus, have visited with us the past 2 years to do a "safe kids" workshop during P.E. time that focus's on stranger awareness and basic self defense. Rita and Sean own a fitness studio in Kansas City and are both trained and certified in teaching self-defense and other forms of martial arts to both adults and children. The past two years they have done a wonderful job opening eyes to students at an age that is appropriate to be aware of strangers, and at the same time providing basic skills to be a smart, safe kid. 

2nd Grade--April (Date TBD) 

Professional HOOLA HOOPING with Maggie Walker 

Friend, and professional hoola hooper Maggie Walker can hoola hoop for hours without stopping! She has performed at festivals and weddings, can do flips, and hoola hoop with fire! While we will not be doing flips or hoola hooping with fire :) Maggie is going to give us some expert advice on how to become a skilled hoola hooper!  

3rd/4th Grade-- Monday, March 25th

S.T.A.R. POWER with Missy Stover from Children's Mercy 

Missy Stover, a child life specialist and representative with Children's Mercy Hospital and the S.T.A.R Power program has visited my P.E. classes for the past 2 years and has been a wonderful representative and different voice for students to learn about topics I feel very strong about. This year Missy is going to be doing a workshop with 3rd Grade on Healthy Eating and in 4th Grade on Self-Esteem. 

In the Healthy Eating workshop, Missy will help students understand the importance of healthy eating and the impact it has on overall health and well being. Students will engage in meal planning activities using the 5 Star Breakfast model, learn the importance of fruits and vegetables and discover fun ways to get more servings each day. Students will also calculate the amount of sugar found in common drinks, and understand the value of water and milk.

In the Self-Esteem workshop, Missy will help children understand the importance of positive self-image and the impact it has on a child's emotional security and well being. Students will discuss social and cultural pressures, recognize personal uniqueness, and engage in expressive self-awareness activities to celebrate YOU!

To find out more about the S.T.A.R Power program CLICK HERE