FUP60 KICK OFF PICTURES!
Our school is wrapping up our first challenge, 'Healthy Eating Poster Contest'. Each class designs their own class banner promoting nutrition in their own unique way: healthy, fun recipes, food to try, food drawings. All banners will be judged by Principal Schroeder with one being selected as the winner. This class will receive 3 free time gym passes of their choice!
Our NEW Challenge: Watch and find out!
Cooking Show Challenge
FUP60!
This year's FUP60 Student Team with FSU Basketball Players
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Help Our School WIN!
Help our school win a $30,000 playground makeover!
All you have to do:
1) Click on this link: http://energybalance101.com/
2) Click on 'Healthy Playground Makeover'
3) Fill out your basic information and visit again tomorrow!
Each day you enter gives our school a greater chance to WIN!
What we'd like to do with our makeover:
-Install a playground rubberized track for our school's Feelin' Good Mileage Club
-Purchase kid-friendly individual exercise stations for students to move around to
-Extend our playground to make it BIGGER for our growing school.
All you have to do:
1) Click on this link: http://energybalance101.com/
2) Click on 'Healthy Playground Makeover'
3) Fill out your basic information and visit again tomorrow!
Each day you enter gives our school a greater chance to WIN!
What we'd like to do with our makeover:
-Install a playground rubberized track for our school's Feelin' Good Mileage Club
-Purchase kid-friendly individual exercise stations for students to move around to
-Extend our playground to make it BIGGER for our growing school.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
New Ideas in November
I started off November by attending the Michigan Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Convention, otherwise known as MAHPERD. It was encouraging to meet with many other physical educators throughout the state of Michigan to share ideas and stories. This year the conference was in Dearborn, Michigan and I was able to attend with one of my greatest colleagues (and friend :), Rachel Moberg, who currently teaches K-8 P.E. at South Arbor Charter Academy in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
I attended workshops on Service Learning, New Circle Games, Health/P.E. incorporation, personal/social behaviors in P.E., Zumba Fitness, and The Groove Method. I was also able to attend the Fuel Up to Play 60 Workshop, and even got a signed football autograph from Detroit Lion, Herman Moore. (The football will be a prize for a CCA student at some point during this year).
This year's conference theme was Quality (Re)Considered. As a physical educator, I have to reconsider my teaching priorities and analyze whether my students can relate to the same priorities. Physical Education is moving away from the "Old" P.E. of teaching sports to the "New" P.E. of teaching health and wellness. Sports can definitely be a part of this, as many students develop a love and gain hold of a certain sport for a lifetime, but overall, physical education needs to reach all students, and teach them how to be HEALTHY and WELL for a lifetime.
I attended workshops on Service Learning, New Circle Games, Health/P.E. incorporation, personal/social behaviors in P.E., Zumba Fitness, and The Groove Method. I was also able to attend the Fuel Up to Play 60 Workshop, and even got a signed football autograph from Detroit Lion, Herman Moore. (The football will be a prize for a CCA student at some point during this year).
This year's conference theme was Quality (Re)Considered. As a physical educator, I have to reconsider my teaching priorities and analyze whether my students can relate to the same priorities. Physical Education is moving away from the "Old" P.E. of teaching sports to the "New" P.E. of teaching health and wellness. Sports can definitely be a part of this, as many students develop a love and gain hold of a certain sport for a lifetime, but overall, physical education needs to reach all students, and teach them how to be HEALTHY and WELL for a lifetime.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Happy October!
Happy October!
It's hard to believe we have been in school for over 1 month! Many exciting things are happening in the Cougar Den and around Crossroads.
On Wednesday, we participated in the International Walk To School Day. This is a day where we celebrate the gift of walking, and designate it as a day to walk, bike, or hike to school. At Crossroads, we have many students who live longer distances away. Therefore, we celebrated with a Walk AT School Day, where students got up early for school and met at 7:00AM on the playground track. From 7-7:45AM, we walked and ran around the playground track, with many students earning mileage for our school's mileage club. Students signed a banner now hung up in our school and received a 'Walk It' sticker for the day. It was a great morning!
