Eastchester Physical Education Program Adapts to the Times
More than likely, you have heard of the Chicken Dance. At Waverly, students performed a Turkey Trot to keep moving and enjoy the recent Thanksgiving holiday. The students stood apart from each other in short lines and performed one of six exercises to reach a cone with a picture of a turkey on it. The activities included toe touches, lunges, one-foot balance, sit and reach, raise the roof, and plank position hold.
This is just one approach physical education teachers in the Eastchester School District have taken to modify their programs due to COVID-19. The large dimensions of the Waverly gym allow students and teachers to remain socially distanced throughout the lesson.
When the weather permits, many physical education classes are held in the fresh air. For Eastchester Middle School and High School, that means laps around the track. Elementary students participated in outdoor fitness activities this fall that did not require equipment. During rainy days, Greenvale students enjoyed a series of line dancing when they couldn’t go outside.
Anne Hutchinson students are also moving. “The students are excited to be here and bring enthusiasm with them,” said P.E Instructor Amanda Carlson. “We remain as active as possible but in a safe environment.”
Students enrolled in the hybrid model receive taped lessons when they are not in school and are assigned to physical education. Fully remote students receive video lessons geared to smaller spaces so they can remain active.
Instructors are now permitted to use some equipment at school if they choose - soccer balls can be kicked but not touched. Learning and perfecting such moves improves balance and other skills.
The idea for all students is to appreciate time away from screens, participating in many activities that include running, jumping or dancing.