Holiday Lesson Ideas

Name of Activity: Pedometer Trick or Treat

Purpose of Activity: I am not a proponent of giving out candy in physical education, but if you want to have a little fun while you learn, this is a great activity for Halloween. The purpose of this activity is for kids to learn that food contains calories and you can burn those calories through physical activity. I also want them to learn that calories are not easy to burn and the more calories we put in our bodies, the more we need to move.

Prerequisites: Correct placement of the pedometer, how to read it and how to get it to the calorie count mode.

Suggested Grade Level: 3-5

Materials Needed: One pedometer per student (could be done in pairs or small groups if you only have a small number of pedometers); various equipment for the kids to use (balls, ropes, hoops, etc.)

Description of Idea

Variations:

This activity could be used at other times of the year besides Halloween. Instead of a "Trick-or-Treat" theme where the students receive candy, pictures of food could be used with the number of calories written on the picture. Students will walk the number of steps it takes to "burn" those calories, then select another picture. This would give the students an idea of how many calories different foods have, and also give them an awareness of "healthy choices" for foods that are more nutritious.

Assessment Ideas:

Assess their pedometer placement.
Assess students understanding of the comparisons between amount and intensity of activity with the amount of calories burned. They can keep a log or a chart, recording the type of walking (intensity), the amount of steps, and the calories burned.

Adaptations for Students with Disabilities:

Children with disabilities can do this activity as well. You may need to place their pedometer on a different body part in order for them to get their steps or to burn their calories and you may need some adaptive equipment so that they can be active along with the other students.