P.E. Reinvented

I loved P.E. (for the most part) in elementary school. When we have more kids we'll buy a few things like a parachute and some scooters so that we can play some of the same games we loved so much as kids. For now, though, we have to invent our own games or find ideas in books that will work for just two young kids. Here are some of the things we've done so far:

1. Olympics Day: When we were studying Ancient Greece we used chalk to mark off the beginning and ends of the race areas. We raced together and then separately using timers. We also had a long jump, running long jump, and discus throw (with frisbees).

2. Ball Experiment Day: We brought all the different sports balls we could find in the house outside. We had a basketball, football, soccer ball, tennis ball, big bouncy ball, baseball, etc. With each one we tried kicking it, hitting it with a bat, throwing it, rolling it, and dribbling it. Then we discussed why each one was designed the way it is for a specific game.

3. Races for balance, agility, and speed: We time the kids to see how fast they can cross the monkey bars (Danya keeps track of her current record), run around the perimeter of an area, etc. We also race at infrequent intervals to the next bench, stop sign, etc when we are on family walks.

4. We also have days where we play tennis, kickball, baseball, or other regular games.

5. Chalk Games: Hopscotch of course, and then we also create "treasure hunts" where we mark arrows in chalk as we walk on a crazy route outside. Then the other child has to follow the marks to the treasure. Sometimes we write their schoolwork like math problems (or shapes, color, numbers, letters when they were little) in chalk on the driveway and have them race to see who can step on the answer the fastest.

If I think of any more I'll let you know! Right now it's time to go eat lunch. Grilled cheese and tomato soup, yum! The smell is filling the whole house!