Educating third graders about the importance of health, fitness and nutrition gives them with the tools they need to make good lifestyle choices in the future. By the time kids reach the third grade, they begin to understand how healthy habits can positively affect their growth and development, making it an ideal time to introduce such concepts.
Computer Games
Third graders have the skills and intelligence to play games on the computer with limited intervention, which makes computer games a good way to teach nutrition, fitness and health. Nourish Interactive offers elementary games that include the Food Pyramid Adventure game, Matching Meals Nutrition and Whack a Snack. PBS provides games that teachers can use to teach third grade students about several health conditions including Buster Baxter Lung Defender and Hydration.
Outdoor Games
Teachers can organize playground activities to teach third graders how to stay healthy and fit by using their muscles. Such activities include playing games like four square, wall ball, tetherball, soccer, kickball, basketball, hockey, jump rope, dance and circuit training. Use the games to teach your students lessons about which muscles they use to play each game. A discussion about cardiovascular health, modified for the age group, can be a effective way to help third graders make the connection between physical activity and good health.
Worksheets
Worksheets are a classroom staple and can be used to reinforce material about health, fitness and nutrition. Teachers and parents can find such worksheets online at education websites like Learning Page and ABC Teach or at teacher supply stores such as Banks School Supply. Using worksheets gives children the chance to demonstrate whether they grasp the subject matter. Making worksheets fun can also encourage third graders to pay attention. Fun worksheet topics include a food Venn diagram, fruit and vegetable word searches, fitness crossword puzzles and quizzes that test vitamin knowledge.
Videos
Videos can be a powerful way to teach third graders vital information about health, fitness and nutrition. Use recent videos with images and themes to which third graders can relate. NeoK12 provides videos on the subject of health, nutrition and fitness for third graders such as "Understanding the USDA Food Pyramid," "Health Benefits of Exercise" and "How to Read a Nutrition Label." Such videos can be presented in conjunction with worksheets and gym activities to reinforce the message.
Member Comments