Last week, I presented this idea to my rising 4th Graders, who will be the leaders in the school next year in 5th. I presented this idea with much enthusiasm, and also sent this letter home (View Letter (PDF)) to the parents, to inform them and their response was AMAZING.

Dear "rising" 5th Graders!

Summer is upon us and that means that when you return to school in August, you will be the LEADERS of the school! I believe it will be a fantastic year and I am already excited about it! You know that leaders SERVE others. Let’s begin this service over the summer!

We will begin with “Charity Miles.” Here is the website: www.charitymiles.org. What you do is download the free App, “Charity Miles,” either on an Android or Iphone. If you do not have this type of phone, you can still record your exercise! It's as easy as this: GET MOVING! Bikers earn 10˘ a mile and walkers and runners earn 25˘ a mile. There are 25 charities to donate to when you exercise. YOU get to choose each time you exercise!

Keep a written record of what you have earned on this form. If you walk 2 miles, the App sends 50 cents to the charity of your choosing. It does not seem like much, but can you imagine the impact when so many people use the App! Turn your form into me on the first day of school in August. I am so excited about this. You will be exercising so the gain is twofold! If you do it with a family member, you will get triple the joy as the “togetherness” you and your family member will share will be a lasting joy! The top three students who earn the most for charity through exercise will be recognized at the first Knight Pride Assembly!

Sincerely,

Your PE Teacher

NOTE: One of the parents came up to me and asked about "swimming," as her son is on a swim team and asked if long distance swimming would count. She said when he comes home from swimming, he would be too tired to go out and walk or bike. I said, "yes," it would count on the exercise part. I certainly understand that.

Teaching Suggestions/Tips:

Be sure to send the same information home via email to the parents on the same day you present it to the students. The day after I presented the "Charity Miles" ap to the students, I had several parents email me positive comments about the project. I also have had several parents email me with, "Johnny biked 7 miles last night," for example.

Email this best practice!