This week we have started our yoga unit. We are focusing on breathing techniques and stretching to our comfort zone. We are working on flexibility and strengthening our muscles. We are also working on coping with or releasing stress by controlling on our breathing in a comfortable relaxed environment. I talk with the students about this being a good technique to use at home as well when they become stressed or angry.

At the end of this week we will be taking a muscles test. The fifth graders will need to label the correct muscle in the correct location. They will have a word bank to help them with spelling. Sixth graders will need to label the correct muscle in the correct location along with spelling it correctly. They will not have a word bank. If they do not receive 100% they will have the opportunity to re-take over the muscles they missed.

Welcome back! I hope everyone had a "Merry Fitness" and a "Happy New You!" break!

Now that we are back in school, we will spend a little time going over rules and expectations as a reminder. We will then turn our focus to the exciting game of Hockey! 5th graders will explore their striking skills and work on terminology. They will be playing lead up games focused on developing their skills, eventually playing in very basic games of hockey. 6th graders will brush up on their skills learned last year and add on to those skills through entertaining games. They will also be implementing set positions such as forward, defender, and goalie into their hockey activities and games.

I hope everyone had a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving break!

5th grade has been participating in a variety of scooter activities while working on coordination, lower, and upper body strength. We are also working on our social responsibilities of taking responsibility for our own actions and not blaming others. We are working on using good sportsmanship versus bragging. Please help remind your student these are all important aspects, even outside of P.E. Thank you.

6th grade has been bowling the last couple of weeks in a variety of activities that promote knocking down as many pins as possible along with picking up a spare or strike. We will be learning how to score a game this week.

5th Graders are learning the rules of the road on their scooters! We have practiced lower and upper body skills to develop strength. So far we have played scooter basketball and going to play many other scooter activities.

6th Graders are bowling for the first time. We have learned a 4 step approach and how to hold and release the bowling ball correctly. We have played fun activities that incorporate practice knocking down pins along with physical fitness. Next week we will learn to score for a bowling game.

I have also created a Facebook page for my classes. Please search for "Neal's Educational Page" and click on "Subscribe" in the top right hand corner. Follow my page for updates, school activities, videos and photos of my classes!

Fitness Friday!!

Today was our first day of Fitness Friday!! It was amazing! All classes who had P.E. today ran a mile, everyone did such a great job! Congrats to the homerooms of Wilmoth, Lucht, and Haight plus 6B-C class, 6A-C class and my 6A and 6B year long class! So proud of each and everyone of you! You did great! Thanks for committing to improve your health!

What a GREAT first week!

We had a great first week back! It was wonderful meeting all the 5th graders and wonderful seeing all the returning/new 6th graders! We spent the week going over rules, procedures, class expectations, and emergency drills.
I have started something new this year, Fitness Fridays. Fitness Fridays will be health/wellness based lessons for 5th grade and cardiovascular/wellness days for 6th graders. Today all 6th grade classes participated in a mile run. It was great! Many students were eager to run farther than a mile! We discussed the importance of jogging at a comfortable pace, the importance of hydration after running, and the importance of stretching. Starting next week we will begin the "Mile Club". I will keep track of how many miles each student runs. This is not for competition. This is just for the students personal goals and fitness. Many students were very excited about the Mile Club and looking forward to it just as much as I am!!

Welcome Parents and Students to the new school year!!
My name is Lindsay Neal and this will be my fourth year here at the Intermediate School teaching Physical Education. A little bit about myself - I was raised in Pleasant Hill, attending all 13 grades here. I participated in volleyball, track, basketball and swimming in high school and I graduated in 2002. I attended Graceland University in Iowa where I played varsity volleyball and track for four years. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education and Health, and Wellness Program Management, with an endorsement in Coaching. I am currently working on my Masters of Arts in Education. I will be coaching JV volleyball and Varsity track as well.
I am excited to be teaching here at Pleasant Hill; it has always been a dream of mine! It is my goal to teach your students the importance of combining physical activity with healthy life style choices, helping them to develop a life-long interest in their health and well-being. I will reinforce with them that the good decisions they make and the healthy habits they develop now will positively impact their future health. I want them to have a confidence in their physical abilities. Physical education and health can be fun!

If you ever have any questions, please call or e-mail me at anytime!! My e-mail address is lneal@pleasanthillschools.com and my phone number is 540-3156, ext. 310.
I am very much looking forward to the school year and all it has to bring!
Thank you,
Lindsay Neal