Vote for this Best Practice | Email to a Friend

Teacher: Jim Maciejewski who teaches at Arcadia Elementary School in Spartanburg, SC. Jim Maciejewski can be contacted at maciejje@spart6.org.

Name of Best Practice: Fit Squad Morning Club

Rationale/Purpose of Event: To provide our students additional time for physical activity in a fun and enjoying setting in the morning before school begins.

Suggested Grade Level: PRE-K, K-2, 3-5

Materials Needed: Music, beaded chains, foot charms, "mile tickets"

Fit Squad Morning Club

The "Fit-Squad" Morning Club developed as a result of the Carolina Panthers' Fitness Curriculum and the Feelin' Good Mileage Club from Fitnessfinders. I combined the name and concept to originate the "Fit-Squad" Morning Club. Members of the "Fit-Squad" include Kindergarten through 5th grade boys and girls who come to the gymnasium to walk to music in the mornings between 7:05 and 7:35. Each child is given a ticket and a necklace. Each ticket has feet lining the outside where student’s receive hole punches for every 2 days they attend the "Fit-Squad." Students will also get a small foot charm to put on their necklace every 2 days they attend.

Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades attend on Tuesday and Thursday mornings while 3rd 4th and 5th graders attend Monday and Wednesday mornings. All teachers and faculty are invited to walk with their students on their designated days if they wish to do so.

Not only do students walk, but perform different exercises throughout the morning when directed by the teachers. They reverse directions, walk backwards, and do different locomotor skills as well.

Variations:

Ask your PTA for assistance in purchasing the mileage foot tokens.

Teaching Suggestions/Tips:

Ask faculty and staff members to volunteer to help supervise children. It can become challenging when punching holes and handing out foot charms. The more eyes the better!!!

Adaptations for Students with Disabilities:

Students with disabilities may choose to take a shorter route in the gym and walk with a partner. If a child is in a wheelchair, myself or a faculty member will push that boy or girl around the gym when assistance is needed.

Vote for this Best Practice
(Any Practice receiving 5 Votes earns Blue Ribbon Status on PEC)

Email this best practice!


Posted on PEC: 11/12/2007 and has received 60 votes.

Post a Comment:

Let others know how this idea went when you implemented/tried it with your kids. Include any variations, suggested teaching tips, positive comments, etc. so others can benefit from your tips. Please be helpful and positive with all comments. Look below to see all posted comments.

 

Name:
Comments:
 

Previous Comments:

There are currently no comments to display. Be the first to add a comment!


[Back to Best Practices Menu]