In 6th Grade P.E., we are busy preparing for our World Cup Tournament. There are a total of 16 teams in this year's World Cup, with 4 students on each team. The students met with each other to decide who will be their coach, trainer, motivational expert, and referee. They practice/scrimmage for 1 week as well as create their country's flag to display during the tournament. Their national anthems will also be played before the start of each game. It will be a very fun two weeks!
It's hard to believe that in only 1 month, the K-5 graders have learned many techniques to leaping, the instep kick, aerobic fitness, and hip/low back flexibility. Some of the students remember the steps better than I do! We have created many fun games to reinforce these learned techniques and have greatly increased confidence in the foundational skills needed for many sport activities.
It should be a great month! Looking forward to all that's to come.
It's hard to believe we have been in school for over 1 month! Many exciting things are happening in the Cougar Den and around Crossroads.
On Wednesday, we participated in the International Walk To School Day. This is a day where we celebrate the gift of walking, and designate it as a day to walk, bike, or hike to school. At Crossroads, we have many students who live longer distances away. Therefore, we celebrated with a Walk AT School Day, where students got up early for school and met at 7:00AM on the playground track. From 7-7:45AM, we walked and ran around the playground track, with many students earning mileage for our school's mileage club. Students signed a banner now hung up in our school and received a 'Walk It' sticker for the day. It was a great morning!
In 6th Grade P.E., we are busy preparing for our World Cup Tournament. There are a total of 16 teams in this year's World Cup, with 4 students on each team. The students met with each other to decide who will be their coach, trainer, motivational expert, and referee. They practice/scrimmage for 1 week as well as create their country's flag to display during the tournament. Their national anthems will also be played before the start of each game. It will be a very fun two weeks!
It's hard to believe that in only 1 month, the K-5 graders have learned many techniques to leaping, the instep kick, aerobic fitness, and hip/low back flexibility. Some of the students remember the steps better than I do! We have created many fun games to reinforce these learned techniques and have greatly increased confidence in the foundational skills needed for many sport activities.
It should be a great month! Looking forward to all that's to come.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
KIDS MARATHON
Parents! Here is a easy and fun way to get your students active this Fall. Check out the information below or pick up a sheet in the Elementary Office. Having this marathon as a goal is a great way to encourage all of our students to participate in Mileage Club! Even Principal Schroeder will be running the marathon!
KIDS MARATHON !
The Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Grand Rapids Kids Marathon
The Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon is pleased to continue its efforts to promote health and fitness among the youth in our community by offering children the opportunity, free of charge, to participate in the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids Kids Marathon, scheduled to take place at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 15, 2011, at the David D. Hunting YMCA. Currently in its fifth year, the Kids Marathon was started in response to a growing need to improve the health and fitness of our youth by promoting healthy lifestyles through increased physical activity and attention to good nutrition.
WHAT IS A “KIDS MARATHON ,” AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
Children first register at www.grandrapidsmarathon.com, for free. Beginning in the middle of August, they commit to running or walking at least one mile, three times each week, with a friend or family member. They track their progress on the log sheet which can be downloaded and printed from the Kids Marathon page. The log goes through mile 25, nearly a marathon distance.
Then on Race Weekend, the children will run or walk the last 1.2 miles of the marathon distance on the Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon race course. On the day of the event, pre-registered runners will receive:
• A race t-shirt.
• An official race bib.
• Finishers receive a Kids Marathon medal.
• Post-race refreshments.
Children of all ages are welcome to participate in our event. On race day, the youngest ones can run with their parents, grandparents, or an older sibling.
It is our hope that in the course of their training, children will learn that it is fun to be active and that it feels great to be healthy and fit! As a result, they will be encouraged to continue their healthy lifestyles well beyond race weekend, making physical activity and good nutrition a priority in their daily lives.
Friday, August 19, 2011
New Year, New Start!
Welcome back! I am excited to start a brand new school year with you and your children. As our school year begins, I want to inform you of an exciting new curriculum I will be using in Physical Education this year for Grades K-5.
"The Exemplary Physical Education Curriculum (EPEC) is a nationally recognized program that combats the crushing burden of chronic disease in our population. Physical activity is highly protective against the major chronic diseases of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. The curriculum’s objectives systematically and sequentially increase fitness levels, develop motor skills, increase activity-related knowledge, and develop and improve personal/social/attitudinal characteristics students need to be physically active for LIFE."
"EPEC works to shift the emphasis of P.E. away from merely keeping students busy, happy and good toward instruction based on clearly stated outcomes. As a result of a defined direction and clear objectives, students are more likely to learn, develop competencies and confidence, and prepared for a physically active life. The program objectives are based on the National Association for Sports and Physical Education."
I wanted to inform you of this change as I will be able to assess each and every student on each individual skill learned through rubric checklists. You will be able to know how well your child is mastering the content taught and whether he/she is progressing through the steps of each skill. Let me emphasize that these are not letter grades, but an informative report of how many skill steps your child can demonstrate and/or perform.
Students will still be participating in all of the fun, traditional or non-traditional sport units we have participated in last year, but they may be performed in different orders, and have a stronger emphasis on building up skill than just playing the game. In order for students to play the sport or game well, I need to spend time with them building a strong foundation.
Each month I will be sending home a newsletter with your child to inform you of the skills and events we will be focusing on. I will also continue to update my blog: www.verkaikccaphysed.blogspot.com. I would love to receive your comments or feedback on how you feel this new curriculum is affecting your child, and appreciate your patience and trust as we begin this process together.
I am very excited to begin teaching your children all of the skills they need to become confident, creative students at CCA. If you have any questions throughout the year, please do not hesitate to visit me in my office or contact me through email or phone.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Verkaik
K-6 Physical Education
Monday, June 6, 2011
“Time goes by so fast, people go in and out of your life. You must never miss the opportunity to tell these people how much they mean to you.”
Wow! Is it really the last week of school? I cannot believe how fast this year has gone. Both my students and myself have learned so much along the way. This week we will be enjoying nature walks, finishing up baseball, fitness testing, and having student choice! It is fun to see what games/activities the students remember to be the most fun!
This is something I have posted outside my gymnasium doors- I want to leave you with this quote at the end of this year:
"Everything I learned in life I learned in Physical Education.
-Play by the rules.
-Behave or you'll not get to play.
-Dress out properly.
-Be polite.
-Warm up.
-Stretch a lot.
-Take turns.
-Share.
-Make friends.
-Tolerate differences of others.
-Consider the feelings of others.
-Give everyone a chance.
-Get along.
-Be humble.
-Cool down.
-Cheaters never really win.
-Winners never cheat.
-Don't tear up the equipment.
-Put stuff back where you got it.
-Show sportsmanship.
-Shake hands.
-Practice to get better at anything.
-Know the score.
-Never give up.
-TRY YOUR BEST ALWAYS AND IN ALL WAYS."
Have a RELAXING & FUN Summer break!!! See you in the Fall. :)
Mrs. Verkaik
This is something I have posted outside my gymnasium doors- I want to leave you with this quote at the end of this year:
"Everything I learned in life I learned in Physical Education.
-Play by the rules.
-Behave or you'll not get to play.
-Dress out properly.
-Be polite.
-Warm up.
-Stretch a lot.
-Take turns.
-Share.
-Make friends.
-Tolerate differences of others.
-Consider the feelings of others.
-Give everyone a chance.
-Get along.
-Be humble.
-Cool down.
-Cheaters never really win.
-Winners never cheat.
-Don't tear up the equipment.
-Put stuff back where you got it.
-Show sportsmanship.
-Shake hands.
-Practice to get better at anything.
-Know the score.
-Never give up.
-TRY YOUR BEST ALWAYS AND IN ALL WAYS."
Have a RELAXING & FUN Summer break!!! See you in the Fall. :)
Mrs. Verkaik
Friday, April 29, 2011
Family Fitness Night: Success!
This week was our school's first annual Family Fitness Night.
The night included:
-5 Nutrition Stations: Portion Distortion, Food Pyramid, Think Your Drink, Nutrition Labels, and Snacks & Breakfast.
-Dance: Thriller, Cha Cha Slide, Car Wash, Cupid Shuffle and much more
-Food Group Tag Games
-F.I.T.T. Stations: Ab Strength, Upper & Lower Body, Agility, Flexibility
-Fitness Circuit: Jumping Jacks, Sit ups, Line jumps, Push Ups and a lot more
-Fuel Up to Play 60 Pledge to be active and healthy!
