Expectations and Assessments

As I've learned today, PE is a very important subject in school for various reasons. For example, before today, I didn't realize that someone aged 5-17 needed 60 minutes of physical activity everyday. It was even more surprising when I learned that only 8% of the population actually follows this guideline. Furthermore, I've learned today that the our PE class is fantastic because it gives us more than our recommended time for the day! Additionally, as we learned in Ms. Roy's health class, excising reduces the risk of disease which I believe is very important to live a happier life. Moreover, both the essential questions and Enduring Understanding teaches us that learning new skills and new techniques can benefit us in the future, so we can continue to get our "60 minutes". I also believe that throughout our PE class, people will find new hobbies and interests that can teach them to be more physically confident. Overall, the PE curriculum can show us how to be healthier and happier in future. By looking at our pictures from the chalk talk and comparing it to the guidelines, I can see a lot of similarities such as being respectful, coming on time, working together, etc. I believe that these comparisons show that students understand how we behave in class, and why we do so; to help better our habits in the future. I overall think that this is a very powerful display to look at how our class feels we should behave, and then compare it to how the school wants us to behave, and see that the results are the same. I have no doubt in my mind that our class will be great this year! I chose this image because I personally believe that even playing dodgeball before class, can help strengthen your body and make you healthier. I chose this second image, because as you can see these are two elderly people working out. Even as you grow older, you should always work out every day because it can improve your life and reduce the risk of getting many diseases. //// Citations - "TU Gym Class Games Challenge." Times Union. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Aug. 2014. . "Senior Fitness Programs." I Get You Fit RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Aug. 2014. .

Service Learning Reflection

This quarter, in Service Learning, the Caritas kids came to Graded, and we played with them. I remember it like it was yesterday. The buses arrived and all of the 8th graders were nervous. I was especially nervous since I didn't really know portuguese, and I was afraid none of the kids would talk to me. When they finally departed the bus, they were all smiling and laughing with each other, and I noticed that they were all about the same age. They were all holding hands and clinging to each other, shy towards us as well. The next thing though, happened so suddenly.  A girl came up to me and hugged me and told me that I was now her “Tia.” I was so glad and happy that they liked me. Now,  I am so glad that I signed up to this class because I realized that the best thing is when you give someone a favor that you know they can never repay you back with.

    As I said I liked the experience a lot in multiple ways. First, I really liked how we got to meet new people, that have really affected my life. They have taught me to be grateful for what I have in life, because other people may not have it. Everyone has problems, some larger than others. As I said, I was glad that we met that kids since they really taught me to be polite, and to never waste. Since I have met them, I have never thrown away food in the cafeteria, because I know how happy they were when they saw the junk food. I should be so happy that I have all the things that I have. I cannot always take things for granted. Another thing that I really enjoyed was playing with the kids. For example in the first few weeks I would play Run Rabbit Run with the kids and they would love it. They would always run as fast as they can, and of course I wouldn't try, but the relationship that was build throughout the experience was the best ever.

    So in conclusion, I think we should continue to do this experience. I really enjoyed this experience and it has taught me many things. I really hope people in the future can do this as well, since it really has affected my life. I have thought about things I have not thought of before. It was very fun seeing the kids look up to you in a way which makes you feel proud. It’s also very fun how they just come up to you, and they already know your name. It really made me feel special, and really proud to be in a school which offers this elective. I hope I can do this again!