By

Shane Valdez,   J. Sterling Morton Elementary School

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Physical Activity Participation

At Morton, we are on a rotating Wednesday schedule. I use our Wednesdays in P.E. to educated students on fitness components. The students participate in different stations that encourage a healthy lifestyle as well as increase Fitnessgram scores. These are all activities the students can practice at home. I use technology to film kids and help show them what they are doing well or can improve on. We talk about being motivated to be healthy and that working hard pays off. My students always come ready to work on Wednesdays. They push themselves because they want to see growth and show improvement. They make me extremely proud. We also spend time discussing why these stations are similar to lifelong activities and how they relate to a class you may join at the gym as an adult. It's amazing being able to witness small minds understanding the big picture. Fitness is a way of life.

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

I make it fun. I get excited about it and ask them how they worked out at home or what they did at home? I make them give me examples of good times to exercise at home. I help them understand how to work exercise/play into their schedule.

How did you accomplish your goals?

I created stations that are engaging and fun yet challenging. I walk around and I help students when needed and I encourage them to keep going strong even when they are tired.

What improvements have you seen at your school?

I have seen my students begin to love fitness. They don't complain when they are asked to work hard, they get excited and cheer. I think that's a huge piece of the pie right there. Make it fun.