By

Felix Reyes,   Pease El

Play:

Topics:

Physical Activity Participation

JM and AB have been playing soccer since the age of 5. Now they are in the 5th grade and can hardly wait to hit the junior high and high school levels to compete with other schools. They practice year around, in the mornings and at night. They carry soccer balls everywhere they go because, as A puts it, "You never know when you have time to kick around a few." Soccer is in their bloodlines as J says - it's what they were destined to play. These two boys are a prime example that just by going out and playing for 60 minutes a day, exercising and playing outdoors becomes a good habit to pick up at a young age.

How did students and adults work together as a team?

They are very resourceful students. They actively participate in class and are always encouraging other teachers and staff to attend their games outside of school. They always give us a heads up as to when they will be playing next.

What improvements have you seen at your school?

Kids are always asking about outside leagues that they may be able to join such as baseball, football, and basketball leagues. Students coming in on Mondays and letting teachers know that they did some running on the weekend and other forms of exercise.

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

Incentives. As in life, you get rewarded for hard work and accomplishing goals. Maybe pictures up on the campus walls, a ribbon.