Final Teaching PresentationFlorencia Gascón-Amyx

Teaching Running in Middle School

10 good reasons for kids to run1. Strengthens your heart2. Improves your health3. Makes you look and feel great4. Helps you keep a healthy body weight5. Reduces stress and helps you relax6. Makes you mentally stronger7. Gives you more energy8. You can do it with your family and friends9. It will leave you feeling good10. It’s just fun!

The Basic Rules of RunningStart easy when you begin a running program. Start with 10-15 minutes then work up gradually to 30 minutesWarm-up first to get your muscles ready to runDrink plenty of water all dayWear appropriate clothes according to the weather Wear comfy running shoes that fit youRun with family or friends whenever possibleVary your distances and kinds of workoutsHave fun!Remember, it’s very easy to get started running. JUST RUN. That’s all there is to it!

How much to run in Middle School

What to eat & drink…As a runner, your body will need more calories, so make sure to drink water or energy drinks, and eat a little bit more carbohydrates and proteins than when you are not exercising.

Everyday make sure to include colorful foods that help you eat the 5 to 9 servings that your body needs for good health

If you do long runs, you might need to eat while you run. The following are good “on the run” snacks:*energy bars & gels *bananas *crackers *nuts*dried fruits *raisins, *PBJ sandwiches etc.

Focuses of the Running FormHead Tilt

Shoulders

Arms

Torso

Leg Stride

Feet

Head Tilt … Look ahead naturally towards the horizon Don’t look at your feet!

Shoulders … Should be Low, Loose & Relaxed NOT High & Tight Try to get your shoulders as far away of your ears as possible

Arms … Swing forward NOT across your body Keep arms close to your torso Keep elbow bent at 90˚

Torso … Torso & back should be comfortably upright Do NOT hunch over or lean too far forward

Leg Stride … Sprinters: Lift knee for maximum leg power Distance Runners: Slight knee lift, quick turnover & short stride

Feet … Push-off the ground with maximum force Run light landing with the mid-foot or balls of your feet NOT your heels Be “springy & quiet” and relax your ankles to land softly

You can be a Hero by runningOne of the most respected runners of our times, George Sheehan said, “Running teaches everyone to be a HERO. A Hero is one who lives by their own decisions and their own choices. When I train my body by running I also train my heart and mind as well. The effort and energy I use in training is matched by the effort I use in every other area of my life. When I run and train what follows is self-esteem. I feel good about myself. I become a Hero and we were all meant to be heroes. Having money, ability, talent, and possessions count for very little. It’s the EFFORT and HARD WORK and TRAINING that makes me great.”

Be a HERO - RUN!

“Authentic Learning” Teaching StrategyRunning is something we all do, but the kids do it much more than the adults, and many of them are quite good at it! Doing this unit on running will be perfect to utilize the Authentic Learning strategy. They will have the opportunity to discuss and contribute to the lesson based on their own experiences as runners.………..

The lessons will be taught on the soccer field and in Piper park, rather than the classroom. This means that every time a “running focus” is introduced, each kid will have the chance to practice it right away.………..

IF and when a student has difficulty running, she and I will have the opportunity to discuss the problems doing “show and tell” rather than me giving lengthy theoretical explanations. ………..

Each student will be able to explore and learn the “Do’s & Don'ts” of an efficient running form by practicing and experiencing what “feels right and what doesn’t”.………..

In Authentic Learning, the teacher attempts to make the learning situation meaningful to the life of the student and connected to real life events. In this case, students will participate in a school organized race. For the event, they will be asked to keep track of the food they eat before, during and after the race. We will share with each-other what food worked and didn’t work, and why.

BEYOND: Students will be strongly encouraged to participate on a local race of their choice and share with the class their racing experience.

From my Teaching Philosophy …Even though my teaching philosophy focuses on my Spanish teaching, the principles and beliefs are the same and can be easily applied to Physical Education. ………..

It is my philosophy to teach only what is meaningful and useful to my students. In running, I will only focus on what I believe will help my students to improve their running form and increase their efficiency and speed.………..

Because I am a believer in “Active Learning”, my students will “play the leading role” in each lesson. ………..

Some of the strategies I will use to promote learning are: * Have a good opening question for each lesson * Brainstorm about running and nutrition * Use Reflective Questioning *Practice by organizing fun running games etc.………..

I’m convinced that a Dynamic and Energetic teaching style is more effective than a passive and monotone teacher lecture. For this reason I’m planning on running with the students and also do some of the drills to demonstrate the running focuses.

I’m anticipating to use a lot of positive reinforcement for this unit to build confidence and convince every kid everyone can improve his/her running form and speed. ……..

Running is the foundation of all sports and one of the most beautiful and simplest forms of human movement. I will try my best to share and instill my passion for running in all my kids!