Welcome to Gym Class at St. Bernadette...where we want to keep kids moving while having fun exercising and learning new motor skills. 

Gym classes will be held in the Lourdes Center gym and/or outside in the lower parking lot, dependent upon weather. 

Gym class schedule:

Kindergarten: two separate 30 minute classes per week

1st grade: one separate 30 minute class and one combined 40 minute class

Grades 2nd thru 8th: one separate 40 minute class per week.

Each class will begin with a 7-10 minute warm-up session, which will increase core body temperature so that muscles are prepared to be used.  We will then move to an age-related skill building activity and/or the main activity for the class.  The purpose is to provide cardiovascular exercise while improving muscle strength, overall coordination, balance and flexibility. 

Each month will focus on a different sport/theme.  During this time, students will be taught specific skills related to this sport/theme.  Following practice of these skills, a group activity will occur for the remainder of the period.  Deviation from this monthly schedule may occur in order to accomodate special activities.

Students in grades 5-8 will be assigned leadership projects.  On their scheduled date, each student will be responsible for coordinating and conducting the warm-up session for their classmates.  An example lesson plan would be 4 laps of running around the gym, 15 jumping jacks, 15 push-ups, 15 mountain climbers.

Students in 7th and 8th grade will also be assigned a skill building activity.  On their scheduled date, each student will be responsible for coordinating and conducting a skill activity based on the sport/theme for the month.  They will be responsible for demonstrating this skill and assisting their classmates with comprehension.  An example lesson plan would be soccer throw-ins, and include demonstration of hand placement, correct/incorrect technique.  An explanation of the sport rules can also be incorporated. 

Grading for all ages will be based on three components: Participation, Sportsmanship and Skill Building/Improvement.  Each week, students will be given a numerical grade on a scale of 0-10 for their warm-up and main activity sections.  All students are expected to participate in all activities regardless of skill level, including the warm-up and main activity.  Lack of attention, disrespect to the instructor or failure to obey instruction will result in a lowering of the grade.  Sportsmanship should occur regardless of the activity.  Derogatory remarks to an opposing team or the instructor will result in a lowering of the grade.  Skill building and improvement should occur each week for every student who actively participates in class, as skills will be continually practiced each week.  Failure to show improvement will result in a lowering of the grade. 

As noted earlier, ALL students are expected to actively participate in class.  Students will only be excused from class with a physician note or parent note explaining why the student cannot participate.  Students with extended illnesses or physical limitations must have a physician's note to return to activity with the class.  Students who forget to dress in school gym clothes will still participate in class, based on discretion of the instructor.

All students are expected to wear the designated St. Bernadette School gym attire.  Shorts are encouraged during hot weather.  All students should have appropriate footwear.  Please encourage your child/ren to learn how to tie their own shoelaces.  Jewelry should not be worn on gym days. 

Sweatshirts are needed during cold weather months (Oct-April) and on days where rain is expected, as we walk outside from the school to the Lourdes Center.   Students without a sweatshirt are not permitted to participate in gym, and will remain in the school office during class time.

It is important to remember that exercise is an important developmental tool for childhood.  It stimulates their brains and their bodies.  Exercise should be FUN and not boring.  Kids learn how to exercise by watching...so it is vital that parents set a good example.  Take some time out from your busy schedule and PLAY WITH YOUR KIDS...as simple as hide and seek to a game of kickball or throwing a football or sled riding or kayaking.

Attached to Physical Education