Mr. Mokin - Challenger PE

May/June 2013

What is the role of competition in elementary PE? It’s not too late to comment on the PE Blog.  A number of parents have.  Student comments would not be unwelcome!

We’re rolling toward year’s end, and it always seems to come sooner when we get the gymnastics equipment from the district, which occurs every two years.  Students will have three weeks to work out on this equipment which includes mats, springboard vaults, balance beams and parallel bars.  Mr. Klein and I would like to assure you that we don’t force students to do things that they’re not ready for.  For example, we would never put students into a position that they can’t get into by themselves, such as a forward roll.  However, we do put them on an incline wedge and ask them to squat and tuck their head to their feet, and then from that point it’s a pretty easy transition to just rolling downhill like a ball.  If you are a school parent with gymnastics or tumbling experience and would like to volunteer to help out in PE, please get in touch with me. 

We just completed our baseball unit – which includes kickball and softball slow pitch. I really want students to leave Challenger with a clear understanding of the rules of this Great American Pastime – particularly where fielding positions are played, fair vs. foul balls, base-running, force-outs, and batting technique.  Wiffle bats and balls are very inexpensive, fun and safe for young children.  I’d also encourage you to attend a high school baseball or softball game this spring or summer!

See you in PE!

Mr. Mokin