Friendship Games - Fitness, Friends, Fun

More and more research continues to be shared regarding the benefits of sport. While PE classes work hard to help develop the whole child, being in a "sport" can also help shape a person's character. This month over 150 students participated in the 9th Annual Friendship Games hosted by PRIS. It was a pleasure to see demonstrated through sport actions of commitment, honesty, integrity, self-discipline, friendship among many other valuable virtues.

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True Sport
A growing body of research literature finds that in addition to improved physical health, sport plays a primarily positive role in youth development, including improved academic achievement, higher self-esteem, fewer behavioral problems, and better psychosocial.29,30 Many studies focus on the effects of sport on the five “C’s”—competence, confidence, connections, character, and caring—which are considered critical components of positive youth development.31,32 It has long been thought that the many facets of playing sport—the discipline of training, learning teamwork, following the leadership of coaches and captains, learning to lose—provide lifelong skills for athletes.
Sports do not build character. They reveal it. John Wooden, Legendary UCLA Basketball Coach
The literature on youth sport stresses the positive effects of participation in learning the important life skills of goal setting and time management combined with enjoyment; the development of a strong sense of morality; and the development of an appreciation of diversity.33 Longitudinal studies have shown that children and youth participating in sport, when compared to peers who do not play sport, exhibit:

• higher grades, expectations, and attainment;34

• greater personal confidence and self-esteem;

• greater connections with school— that is, greater attachment and support from adults;

• stronger peer relationships;

• more academically oriented friends;

• greater family attachment and more frequent interactions with parents;

• more restraint in avoiding risky behavior; and

• greater involvement in volunteer work (see Linver et al.35 for a summary).

These outcomes are thought to be related to the contribution of sport to learning values and skills associated with initiative, social cohesion, self-control, persistence, and responsibility.36 Theories of positive youth development stress the importance of sport in acquiring skills that are beneficial in other domains (e.g., school, family, work) that lead to better adaptive skills.37

Body, Mind, Go! More research to support movement!

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Body, Mind, Go!

Keep it Moving- Brain and Body Connection!

Students at PRIS are running their own experiments. Students in middle school are collecting data on daily activity levels, nightly sleep, and emotions. Continue to check-in to see if practicing healthy habits has a positive influence on academic skills.

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Naperville School District in Illinois, who experimented with a mandatory mile run at the very start of the school day, is a prime example. Kids in the Naperville School District not only outperformed neighboring districts, but whole countries. The eighth grade Naperville students that took the an international science test finished ahead of Singapore! As a comparison, U.S. students typically rank 18th in the world. They credit much of their academic results to a fitness-based physical education program. Yet only 6 percent of U.S. schools have physical education classes 5 times a week. In addition, 20 percent of U.S. elementary schools abolished recess in favor of increased classroom time to improve student achievement. Students who exercise, studies have shown, have better concentration and are better team players both in and out of the classroom.

Wellness Memoirs - How will your current health habits affect your future self?

Keeping it in Balance...Middle School students are heading toward healthy lifestyles. Data driven information collected from Fitbits, NTC and other helpful apps will be used to predict their quality of health in 5 years. Stay tuned!

Teamwork and Geese!

Students in PAWS Class are learning about the "V" Formation... While teaching in Minnesota I first read “Lessons from Geese” that was largely based on the work of Milton Olson. I was the head gymnastics coach of a prominent high school and I was always looking for new activities to build teamwork.  It is truly marvelous when groups of people are in sync. People feel more supported, people take healthier risks, and people in general are more successful and happier. In the event that a challenge arises, the group offers support, needed problem solving skills and resources to reach the intended goal. There is no doubt embracing a “V” formation within our own family as well as the PRIS community might be the best strategy for having a superb school year. 

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VIA Institute on Character
Teamwork
More on Teamwork

Fitness, Friends and Fun!

Quantified Fitness Stars

Students in PE class are putting their muscles and mind to work! Fitbits are in action and minds are working. Students collect data before and after a fitness related activity. Data will be used to determine if movement related activities incorporated throughout their day help them to reach their full potential.

Growth Mindset

What kids can do is largely dependent on what they think they can do. Students in PAWS (Positive Attitude and Wellness in School) classes are opening their minds to visualization, self-talk, goal setting and much more, to begin school with a brain map for learning!

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More on Mindset in Schools
Mindset Works


About Mindset

The concept of “mindset” has gained increasing attention since Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck introduced it in her 2007 book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.

Those with a “fixed” mindset believe that people’s intelligence and abilities are static and outside their control—the widely accepted theory of cognitive development through the 1960s. In contrast, those with a “growth mindset” know that intelligence is dynamic. As neuroscience has now decisively shown, the brain does change based on one’s experiences and efforts.

Regardless of the research, all of us develop beliefs about our own intelligence, beginning in childhood. Some children worry that they don’t have enough. Others grow up thinking that they can do anything if they just work hard at it.


These beliefs make a big difference in how children do in school, research shows. Even students who consider themselves “gifted” often avoid challenge, for fear they might lose status if they fail. But when we teach youth that intelligence is malleable, they more readily take on challenges, persist through difficulties, and experience intellectual growth. (Blackwell, Trzesniewski, & Dweck, 2007)

Healthy Minds and Bodies Under Construction!

Physical education and physical activity in schools have been linked to positive academic achievement and many other benefits. "Study after study has affirmed the importance of play in children’s physical and mental health. It helps boost language development, problem solving, risk management and independent learning skills. Play is linked to improvements in academic skills, classroom behavior, healthy emotional attitudes and better adjustment to school life". Debbie Rhea

PE students balancing fitness and play!

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Kids need to play at school

Note: Comments are moderated and for privacy reasons, cannot include students' names. Please direct specific inquiries via email.

Making the grade with a mind-body connection!

