St. Mary's Hosts the Winter Olympics

This past monday, in our most recent lab I was fortunate enough to be a part of a miniature winter olympics for the students at St. Mary's. The students participated in Olympic themed activities set up by my peers and I of SUNY Cortland. Throughout the lab the students motor skills were observed, from running, hopping to galloping. I noticed, as I'm sure my classmates did to, that the students were able to perform the task but not to it's highest ability. The students struggled at sometimes and were not able to fulfill all of the performance criteria. Critical elements were overlooked and the students certainly need some guidance to perform the task to its proper standards. In addition, although I was not able to get a chance to teach an activity to the students I did learn a few tricks. Music is extremely helpful to an activity, pumping up the students and what not. Also I learned not to ask questions I don't want the answer to, for example, Who wants to play this game? I should not give the students an option, simply act the right way and the students will surely play. I will take this thoughts to heart for the next lab.

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Dodgeball

I have a mixed opinion about dodgeball. I always enjoyed dodgeball growing up as a child, but recently my eyes have been opened about the negativity surrounding the game. I feel that dodgeball could be useful if played properly. A professional physical education teacher should make variations to the game to make it appropriate and more of a learning experience as opposed to creating human targets, isolating students, hiding etc. In addition, the teacher should create an alternative to those who wish to not participate in dodgeball, dodgeball should be an option not a requirement for there are many negatives embedded in the game. If a student wishes to sit out it is because they know they will not benefit from the experience and vis versa.

Lab 1 Reflection, February 14, 2010

With the first official lab behind me I feel as if I have to break my inhibitions and channel my inner kid. I have to get to their level and not worry about what my peers may think about me. I have to let loose and enjoy the time I have in lab to the fullest, not just by putting a smile of the students' faces but my own as well. The students look to myself and my peers to provide them with games and a good time. After a long day at school the students simply want to have fun and I feel it is our responsibility to make sure it happens. I am going to have to get down to their level and enjoy the time I have and not take it for granted.