Many of the students also ran 1 mile around our Mileage Club track to receive their very own 'Crossroads Mileage Club' water bottle.
Every student who came for the night and completed their punch card left with many Fuel Up to Play 60 prizes. What a fun night! Thanks to ALL of the teachers & friends that helped to make it a success!
This week starts what ALL the 5th & 6th graders have been waiting for.... ARCHERY. Wish us luck!
The 3rd & 4th graders will be working on Ultimate Frisbee & Mat Ball- based on the weather. :)
Grades K-2 are busy working on many listening skills, throwing skills, tag games, and teamwork. Our biggest goal is to learn how to work as an ENTIRE team. We have mastered separate station work- now for the hard part, and most important: Working All Together :)
"Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try."
"Enthusiasm is excitement with inspiration, motivation, and a pinch of creativity."
Mrs. V
The night included:
-5 Nutrition Stations: Portion Distortion, Food Pyramid, Think Your Drink, Nutrition Labels, and Snacks & Breakfast.
-Dance: Thriller, Cha Cha Slide, Car Wash, Cupid Shuffle and much more
-Food Group Tag Games
-F.I.T.T. Stations: Ab Strength, Upper & Lower Body, Agility, Flexibility
-Fitness Circuit: Jumping Jacks, Sit ups, Line jumps, Push Ups and a lot more
-Fuel Up to Play 60 Pledge to be active and healthy!
Many of the students also ran 1 mile around our Mileage Club track to receive their very own 'Crossroads Mileage Club' water bottle.
Every student who came for the night and completed their punch card left with many Fuel Up to Play 60 prizes. What a fun night! Thanks to ALL of the teachers & friends that helped to make it a success!
This week starts what ALL the 5th & 6th graders have been waiting for.... ARCHERY. Wish us luck!
The 3rd & 4th graders will be working on Ultimate Frisbee & Mat Ball- based on the weather. :)
Grades K-2 are busy working on many listening skills, throwing skills, tag games, and teamwork. Our biggest goal is to learn how to work as an ENTIRE team. We have mastered separate station work- now for the hard part, and most important: Working All Together :)
"Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try."
"Enthusiasm is excitement with inspiration, motivation, and a pinch of creativity."
Mrs. V
Monday, February 21, 2011
Speed Stacking is Finally Here!
JUMP ROPE FOR HEART was a GREAT success. Our K-6 Students at Crossroads Charter Academy raised $2,062 for the American Heart Association. The kids had a great finale showcasing their new jump rope skills. They are very proud to be helping kids who need healthier hearts.
After much anticipation from the kids, cup stacking is finally here! Cup Stacking (or sport stacking) is a new and different P.E. activity unit that focuses a lot on hand eye coordination, using both sides of the brain, and incorporating fitness activities into the different cup stacking skills learned.
Early 1980's: Originated in the early 1980's in southern California and received national attention in 1990 on a segment of the "Tonight Show", with Johnny Carson. That was where it first captured the imagination of Bob Fox, who was then an elementary classroom teacher in Colorado.
1998: Speed Stacking, Inc. was born
2007: Over 20,000 schools now have Sport Stacking as part of their P.E. program
No, this isn't the best cardio workout or a traditional sport... so why include it in P.E.?
FITNESS: "Sport Stacking is a fitness based sport that kids from all backgrounds and abilities can do. For the athlete and non-athlete alike, regardless if you are instructing eighth graders or kindergartners, sport stacking can be a great enhancement for your fitness routine. With over 70 fitness based activities, sport stacking helps to motivate kids to be active and fit. Teachers and parents also like sport stacking because it can be done at home."
SELF ESTEEM: "One of the comments we receive consistently from teachers, parents and school administrators is how sport stacking levels the playing field for their kids. Non-Athletic kids can now compete head to head with their more athletic counterparts. This significantly raises their self-esteem, motivating them to work harder in PE and be excited to participate. It's a WIN, WIN!"
