Exercise Does the Body Good
Title of Project: Exercise Does the Body Good
Schools and Teachers
William T. Rogers Middle School Teacher: Annita Buffa
ENL Proficiency Level | ENL Program | Standards | Technology
Emerging | Stand-Alone | 8SL1a, 8SL3, 8W1a, 8W1c, 8W6 | Newsela, Newsomatic, BrainPOP, Readworks
Assessments
Formative assessment throughout lesson including:
Questions embedded in the Google Slides, as well interactive activities
Flocabulary activities
Venn Diagram
Activities included in Newsomatic, Readworks, Newsela articles
Graphic Organizer for letter writing
Persuasive Letter to administrators
Description
We have noticed a general lack of enthusiasm when it comes to gym class and/or recess at the middle school. In order to respond to this, we have designed this lesson to inform and stress the importance of exercise in our daily lives. Ultimately we would like the students to come up with ideas for improving upon the way in which our school handles recess. Perhaps they can come up with an idea for an activity or set of activities to sign up to do during recess time and pitch it to our building administrators. This lesson will take place over the course of about 2 days.
Content
I can identify and understand the benefits of exercise to my mind, body and soul.
Language
I can write a letter discussing the importance of exercise and persuading my school to improve upon their recess program.
Technology
I can use the internet for research on the importance of exercise in my daily life.
Student work
Procedure
Students determine what images are active and inactive.
Students discuss indoor and outdoor activities describing each.
Students will talk about how exercise makes them feel. How does exercise make you feel?
Students will watch a video introducing words associated with physical activity, leading them in a movement activity, and ultimately playing a game. After the physical activity, students how they feel.
Elicit responses for how exercise is good for your mind, body, and soul.
Students will show how exercise is different in America vs their native country through the use of a Venn Diagram.
Students research using News-o-matic, NEWSELA and Readworks articles on the subject of exercise in kids.
Students come up with ideas to change the way we exert physical activity in school after watching a Brainpop video.
Through the use of a graphic organizer, students will write a letter to their school administrator pitching their idea for a new recess activity.
Reflection
Rodrigo was able to understand the tasks throughout the lesson with little translation. Since the Flocabulary video incorporated dance moves, we had him dance the steps with us. He is a shy boy but participated nonetheless which allowed us to have a more authentic conversation about how he was feeling after moving his body. The research he conducted facilitated his ability to write a persuasive letter using concrete facts an details in an effort to accomplish his goals.