Daily physical activity is vital for building healthy bodies and better brain power. PRIS students are on their way to a healthy and happy school year. PE and PAWS classes are in full swing. Students are practicing mindfulness, yoga, motor skills and fitness. 

Be Active Your Way

TRYathlon!

"Individuals who are physically literate move with competence and confidence in a wide variety of physical activities." -Physical Health and Education Canada

Transfer of learning is a great way for teachers to determine true understanding of concepts, knowledge and skill. When students are asked to use skills and knowledge in different and unique situations, teachers refer to this as “Transfer of Learning”. Students in grade K-8 will be asked to demonstrate learning in fitness, leadership, sportsmanship, communication and critical thinking when they participate in this year's Wellness TRYathlon.

Want to know more?...Check it out!

• Physical Literacy

Note: Comments are moderated and for privacy reasons, cannot include students' names. Please direct specific inquiries via email.

Mastering the Force-The Jedi Way!

PE students embark on a journey to “Master the Force”.  As young Jedi Apprentice – Padawan you will have much to practice to become a Jedi Knight.

How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character. Students in PE class are exploring their inner strength through movement. Some people are natural jugglers and jumpers and will find they can juggle/jump within a couple of hours of practice. Others might need a little more time (between 2 days to 2 months), but practice and persistence is the key to becoming a good juggler/jumper. Once you learn the skills you will never forget it.

Resources:

Grade K-8 Dance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VevE4v065sA

Juggling

http://juggling-for-beginners.com/

http://learnhowtojuggle.info/

http://www.juggle.org/howto/howtobasics.php

Jump Roping

http://learntojumprope.com/

http://www.mrsicklerphysicaleducation.com/6thGrade/Jump_Rope.html

Note: Comments are moderated and for privacy reasons, cannot include students' names. Please direct specific inquiries via email.

Gym"Fan"tastics!

Gymnastics is here! Tumble, turn, balance and more. Moving toward wellness in style. Did you know that gymnastics skills can bridge the relationship between your brain and body? 

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• Benefits of Gymnastics
• More reasons to practice gymnastics.

Note: Comments are moderated and for privacy reasons, cannot include students' names. Please direct specific inquiries via email.

Friendship Games

Being a Good Sport and Being in a Sport...it is all connected! Friendship Games is a day of fitness, friends and fun. Friendship Games is an opportunity to demonstrate physical fitness and increase self-confidence. Many studies focus on the effects of sport on the five “C’s”—competence, confidence, connections, character, and caring—which are considered critical components of positive youth development.

"Sports do not build character. They reveal it". - John Wooden, Legendary UCLA Basketball Coach

Want to know more? Check it out...

• True Sport
• Health Topics
• Sport and Children

Note: Comments are moderated and for privacy reasons, cannot include students' names. Please direct specific inquiries via email.

Healthy Friendships - On our way to wellness!

Take some friendships with you on your way to wellness. How does having healthy friendships help you reach your full potential?

Friendships

We are practicing friendship skills! Solving problems peacefully, learning to compromise, practicing "I" messages and much more. 

Note: Comments are moderated and for privacy reasons, cannot include students' names. Please direct specific inquiries via email.

From Gym to Swim - Swimming a lifelong skill!

What Are the Benefits of Swimming?

Swimming offers many benefits to students of all ages. According to KidsHealth.org, drowning is the second leading cause of death for people between the ages of 5 and 24. By learning to swim, your will not only become a stronger swimmer, but also gain valuable experience in the water. This experience greatly reduces the risk of an emergency. swimming is an excellent cardiovascular workout that promotes heart and lung health, improves strength and flexibility, increases stamina and even improves balance and posture.

Swimming can improve mental and emotional health. The natural buoyancy of the water is more relaxing than other types of exercise, In addition, research has determined that people tend to exercise for longer periods of time while swimming. Swimming can also improve overall mood, and help combat depression.

Want to know more?  Check this out…

• The health benefits of swimming.
• A great resource!

Note: Comments are moderated and for privacy reasons, cannot include students' names. Please direct specific inquiries via email.

Middle School Students - Collaboration and Team Building

Middle School students are working together to solve the mystery of WWW...Not the world-wide web but the wellness wacky web.

Note: Comments are moderated and for privacy reasons, cannot include students' names. Please direct specific inquiries via email.

Perceptual Motor Skills- Encouraging our bodies and mind!

When students move their bodies and practice decision making the brain gets fired up for learning. Elementary students are developing skills and fitness. They are building the skills to develop a foundation for lifelong wellness!

Note: Comments are moderated and for privacy reasons, cannot include students' names. Please direct specific inquiries via email.

Educate, Empower, Engage! PRIS Active Lifestyles!

"Individuals who are physically literate move with competence and confidence in a wide variety of physical activities in multiple environments that benefit the healthy development of the whole person." - http://www.phecanada.ca/programs/physical-literacy

PRIS recognizes the positive benefits of physical activity for student health and academic achievement. Believing that Physical Education is a crucial and integral part of a child’s education, we want to ensure that students engage in healthful levels of vigorous physical activity to promote and develop the student’s physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being.

This year check out resources and evidence packed with data and other valuable information we are using in PE/Health class to  “move” your child/ren closer to wellness.

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• Physical fitness means brain health.
• Healthy children
• Fall in love with fitness.

Gratitudes

Our discussion on gratitude began with this video. Students are reflecting on their 30 Day Gratitude Challenge...What happens when we really appreciate what we have? How does being grateful impact others? How does practicing gratitudes help us reach our full potential?

Find more great videos here!

This month students are focused on practicing gratitudes. All students and staff embraced the Gratitude Challenge! 

“If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul.”

 ~ Harold Kushner

We all have opportunities to be thankful!

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• Why does gratitude matter?