Physical Education and Health & Fitness

Physical Education (PE) and Health & Fitness is a part of Walnut Bend Elementary's Enrichment Program. Students visit PE and HF twice each week to learn skills and engage in physical activities that help them develop a healthy attitude toward exercise and physical fitness. Coach Julian Flores will teach the Physical Education program. Health & Fitness will be taught by Ms. Karen Gowdy.

Our goal this year is to enhance each child's physical condition and make them aware of healthy lifestyles. We want each child to feel successful in Physical Education and Health & Fitness and will provide a safe environment for students to participate. We will teach students to be encouraging to one another! We are not all athletes, but we ALL need to become more active and have healthy bodies.

Tennis Anyone?

The three week tennis curriculum has been really inspiring to many WB students. WB students had a lot of fun being a part of this pilot program from HISD that included several West District Schools. "Tennis has taught the kids that exercise can be fun," says Coach Gowdy. "It's about being healthy and staying fit. Something we want to instill in all of our students."

Participation in individual and team sports helps children build self-esteem. Physical Education focuses on the development of fitness for life. The curriculum emphasizes maximum participation in body awareness, conditioning, movement, games, sports and dance. Instruction activities stress life management skills, such as citizenship, cooperation, fair-play, leadership, sportsmanship and teamwork. Coach Flores will be teaching the fundamentals of catching, throwing, running, etc. That lead up to participation in team sports such as soccer, basketball, vollyball, softball and track and field. Watch for more informatino about team sports we will have at Walnut Bend.

Go Texan Day Relay Races!

WB Students loved the obstacle course style relay races set up by HPE enrichment team. You can tell by their faces that they had a lot of fun.

Health & Fitness is designed to address the needs of the "whole person" by focusing on the emotional, mental, physical, and social development of the student. The curriculum also targets priority health issues such as sedentary lifestyles, inadequate nutrition, alcohol, drug and tobacco awareness (age appropriate). We will also focus on character education. Ms. Gowdy will use various games, dances, exercises, activities, and class instruction to enhance the teachings. We will be using Harcourt's Health & Fitness textbook as a guide.

Kindergarten, first and second grades will develop their motor skills which include body awareness, balance, and coordination. They will also learn and work on fundamental activities like catching, throwing, running, etc.

Third, fourth and fifth graders will learn rules and skills related to sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball, volleyball, softball, kickball, track and field. They will learn the concept of team sports and individual sports. In addition, they will learn fitness activities which include jump rope, jogging, plus upper and lower body strength.

Walnut Bend student safety always comes first. Students are encouraged to bring water bottles to PE and HE class.

Contact Coach Julian Flores or Karen Gowdy with any questions or concerns regarding your child's health and fitness education.