Brrrrrrrr......

Well it is appears that the weather is getting a little bit cooler outside...  Unfortunately, it gets dark earlier and we find ourselves confined inside the house much more often.  Sure, we have our cold weather activities like sledding, building snow men, skiing/snowboarding, ice skating and even snow shoeing, but what do we do between now and when it really gets cold outside???

Whip/Nae Nae!!!

If you are not familiar with the Whip/Nae Nae, it is a song that became popular this past summer and has become an even more popular dance.  The following link is not our school and it is not me dancing, although I am working on my dance moves, but is a great example of what we can do inside with our friends or family to get some exercise.  This video was put together by Jared Paschall, teacher and coach at Harvest Elementary School in Harvest, Alabama.

Take a look and get movin'!!!!

Whip/Nae Nae Video

Coaching

Last week, I attended the girls basketball coaching clinic at the University of St. Thomas.  As usual I heard some excellent coaches talk about skills and drills I could use in the upcoming season, but I also had the chance to listen to a speaker about coaching--3Dimensional Coaching.  It was a condensed version of the otherwise three hour long session, but it was very impactful.  I learned 3Dimnesional coaches are:

• Fundamentally sound
• Skilled at coaching the mind
• Focused on developing the heart

These three things are not necessarily new ideas, but they are key concepts that we sometimes lose focus of.  A "coach" by its earliest definition is a horse drawn carriage--designed to take valuable people from where they are to where they want to be.  Over the last few days this idea has really taken ahold of me and I have come to the realization that we as teachers, parents, friends, adults, and/or leaders are "coaches".  Again, this is not some earth shaking revelation, but merely a mindset that often gets lost in the grind of everyday life.  Finally, the most powerful part of the session was one that requires some self reflection and is a great question for all of us to ask ourselves.

What does it feel like to be coached by me?

Powerful stuff... I am still trying to answer and would encourage you to do too.


If are interested in reading more about 3dimensional coaching here is a link to the website.

http://3dimensionalcoaching.com/

Fall!

 Mile run week was a success for all students two weeks ago.  It was a challenge, but it is remarkable to see the effort on the faces of all the kids.  In addition to their effort, it was equally awesome to watch and listen to the support they offered each other throughout the mile run--Great work!!  Through the month of October we will be continuing our fitness tests including:

• Mile/half mile run--test cardio-respiratory endurance
• Sit-ups--Muscular Endurance
• Pull-ups--Muscular Strength
• Shuttle Run--Agility
• V-sit--Flexibility

As time marches on and the weather allows we will also finish our throwing and catching unit.  Next, we will turn our eyes to volleyball in the beginning of November.  

Stay Active!!

Half Mile Run and the Mile Run

The week of September 28th we will be out on the track for the first of five physical fitness tests--the half mile and mile run.  Students in Kindergarten, First, and Second grade will practice and complete the half mile (2 laps around the track) and students in grade three, four, five, and six will practice and complete the mile run (4 laps around the track).  This week is always preceded with anticipation and anxiety, but it is important to remember my goal for the kids is to see them do their best and embrace the challenge.  Here are a few tips...

1.  Eat a healthy breakfast.  Fruit, cereal, toast and peanut butter are all good options, but maybe do not eat all of these things on the morning of the mile run:).

2.  Wear loose fitting clothing for maximum comfort while exercising.  Do not forget your gym shoes.

3.  Bring a positive attitude.  There is an old saying that goes something like this, "Whether you think you can or you can't, you are probably right."  Positive self talk makes a big difference--I think I can, I think can.

4.  Know that Mr. Ronnenberg is in your corner.  Running is great exercise, but it is not always easy.  I will be there to help and encourage you!

Sure this is a test of cardio-respiratory endurance and aerobic capacity, but the bottom line is, it is a gateway to a healthier heart and lifestyle! 

Have a great week!

Back to school!

Finally!  The school year has arrived and I am sure you are as excited as I am to get back into the swing of things.  Take a couple minutes and checkout the video I posted, by clicking on the link below.  See you Tuesday!!

Summer!!

The moment so many have been waiting for has finally arrived--Summer!!!  Summer is extremely busy for many families...  But just because we are busy doesn't mean we can't be healthy.  Sometimes when we have extra time on our hands we get "bored".  During the last week of school I introduced the students at MLE to a little challenge to help combat that "bored" state of mind.  This challenge is one I read about in a book, Take it to the Next Level: Finding the keys to a higher level of performance by Rick Rassier.  The challenge is called the Five Minute Challenge and here is a little bit about it.

Five Minute Challenge
Take five minutes out of each and every single day to practice one skill or activity.  The skill can be anything from using a yo-yo to shooting baskets to doing a cartwheel.  The idea is if we focus for five minutes on practicing one particular skill, you can better at it!!  I know it is not rocket science, but I find when I completely focus on something for five minutes, without any distractions, I can accomplish so much and will eventually have a sense of accomplishment.  It takes commitment, perseverance, self-discipline and motivation to take on this challenge, which means we will improve in more ways than just one.  

My Five Minute Challenge for the summer is to improve my flexibility.  What's yours?

