Every student in grade 4 will be given the Connecticut Physical Fitness Test, this is a mandated test that all students must participate in. The testing period will cover late fall to early spring. Students are encouraged to start preparing in summer as we will begin our work in physical education class, most of September. Please encourage practice to continue at home. Students will learn that it takes time to see improvements. Click here for the parent letter that describes what and how you can best support your child.
*Cardiovascular endurance - students will jog/run one mile and must complete the mile in under 12:00 (boys) or 12:30 (girls) minutes if 9 or under; 11:30 for 10 year old boys. The Pacer is also a way to measure this component of fitness
*Muscular endurance - the student must perform between 9-12 curl-ups (partial sit-ups) using a three inch strip and following along with an audio cadence
*Muscular strength - the student must perform between 5-7 right angle push-ups to an audio cadence
*Flexibility - perform the "sit and reach test" which will measure the flexibility of the hamstring muscle on both right/left legs; the goal is to reach 8-9 inches using a "sit and reach board"
Encourage your child to be as active as possible from the moment s/he comes home by doing activities that are enjoyable. Running around with friends and playing games that are fun is the best way to stay healthy and active. Clink on this link, "Action for Healthy Kids" to read more.
In class we participate in a variety of "instant activities" that provide students with choice that will allow time for practice and growth in each of the four areas (cardio, strength, endurance and flexibility).
Take the "plank challenge" at home by holding a plank while doing some of your 20 minutes of required reading. Try reading a paragraph or page at a time while reading to build that core strength. Daily practice will yield notable improvement.
After reading, practice some curl-ups to get those abs ready!
Practice curl-ups and push-ups using the audio cadence links listed above!!