4th and 5th Grad PE CenOn Thursday, March 31st- Unity 4th and 5th graders and their family members hit the gym at Unity Christian High School to take the PE Central Challenge©.

The parents were challenged to take on the 4th and 5th grade students to see who was more "fit".

The evening was a huge success. The goal was to show the importance of being fit, but it brought so much more than that.  Sweat, laughter, fellowship, and teamwork were all brought to life as well.

The PE Central Challenge is NOT intended to be a one-time test, but rather an ongoing series of challenges that youngsters can practice and improve upon.  The 4th and 5th grade students in Mrs. Behr's PE class had been working on 6 challenge tasks during the month of March. The students worked on completing the tasks in PE, Recess and at home.

The goal- Fitness!

The kids did a wonderful job working towards a goal. Those completing 4, 5, or 6 of the tasks received an award pin!  Whether or not they earned a pin, the students and parents had a fun time working towards the goal and achieving the task!

The challenge tasks included:

1. Balance Shuffle
Two children stand on each end of an eight foot long 2" x 4" board placed on the ground (4" side of board goes on the ground). Each child travels to the opposite end and then back without falling off. Children start again if any body part touches the ground. The board is marked with lines twelve inches from each end. This is where the children start--both at the opposite end--and finish. When they switch they travel to the twelve inch mark on the opposite end of the beam before starting back to their original location.

2. Hula Hooping
Hula hoop for 20 seconds with the hoop starting around the waist and remaining off the ground (floor) the entire time.

3. Jump that Rope
Jump a single rope continuously (rope must remain in a constant turning motion) for 90 seconds without a miss.

4. Volley Up
Three children stand in a triangle three giant steps from each other. The challenge is to volley a ball (not a beach ball or balloon) 10 times in a row without the ball hitting the ground. Each child must contact (volley) the ball at least twice but may not strike it twice in a row (similar to volleyball rules).

5. Partner Throw and Catch
Throw and catch an object with your hands with a partner 30 times in a row without a miss from a distance of 25 feet. Both catches and throws must be made behind the line to be counted. Each student will complete 15 throws and 15 catches for a total of 30.

6. Paddle Strike
Strike a ball with a short or long-handled paddle or racket in the air continuously for 60 seconds to your self while remaining in a 3-4 foot diameter space, e.g. hoop, jump rope formed into a circle. The circle must remain stationary for the entire 60 seconds.