Details and Share
Aces and Exercise
Using a deck of playing cards, the students will pick the number of reps for various exercises.
Grade Level: 4 - 6th
Subject:
Length of Time: 1 Class Period
Objectives & Outcomes
The students will be able to strengthen various muscles of their body using a variety of exercises.
Materials Needed
deck of playing cards and chart (see below)
Prepare ahead of time: Need a deck of playing cards. Chart listing at least 10 to 15 exercises large enough for all students to see.
Procedure
Opening to Lesson
- Ask students: How many of you play card games? Do you enjoy cards games?
- Allow for responses and discussion.
Body of Lesson
Modeling
- Tell students they will be combining the playing cards with fitness today.
- Allow a student to choose a playing card. Show it to the class.
- If it’s a 7, tell students to do 7 jumping jacks or another exercise listed on the exercise chart.
Guided Practice
- Another student will pick a card. Choose a new exercise. Students will do the exercise the number of times shown on the playing card.
- Aces are worth 15, face cards are worth ten. Use the jokers for a random number.
- Each exercise on the chart should be used at least once.
- Choose different students to pick the cards. Determine the exercise prior to a new card being chosen.
- For some exercise, you do a number of minutes instead of reps. For example, a 2, could be running in place for 2 minutes. A 7 could be 7 laps around the gym.
- Continue the exercising until the end of the class.
Independent Practice
- Tell students to use their own deck of cards at home and exercise each day.
Closing
- Ask students to try and design new exercises, or other activities, for PE class they can do using the playing cards.
- Allow for responses and discussion.
Assessment & Evaluation
May use as preparation for the Presidential Physical Fitness Test.
Modification & Differentiation
Remove the lowered numbered or higher-numbered playing cards. Combine decks of playing cards. Use the suits to double or triple the number. Do one exercise a week using the cards. Set up Exercise Stations with a deck of playing cards at each station. Students move in 2 or 3s to each station for a set time period.
Related Lesson Plans
Paper Mache Zoo
In this visual arts lesson, students will create zoo animals (or any animals) using paper mache. The ‘zoo’ can be displayed in the classroom or in a localized area of the school.
Painter's Tape Art
This lesson will allow students to practice creating art by marking off what will not be painted. This requires planning prior to mixing the first color.
Upside Down Art
This lesson will allow students to practice creating art from a unique perspective while learning about Michelangelo.
Making a Menorah
Students will make a beautiful vibrant menorah using art supplies while learning about the background.
Ready to Pursue a Master’s Degree in Education? Make it Your Time!
Teacher.org’s lesson plans encourage conceptual understanding and lifelong learning skills in students as well as empower and motivate teachers.
Are you currently teaching but have the desire to pursue a Master’s Degree in Education? Follow your passion for teaching but at the same time give yourself the tools to further your career and learning. Whether it’s higher salaries, advanced career opportunities, or leadership positions, earning your Master’s Degree in Education is one worth pursuing. Make it your time!