ACADEMICS: "Students that sport stack on a regular basis have shown increases in test scores and levels of concentration. This is achieved by students using both their right and left sides of their brain. When students sport stack they are crossing the "midline" of their bodies and developing new connections in their brains. These new connections help to spur brain growth which in turn promotes greater academic achievement."
Want to learn more benefits to Speed Stacking?
Visit:
http://www.speedstacks.com/about/benefits.php
After much anticipation from the kids, cup stacking is finally here! Cup Stacking (or sport stacking) is a new and different P.E. activity unit that focuses a lot on hand eye coordination, using both sides of the brain, and incorporating fitness activities into the different cup stacking skills learned.
Early 1980's: Originated in the early 1980's in southern California and received national attention in 1990 on a segment of the "Tonight Show", with Johnny Carson. That was where it first captured the imagination of Bob Fox, who was then an elementary classroom teacher in Colorado.
1998: Speed Stacking, Inc. was born
2007: Over 20,000 schools now have Sport Stacking as part of their P.E. program
No, this isn't the best cardio workout or a traditional sport... so why include it in P.E.?
FITNESS: "Sport Stacking is a fitness based sport that kids from all backgrounds and abilities can do. For the athlete and non-athlete alike, regardless if you are instructing eighth graders or kindergartners, sport stacking can be a great enhancement for your fitness routine. With over 70 fitness based activities, sport stacking helps to motivate kids to be active and fit. Teachers and parents also like sport stacking because it can be done at home."
SELF ESTEEM: "One of the comments we receive consistently from teachers, parents and school administrators is how sport stacking levels the playing field for their kids. Non-Athletic kids can now compete head to head with their more athletic counterparts. This significantly raises their self-esteem, motivating them to work harder in PE and be excited to participate. It's a WIN, WIN!"
ACADEMICS: "Students that sport stack on a regular basis have shown increases in test scores and levels of concentration. This is achieved by students using both their right and left sides of their brain. When students sport stack they are crossing the "midline" of their bodies and developing new connections in their brains. These new connections help to spur brain growth which in turn promotes greater academic achievement."
Want to learn more benefits to Speed Stacking?
Visit:
http://www.speedstacks.com/about/benefits.php
Sunday, February 6, 2011
JUMP ROPE FOR HEART!
After a two day school week, I am ready for tomorrow to work extra hard to get our students ready for this Friday's Jump Rope for Heart Event!
Due to Blizzard 2011, each student only had ONE P.E. class last week, which was the first lesson in our Jump Rope Unit. We have a lot of hard work ahead of us to get ready for Friday.
Why do we participate in Jump Rope For Heart?
1. A Service Project: Students have a chance to make a difference. They have two weeks to raise money by asking for donations to the American Heart Association.
2. It is a FUN way to include a great physical activity: Jump Rope
3. Jump Rope For Heart Coordinators make it EASY to participate by delivering: posters, new jump ropes, cool lesson plans, thank you gifts for students, and a LOT more!
4. Students learn more than how to jump rope: How the Heart Works, Heart Disease Risk Factors, and Nutrition.
5. Students get to showcase their learned jump rope skills in a final "Jump Rope for Heart Event" when their family members are invited to watch or participate with them in P.E. class.
It's going to be a busy and fun week! Hopefully no more snow days... :)
Mrs. Verkaik
Due to Blizzard 2011, each student only had ONE P.E. class last week, which was the first lesson in our Jump Rope Unit. We have a lot of hard work ahead of us to get ready for Friday.
Why do we participate in Jump Rope For Heart?
1. A Service Project: Students have a chance to make a difference. They have two weeks to raise money by asking for donations to the American Heart Association.
2. It is a FUN way to include a great physical activity: Jump Rope
3. Jump Rope For Heart Coordinators make it EASY to participate by delivering: posters, new jump ropes, cool lesson plans, thank you gifts for students, and a LOT more!
4. Students learn more than how to jump rope: How the Heart Works, Heart Disease Risk Factors, and Nutrition.
5. Students get to showcase their learned jump rope skills in a final "Jump Rope for Heart Event" when their family members are invited to watch or participate with them in P.E. class.
It's going to be a busy and fun week! Hopefully no more snow days... :)
Mrs. Verkaik
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
ARE YOU FUELING UP AND PLAYING 60?
