Story and photo submitted by
ERIN MOORE
P. E. Teacher, Smith Elementary

Smith Elementary fourth, fifth, and sixth graders are competing in a Race Across the State between classes! Students in grades 4-6 wear pedometers every day they come to P.E. A pedometer is an electronic and portable device that counts each step a person takes. We clip a pedometer onto our waist line at the beginning of class and record our steps at the end.  It is a great tool for the encouragement of individual success and a healthy lifestyle. They can also earn High Stepper of the Day and/or be in a Mile Club based on their accumulated steps!

Fourth and fifth graders are participating in the P.E. Central Challenge. This is a program designed to encourage students to practice and improve their motor skills and be recognized for their accomplishments. It challenges students to become more skillful while being physically active. There are six tasks that make up the challenge that include Jump Ropes, Hula Hoops, Throw and Catch,  Paddle Strike, Volley Up, and the Balance Shuffle.  The challenge lasts from October until March. Gold, silver, bronze, and participation certificates will be awarded. Students are able to practice during specific P.E. classes and every Thursday after school.

Smith Elementary second and third graders have started sharing Family Fit Kits.  A Family Fit Kit is a backpack that is sent home with a student for one week to encourage physical activity with their family. The backpacks contain various types of P.E. equipment, books related to P.E., and a journal for the student to write about how they used the Family Fit Kit.  The backpacks go home with students on Mondays and are expected to be returned the next Monday. Students are selected at random as we take turns each week.