Jump rope, roll hoops, kick sandbags... Do you still remember these childhood games? At Dongqianjin Primary School in Weiyang District, Xi'an, these traditional games have become the centerpiece of students' break activities, sparking joy and laughter on the campus each day. This article explores how the school prioritizes physical activity through thoughtful breaks and enriching sports programs.
Health First: Encouraging Every Child to Move
Beginning in the fall of 2024, Dongqianjin Primary School will extend its break time from 10 minutes to 15 minutes, aiming to ensure that students engage in at least two hours of physical activity daily. According to Liu Hua, the school's executive principal, a variety of personalized sports activities has been strategically planned around the extended long break. These initiatives create a blend of routine exercise and specialized sports programs.
The weekly schedule is remarkably diverse: on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, students participate in radio calisthenics, self-created routines, and circular running exercises to maintain a consistent workout; Tuesdays and Thursdays introduce sand bottle exercises and physical training, adding a unique twist to the regular routines. On rainy days, the school adapts by offering indoor and desk exercises, resulting in over ten options to ensure continuous activity for students, regardless of the weather conditions.
A Tiered PE Curriculum: Suitable for All
In addition to the long breaks, the school has developed a comprehensive tiered physical education curriculum tailored for students across different grades. This means every child can find an activity suited to their interests and abilities. For example:
- Younger studentsjump rope to enliven their athletic instincts.
- Third gradersengage in shuttlecock games, preserving traditional folk practices.
- Fourth graderspartake in cheerleading routines that celebrate youthful energy.
- Fifth gradersuse soft power balls to explore aesthetic movements.
- Sixth gradersengage in volleyball training to enhance teamwork.
Furthermore, the school employs a dynamic 'tide practice' mechanism that calibrates activities based on the sports event cycle, enabling a smooth integration of competitive preparation with mass fitness initiatives.
Collaborative Breaks: Students and Teachers in Harmony
The 15-minute breaks at Dongqianjin serve dual purposes: they act as a 'refueling station' for young learners and a vibrant 'athletic field' for teachers who join in the fun. First and second graders can be seen engaged in imaginative games like jump rope and hopscotch, while third and fourth graders bounce between traditional activities. For fifth and sixth graders, soccer, basketball, and volleyball energize the atmosphere. Teachers play a vital role in ensuring safety and organization, reinforcing the notion that 'safety and fun fly together, while exercise and growth harmoniously coexist.'
These diverse activities not only focus on enhancing physical fitness but also emphasize collaboration and innovative thinking among students. Principal Liu Hua asserts that the school will continue to refine break activities, paying attention to every detail and deeply exploring the connotations of various activities. The aim is to cultivate a unique break culture within the school, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of education.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dongqianjin Primary School exemplifies how structured breaks and a vibrant physical education curriculum can serve as sources of joy in childhood. By fostering an environment where traditional games and modern sports coexist, the school is not just focusing on physical development but also on building friendships and enhancing teamwork. As Principal Liu Hua aims to make every child vibrant and energetic, we should reflect on our own experiences with sports in education. How can we advocate for similar initiatives in our local schools? Consider how you can influence childhood physical activity in your community today.返回搜狐，查看更多