HAS YOUR CHILD SIGNED UP FOR FUEL UP TO PLAY 60?
HAVE THEY PLEDGED TO WORK ON HEALTHIER EATING AND 60 MINUTES OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY?
IF THEY DO, THEY ARE HELPING OUR SCHOOL BECOME A HEALTHIER PLACE.
WE NEED YOUR HELP! THIS IS A GREAT PROGRAM FUNDING OUR SCHOOL, WHICH IS CURRENTLY HELPING IMPROVE OUR ELEMENTARY PLAYGROUND!
Monday, January 10, 2011
A FRESH START
It is the start of the 2nd half of the year. We started out with a brand new unit...
DANCE.
Did you get to do dance when you were in P.E.? If not, you missed out! :) We are doing several VERY different dances during our dance unit.
1) Tininkling: a dance using long, white poles that students tap on the ground while other students jump over and through.
2) Line Dancing: electric slide, cotton eyed joe
3) Folk Dancing: several dances I learned at the MAHPERD conference that should be fun!
The students were a little weary at first but are more attentive during this unit than they have been all year! That is why I love exposing my students to NEW skills. There is a level playing field, the students are curious, and we can all laugh at our own mistakes!
The 3rd-6th graders aren't the only ones dancin'...
Grades K-2 just started a Creative Movement unit. In this unit, we discuss the 5 elements of dance:
1) Body
2) Energy
3) Motion
4) Space
5) Time
A few examples....
When working on "body" we learned different postures... and animal walks! Ask your 1st or 2nd grader what animals they learned. We also worked on level, pathway, and speed. We formed our bodies into a high level, zig zag path, at a fast speed all at the same time. The kids couldn't believe it.
When working on "space" we reviewed the difference between general and personal. Then, we played a "Hula Cars" game where each student had a hula hoop as their personal space. This was their imaginary car and they had to use their memory as I said different commands that were connected to different actions. No matter what, they had to remember to keep their personal space but share general space.
EXCITING UPCOMING EVENTS:
Friday, January 28: DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT brought to you by the Fuel Up Council as our first monthly event for Fuel Up to Play 60.
Friday, February 4: STUDENT RAFFLE I will be choosing 20 students who have created a username on www.fueluptoplay60.com and they will receive an AWESOME prize! Just for signing up!
Friday, February 11: JUMP ROPE FOR HEART All family members are invited to join in the fun as we jump rope to raise money for the American Heart Association.
DANCE.
Did you get to do dance when you were in P.E.? If not, you missed out! :) We are doing several VERY different dances during our dance unit.
1) Tininkling: a dance using long, white poles that students tap on the ground while other students jump over and through.
2) Line Dancing: electric slide, cotton eyed joe
3) Folk Dancing: several dances I learned at the MAHPERD conference that should be fun!
The students were a little weary at first but are more attentive during this unit than they have been all year! That is why I love exposing my students to NEW skills. There is a level playing field, the students are curious, and we can all laugh at our own mistakes!
The 3rd-6th graders aren't the only ones dancin'...
Grades K-2 just started a Creative Movement unit. In this unit, we discuss the 5 elements of dance:
1) Body
2) Energy
3) Motion
4) Space
5) Time
A few examples....
When working on "body" we learned different postures... and animal walks! Ask your 1st or 2nd grader what animals they learned. We also worked on level, pathway, and speed. We formed our bodies into a high level, zig zag path, at a fast speed all at the same time. The kids couldn't believe it.
When working on "space" we reviewed the difference between general and personal. Then, we played a "Hula Cars" game where each student had a hula hoop as their personal space. This was their imaginary car and they had to use their memory as I said different commands that were connected to different actions. No matter what, they had to remember to keep their personal space but share general space.
EXCITING UPCOMING EVENTS:
Friday, January 28: DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT brought to you by the Fuel Up Council as our first monthly event for Fuel Up to Play 60.
Friday, February 4: STUDENT RAFFLE I will be choosing 20 students who have created a username on www.fueluptoplay60.com and they will receive an AWESOME prize! Just for signing up!
Friday, February 11: JUMP ROPE FOR HEART All family members are invited to join in the fun as we jump rope to raise money for the American Heart Association.
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