P to the E with Leigh

Physical Education 

The Foundation children have landed! It’s nice being a witness to their first day at school. I remember my two older boys who are now 18, 21 being so excited about being in their uniform. I also remember how nervous they were when they got there and also exhausted after the first day. It’s a big step into school life and our job as teachers is to make those connections and begin to bring the children together as a group. Kids love being active so it’s important I make the kids feel safe and secure and that they have some fun! This has been a focus of the term focus on making deadly connections and enjoying sport as much as they can. They learn a things along the way too! 

The 1/2s are stepping out. They are familiar with the school and its surrounds and they are no longer the littlies. This is a great age for growth. It’s all about being a learner, the time to make mistakes shake your head and keep going. The 1/2s begin to learn about group cohesion understanding that learning new skills takes time and practice. So that’s what we do Fundamental Motor skills through simple games with a focus on hand eye coordination. They move so fast so checking behaviour and learning to support each other is important at this age. 

The 3/4s the age of reason! I love this age group as they are building capacity and beginning to find that they have strength and endurance in most sporting activities. The kids start to even out in ability and show great empathy with their classmates. Challenging this group is the key, building fitness after a long break and supporting all the children in realising that effort and having a go are two key principles. Keith Howden the Athletics, Basketball Coach at the school gives great advice and kind words for the kids.  

The 5/6s the new generation!  This is the time for action as the kids begin to define who they are relative to their peers. They are looking to burn some energy, create new challenges and begin to prepare for young adulthood. This age is about making that connection again and building resilience and capacity to learn quickly. The children have spent time this term building fitness again after last year. The children have been working with Keith Howden practicing running technique through relay training. The children have also spent time practising sports for Inter School Sports. The 5/6 have cross country next term in May and the Winter Sports will be a one day carnival in June and the Athletics training begins in third term. 

Looking forward to the term.

Well Done to all our TPS swimmers who participated in the District Swimming this week. Deadly effort!