By

Sara Rich,   Roosevelt School

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Physical Activity Participation

Our school promoted the Healthy Kids Club this past school year. On Wednesday mornings and afternoons, students in grades K-5 were offered the opportunity to come an hour before school (K-2) or stay an hour after school (3-5) to participate in additional physical activities. The students would all warm up together by stretching, followed by jogging/running/walking. They also participated in many different activities and games that would provide physical activity. All of the students that were in the Healthy Kids Club also participated in the 100 Mile Club. They would track how many miles they jogged/ran/walked each week. Over the period of 17 different meetings of this club, the K-2 grade students ran over 112 miles and the 3-5 grade students ran over 248 miles!

How do you plan to make this Play last during the school year and beyond?

Our PE teacher decided to extend the club because so many students did not want it to end! In order to continue this Play, we would need some extra funds to help with the healthy snack provided. We were also thinking of providing an incentive for all students who participate in the 100 Mile Club by giving them a punch card they would fill out for every mile they ran. Each punch would earn them a shoe tag. The object is to earn as many shoe tags as possible throughout the school year.

What improvements have you seen at your school?

Since the beginning of the Healthy Kids Club and BHC initiative, more students have wanted to participate in physical activities. Teachers are incorporating mini exercises into their daily schedules as breaks with their kids. The students have also been more active at recess, playing with the recess cart items, tag, football, baseball, obstacle courses, just to name a few. It is very exhilarating to see the students energetic and excited to be more active and physical during their school day!