Welcome to Mr. Paszkowski’s Page
I currently teach Physical Education and Health at Saints Philip & James School. Listed below are brief descriptions of the major academic topics we will cover in class.
Phys Ed
Grades K-2
Establishing the importance of locomotor skills is a central component of the New Jersey curriculum for students in these grade levels. These students must learn why mastering different locomotor skills is important and why locomotor skills impact not only their ability to perform in sports but their everyday lives. They will learn the basics of coordination and manipulation skills like throwing and catching a ball, balancing on a beam or narrow base, jumping rope, etc. Lastly they will learn the very basics of team sports like the differences between offense and defense or how your attitude can impact your performance.
Grades 3-5
Understanding the essential elements of movement skills will be a major focal point for students in these grade levels. Essential elements are flow, force, shape, space, and time. We will explore and perform these elements in practice and in game situations like 3v3 basketball, or a tag game when it is important to understand the kind of space, flow, and force you need to get by someone. They will learn certain concepts for sports on offense or defense because they have already established a foundation for the objective of individual sports. They will learn rhythm and flow in relation to dancing for specific songs or genres of music and different cultures. Sportsmanship and understanding how to help a teammate or motivate a teammate is essential in these grades.
Grades 6-8
At the middle school level it is imperative for these students to be able to apply the skills they acquired in elementary school such as manipulation skills or motor skills in a game setting, applied setting, or a practice setting. They must demonstrate knowledge of the defensive and offensive strategies they have acquired such as spacing, passing, or communicating. They will combine skills and movements into different line dances and dances in general. Compare roles and responsibilities of players, officials, coaches, and observers.
Health
Grades K-2
Students will learn about what fitness is and what the importance of being "fit" means. They will also begin to understand how physical activity can impact their physical health and mental well-being.
Grades 3-5
Students will learn the difference between health-related and skill-related fitness, as well as activities for both of these categories. They will learn the extent to which certain factors such as training, or diet can impact your personal fitness level. They will also explore how someone's environment or their social circle can impact their fitness level and mental well-being.
Grades 6-8
During health they will establish a long term fitness plan while using the principles of training (FITT) for modifying their plan. Explain, analyze, and explore how medical and technological advances have impacted athletes and performance both on and off the field. Finally they must relate healthy eating and mental well being to physical fitness and performance.