Junior School is a GO! for Physical Activity

April 24, 2020

Academics

GNS

Junior School students aren’t missing a moment of the fun they usually have with Mr. Benjy Brooks in their Personal Social and Physical Education (PSPE) classes at the Beach. With PSPE now online, the enjoyment continues at home, as Mr. Brooks shares a new video each week for students that includes several different activities and challenges.

“Parents and students send me little videos or photos of what they are doing to stay active,” explained Mr. Brooks. “These give me a little insight into what they are doing at home. It is amazing to see the awesome things they do and it gives me a huge smile every time I watch them. I must have the best job in the world.”

Each week, students have been given a bingo card of different physical activities. Some are indoor, some outdoor, some are independent, and some need a partner to complete.

“The goal is to get a row, and students might notice there is so much choice in there, but also a variety that should push them to take a risk and try something new,” said Mr. Brooks. “The most popular squares seem to be the free choice, walk or hike with the family, and going for a ride on their scooter or bike.”

Between the warm weather and beautiful Island surroundings, students have had no trouble coming up with fun ways to get some exercise over the last few weeks. Mr. Brooks has heard many stories of creative activities like backdoor obstacle courses with siblings, dances, fort building, and home workouts.

Recently, the Junior School students took part in the Warrior Pose Challenge. One of the Brooks’ Buddies, Jules Payne, co-founder of Ajna Yoga, got Mr. Brooks to give it a try. While he found it demanding, Mr. Brooks thought some of our students might want to be risk-takers and try as well.

“Jules did such an amazing job explaining how to do it and gave me confidence. I loved it,” said Mr. Brooks. “Since then, Jules has kindly done another video just for the GNS Junior School and Xavier also joined in to show us how to do it…Grade 4 and 5s also created their own P.S.P.E. goals and are taking some agency in their learning. It is such a great opportunity to be independent and work towards something you want.”

Keeping students active is important at any time, but it’s especially vital while at home away from friends and peers.

“Physical activity helps us sleep better, stay in a better mood and get us using our brains more,” said Mr. Brooks. “When some students are stuck on something in school, getting frustrated or the wiggles, we can go for a rat run. Each student at the Beach Drive campus has designed their own rat run around their house or property. Sometimes, I find walking and talking about classroom assignments really helps to get ideas flowing. Physical activity can help in so many ways.”

Good job Junior School, and keep staying active!