By Gina Whittle on Thursday, May 10, 2001 - 07:26 pm: Edit

What is the maximum amount of minutes can a 1st grader handle? Our schedule next year is proposing 50 minute classes. We had 40 minutes this year and the 1st graders really struggle to keep on task. I just don't believe they have that kind of attention span.

By janmille on Tuesday, May 15, 2001 - 08:58 am: Edit

I'd personally give my right arm to have that much time--however, perhaps suggesting a compromise of two classes--one 35 min. the other a 15 min exercise/ aerobic short session to reinforce the skills you're teaching or to make up fitness testing.

By Carolina31 on Tuesday, June 12, 2001 - 08:37 am: Edit

50 min. classes are just way too long for 6 yr olds! Our 1st graders also struggle with the 40 min. P.E. time. Their attention span (even to things they love) is just not that long, - no to mention that they are just not physically able to maintain activity SAFELY for an extended period of time. The issue here is the same as always. It has nothing to do with what makes sense for the program - it is about giving classroom teachers larger blocks of planning time.

By luisa on Tuesday, June 12, 2001 - 06:57 pm: Edit

It would seem more logical to have two 25 min. periods a week, preferably with at least a day in between. I also understand that scheduling is very difficult, but it should not be done at the expense of the children or the program.

Luisa

By Florence A. Evans (Florence) on Sunday, September 09, 2001 - 06:41 pm: Edit

At the school system that I teach at, Kindergarten, First,Second and Third graders have 30 minutes of physical education twice a week. All Fourth grade students have 40 minutes of physical education twice a week. I believe when they move on to the middle school students are scheduled for physical education everyday for 50 minutes for a 9 week period.

By anna other on Wednesday, September 12, 2001 - 08:30 pm: Edit

Here we have 45 minute lessons for Kindergarten through Grade 3 (and some double periods for older students) twice a week.
It is a myth that G1 cannot concentrate for 50 minutes. It suggests to me that you are expecting the students to be following the teacher for that whole time. In that case, 50 minutes is too long for almost anyone. If you break your 50 minutes down into shorter time slots; with plenty of free play / self-experimentation, as well as time to stop for a drink and some skills-orientated and less cardio tasks, the time will fly by. Remember kids this age needs loads and loads of time to experiment.

By Anonymous on Friday, December 07, 2001 - 09:51 am: Edit

I see all my students once a week for a 40 minute period. The problem I have is with Health classes, I only see the kids a total of 18 times (40 min per) for the entire year. Does anyone know if there are requirements to meet the standards or where to find recommendations?

By Anonymous on Friday, December 07, 2001 - 09:51 am: Edit

I see all my students once a week for a 40 minute period. The problem I have is with Health classes, I only see the kids a total of 18 times (40 min per) for the entire year. Does anyone know if there are requirements to meet the standards or where to find recommendations?