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To help the kindergarten/grade 1 students prepare for their throwing events in Athletics, we set up a game that allowed them to throw different size and weight dodgeballs back and forth across the court. Without giving away too much, we had the students inquire into the most efficient throwing style for each sized ball (the only requirement was that they throw the ball as high and far as they could). Upon initial experimentation, we asked them to describe the different style throws they came up with based on the size and weight of the ball. The inquiry led to the kids identifying three different throwing styles:
Underhand throw Sidearm slinging type throw Overhand throw Not judging one as better as they other, we had them figure out what throw that they thought was best. Next lesson we will bring the lower body action into the throwing motion and have them inquire into which foot is better to to push off of when they throw. The aim obviously being to get them to identify that you must step with the foot opposite the throwing hand.
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The grade 2/3 teachers are currently working on fractions with their students. We will support their efforts in PE by having the students record their results by rounding out to the nearest tenth using fractions where possible. For example, a student was to jump 2.82 meters in long jump, we would have them record it first as that- 2.82m. They would then have to record it again rounding out to the nearest tenth (2.8m). Once they have rounded out they record it like this:
A) 2 meters and 8/10 of a meter or B) 2 meters and 82/100cm We'll see how it works out, but I think that this is a simple way to help reinforce what they are learning about fractions--Fingers Crossed!!!!!  As part of our Athletics unit, we are aiming to have all the kids ultimately understand that: A) Athletics is a great unit that keeps them active and can challenge them to achieve their personal best; and B) There are numerous ways to improve upon their performance
A quick glance at the aims of each week are as follows: Week 1- All students from Kindergarten to Grade 5 will do time trials in the 220m, 60m, and the 40m hurdles, as well will have results recorded in high jump, long jump, hammer throw, and rubber chicken throw (a fun alternative to ball throw or javelin). Each student is given a Record Sheet that is put into their Sportfolio. The students all identify three events that they would like to improve on once all the data has been recorded. Weeks 2 & 3- The students will be introduced to a number of training drills in running, jumping, and throwing events. They will also be exposed to a variety of fun games and activities that have a specific focus (leaping and bounding, throwing for distance, and sprinting etc.). Once all the training activities and fun games have been introduced to them, they are provided the opportunity to make choices about what they want to do in order to improve. Time management is stressed and we allow the students to inquire into the best ways to practice ensuring that time is used efficiently. A checklist is provided to allow them to record and track which stations they visit. We want them to ultimately aim at being balanced in terms of dividing their time up equally between the fun activities and training activities that have been set up around the field. Week 4- All students once again do time trials and have a go at the field events with all results recorded on original record sheet. Comparisons can now be made. The majority of students will achieve many personal best results. Great to see the smiles on their faces when the better a personal best! Week 5- Students take part in the annual Sports Day and to finish off the unit, will do final reflections. Week 6- Students take part in regional track and field meet at the other big international school in Phnom Penh. (Northbridge) Note: Certificates provided to each student with Sports day results card pasted to the certificate. Students choose a favorite event and get their picture taken doing the event (included in Sportfolio) We have started up this year's Athletics Unit at the International School of Phnom Penh and have changed our focus in terms of our central idea. We are only experimenting at this point and are not sure if it is the best approach, but will no doubt have a chance to reflect at the end of the unit and note necessary changes for next year.
We have opted to have one central idea which covers all three class levels (Kindergarten/G1, G2/3, & G4/5). The lines of inquiry are different at each level, but the central idea remains the same. It was something that I was opposed to at first, but am willing to try out this time around. Our current central idea for Althletics is: "We can evaluate our skills and make choices in improving our performance." The lines of inquiry are as follows: Grade 4/5
1. The different ways to throw, run, and jump in Athletics. 2. Determining ways to improve upon our weak areas. 3. How best to coordinate our body movements in each event. Kindergarten/Grade 1 1. The different ways to throw, run, and jump in Athletics 2. Identifying which events we enjoy the most. 3. How we can increase our chances of success in Athletics. On a positive note, the students have seemed to genuinely understand the central idea, but time will tell once we do our formative assessment at the end of the unit. Since their conceptual learning is different at each level, does this warrant going back to three separate central ideas? If you are visiting this website and have an opinion, please let me know. Thanks!
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AuthorKAUST Faculty, Pedagogical Coach. Presenter & Workshop Leader.IB Educator. #RunYourLife podcast host. Archives
September 2022
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