Building a community where fitness and play are the foundation for all families.
The trusty jump rope once again grabs the spotlight for February’s Flourish with Fitness Challenge. JUMP for FITNESS is designed to increase awareness of all the benefits from jumping rope. Jump rope is one of the most effective cardiovascular exercises. Along with benefits to the heart, jump rope also enhances coordination, agility, and strengthens bones, arms, legs, and core.
Click JUMP FOR FITNESS for access to the challenge.
JUMP FOR FITNESS also offers other exercises to help enhance full body fitness. Throughout the month, participants will be challenged with exercises including plank, squats, and burpees, where the degree of difficulty gradually increases.
The workouts posted each day can be adapted to fit the fitness level of each participant. Students may need to perform fewer repetitions on a given day due to fatigue or if they’re physically not ready. Some students may need to add more time and repetitions than the ones posted on any given day to level up.
This workout is an excellent opportunity for jump rope beginners to strengthen their jump rope ability. I encourage beginner jumpers to persevere. With a little work each day, skill and strength will increase steadily. Advanced jumpers are encouraged to push themselves while building on their strong foundation.
Whichever level you choose, you’re destined for an increase in strength, endurance, and jump rope skill.
CHECK THIS OUT! Below is a Blowing off S.T.E.A.M project I created for my students. Here, they are challenged to use available household materials to create their own jump rope.
(Click Blowing Off STEAM in PE for an editable copy of the challenge!)
It is imperative to sprinkle in team-building challenges throughout the year. Any unit can benefit from activities that promote communication, cooperation, sharing ideas, making compromises, and opportunities for failure and success. During my recent paddle striking and manipulation unit, I added one such activity.
PADDLE PICK’EM UP
I used paddles for this activity. You can also use other pieces of equipment or body parts resulting in equal fun and success. We’ve used rhythm sticks, shortened pool noodles, student elbows, and the backs of students’ hands.
Paddle Pick’em Up is set up as a partner challenge, however, the overall goal is more of a whole-class challenge.
Set-up
Goal
How to play
Alternate version
There you have it! I’d love to hear about similar games you play. Please let me know of any team-building games that work for your students. Thanks for reading!
This is by far one of my favorite games with grades four – high school. Ultimate Team Pinball nicely mashes together elements of ultimate Frisbee and team handball. As you’ll see in the video, it’s fast-paced, actioned-packed, and a lot of fun.
Set up:
How to play: