Cumulative Progress Indicator: 6 - The student will demonstrate
safe and appropriate techniques while engaging in fitness activities.
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FLEX AND STRETCH -
For this activity, you need one piece of taffy or a Tootsie Roll for each
student. Place the candy in the refrigerator for a few hours and don’t take
it out until just before class. Give each student a cold piece of taffy.
Tell them to try and stretch the candy. (It will be difficult because it is
cold.) Instruct the students to hold the taffy tightly in their hand and
move about the play area. After about five minutes of activity, students
stretch the taffy (it should be easier this time because the taffy is now
warm). Relate this to the need to warm up muscles prior to exercise.
·
COUNT TO 10 AND STRETCH - Create illustrations
of various stretching exercises, laminate the pictures, and hang them around
the gym. Each student needs a small mat or carpet square to create
self-space. Demonstrate a simple stretch, then have students imitate your
actions. As you demonstrate each stretch, explain the importance of
performing each stretch slowly. (Have the students count to 10 to establish
a rhythm.) Students move to a stretch station (one of the posters on the
wall) and try to copy the stretch illustrated on the poster. Circulate to
ensure students are performing the movements correctly and counting to 10.
Reconvene the class, outline the important points on the board, and lead the
class in one final stretch.
Variation: As you show each illustration, the entire class stretches
together. Repeat this activity on a regular basis to emphasize appropriate
stretching techniques.
Variation: Students list the times and places when stretching might be
performed (e.g., when they get out of bed in the morning, after sitting at
their desk for a long time) and demonstrate those kinds of stretches.