Community Education 
Annandale/Maple Lake community education offers several different opportunities for students and adults to become more active.  I encourage you to check out the catalog or look online to see what is available.  Basketball, volleyball, football, horseback riding, swimming lessons, and more!!!  

Here is a link to the online catalog https://www.annml.com/insight/registry/catalog.asp

Other good reading material

The following articles offer more ways to be active this summer.  The first is offered by SPARK, a company in California who offers curricula for P.E programs.

http://www.sparkpe.org/blog/5-tips-for-a-healthy-well-rounded-summer-vacation/  

The second is an email from the JAM (just a minute) School Program, an online resource for keeping people active in just  a couple minutes each and everyday.

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?ca=9d90d363-8a94-4cc3-95ee-b2b745cd99da&c=c72288f0-92fc-11e3-a51e-d4ae528eaf6c&ch=c8481d30-92fc-11e3-a534-d4ae528eaf6c  

Finally, I hope your summer is filled with activity, family time, and great memories.  I look forward to seeing everyone next fall!!

Track and Field Day!!

Track and Field day is almost upon us.  This is a much anticipated day for a number of different reasons.  This year we introduce our Kindergarten to track and field day by having them participate on an abbreviated level.  The Kindergarten group will kick off the track events by running of the 50 meter dash at approximately 8:30 a.m.  From there, we will see our primary grades participate in the 100, 200, and 400 meter dash.  The intermediate grades will begin the day at the field events.  Prior to lunch the primary grades will culminate their track events by running of the 4 x 100 meter relay.

After lunch the groups will simply switch, the intermediate grades will be on the track and the primary grades at the field events.  More precise schedules will be posted on the concession stand.

Here are a few other reminders about the day...

1.  Water bottles are acceptable and should have a name on them.
2.  Wear your sunscreen!
3.   Be sure to wear your class color.
4.   I have made an effort to talk about the competitive side of track and field day.  I enjoy the competitive nature of the day as long as we keep things in perspective and recognize a few things.
        a.  The competition helps us put forth our best effort.
        b.  We compete with other not against them.
        c.  The results of track and field day do not define any of our students. 

It is shaping up to a gorgeous day, see you on Friday!!!

Mile Run!!

Over the course of the next week we will be preparing for and completing the mile run in P.E class.  Students in grades K-2 will run the Half mile, but students in grades 3-6 will run the full Mile.  The mile run is not designed to be torture.  Instead, it is meant to be a challenge for students of all ability levels.   This is a personal challenge and not a competition with others students in the class or grade level.  When it comes to Mile Run day here are a couple of helpful hints...

1.  Wear clothing suitable for jogging.  i.e. shorts, sweats, windpants, t-shirts long or short sleeve.

2.  Eat breakfast!  Be careful not to eat too much for breakfast, but a bowl of cereal and juice or a couple pieces of toasts and juice are just a couple of ideas.

3.  Bring a positive attitude and do your best!  Know, that time is how we measure the mile run, but ultimately it is about finishing the mile while giving your best effort.

Dazzling Dave

On March 25th and 26th we were entertained and educated by Dazzling Dave, one of just 16 National Yo-Yo Masters.  Dave provided us with an entertaining "freestyle" yo-yo session, a brief lesson on the science of spin, and even instruction on how to use a yo-yo in Physical Education class.  All students in grades 2-6 were introduced to basic skills like the "dribble" and the "throwdown".  Some students were challenged on a higher level with skills like the "sleeper", "hop the fence", "walk the dog", "creeper", and "elevator".  Needless to say it was an exciting couple days around here!!

Students were sent home with a half sheet of paper with information about Dazzling Dave and how to purchase a yo-yo if interested.  Check out Dave's website at http://www.dazzlingdave.com/ for more information.

Reminder....  Students who are interested in bringing a yo-yo to school, remember, the yo-yo safe zone is outside on the U.S map and can be used at recess.  Please do not use the yo-yo inside the school building.


Here are a few pictures from the time Dazzling Dave was here.

Jump for Heart Success

Jump for Heart in Maple Lake was a massive success!!!  This year we had 72 participants who collected donations for the American Heart Association.  Those 72 participants collected a Maple Lake record, $5,068!!!   I would like to say thank you to all those who donated and raised awareness about heart health.

Here is a link, how donations are used, to read more about how the donations are spent.

Jump for Heart

February is American Heart Month.  It is also the time of year when Maple Lake Elementary students focus on jumping rope to stay healthy.  Needless to say, Jump for Heart is kicking off this week and students at MLE will begin learning and discussing the heart, heart disease, and how we can lead a healthy lifestyle.  Jump for Heart is a community service learning program offered by the American Heart Association  that teaches kids the importance of developing heart-healthy habits, being physically active can be fun, and raising funds to support cardiovascular research and education can help save lives all across the world.

The following link, Kids we've helped , is an example of the how the money collected through the Jump for Heart program can help save lives.  Please look in your son or daughter's Wednesday Envelope on February 11th to find more information about the Jump for Heart program.  Any and all donations collected for the Jump for Heart program should be returned to school by February 25th.

Contact Mr. Ronnenberg with any questions or concerns.