In 4th grade, students combine what they learn in Physical Education classes with other subjects: learning in a fun way, increasing motivation while we move, and reinforcing teamwork.
Sessions always begin with stretching to prevent injuries and properly prepare the body. Then they play warm-up games that, in addition to getting the body moving, help manage frustration. In other words, they learn to take winning and losing in stride.
Afterwards, they play two or three games in which they put into practice the content they are working on in other subjects. Taking the last session as an example, they played “Pañuelito” (Handkerchief): the members of both teams stand at opposite ends of the field and distribute the numbers. Then, those with the number called out by the teacher from the center of the field (one from each group) must run to the middle and try to catch the handkerchief; the person who catches the handkerchief must return to their group without being caught, while the other must catch the person who caught it. This game works on speed, reaction, and strategy. However, in 4th grade, an additional value is added to the game: the students have to guess which number will be called using math. Although the teacher initially calls out the number directly, she then usually calls them out using addition and subtraction, and finally using multiplication. In other words, the results of these operations must be used to find the handkerchief. This gives a new practical application to what has been learned in the classroom during physical education sessions.
At the end of the session, they usually have a moment of relaxation. In this session, the students stood in a circle, closed their eyes, and tried to measure “one minute” internally. When they thought it had passed, they stood up. When everyone stood up, the teacher pointed out which student had stood up closest to one minute, and the session ended with applause.
The goal is clear: to move, learn, help each other, and learn to manage emotions appropriately. We are on the right track!
