Students and staff in elementary schools across America are creatively promoting physical fitness. Budget cuts in schools nationwide are ending a variety of curriculum offerings and important programs, including the arts, sports and physical education. Many teachers and administrators are supplementing the physical education and recess their schools offer by creating fun walking or jogging programs.
Enticing Students With Incentives
While walking and jogging may not appear to hold the attention of children, several programs are seeing increased participation because students like earning incentive prizes. When the walking club at Wahoo Elementary School in Nebraska began two years ago, small charms were given to children for completing a certain number of laps. School officials now report more than 30 percent of the student body participates in the daily after-school program. At Williams Elementary School in San Jose, California, students and family members earn "whale slips" for laps completed during the morning "Whale Walk." Each student has a goal, and those who earn a spot in the 5 Mile Club earn a special prize. These programs are not limited to students. At Irving and Beatrice Peskoe Elementary in Homestead, Florida, teachers are encouraged to log steps and miles. Their virtual hike began in Tallahassee, and among their goals is to walk to each state capitol in America.
Expert Recommendations
The American Medical Association recommends 30 minutes of daily free play or physical education for elementary school children, as well as family-oriented education about the benefits of physical activity. But to prevent and treat childhood obesity, children and adolescents age 6 and older need a total of one hour of exercise each day, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Always in Season
With some creativity, walking and jogging programs in elementary schools may occur throughout the school year in various seasons, and at various times of day. At Fredonia Elementary in Florida, the "Hall Star Walkers" was a volunteer club run by staff and parents that was part of the 2011 Winter After School Clubs. The focus was to promote good health and conversations by walking with an adult. The club, which ran for an hour after school twice a week, was open to any Fredonia Elementary student who signed up with an adult. At the end of the 20-week session, students were given certificates, water bottles and hats. There are similar programs before school and during recess, indoors and outdoors, depending on the season.
Starting a Program
Little is needed to begin a walking or jogging program at your school: It requires some organizational skills, help from volunteers and a location. If startup funds for items such as log books and incentive prizes is needed, it might be helpful to enlist community sponsors. At Gallaher Elementary School in Newark, Delaware, a teacher teamed up with a parent who wrote two grants to help jumpstart a fitness program. Their fruitful efforts provided a walking path with fitness stations. In Evansville, Indiana, elementary schools are benefiting from the Greater Evansville Runners/Walkers Club. Members formed the Step Up Club, a fun running and walking club for children grades K through 8. The club also secured sponsorship from the community. Fledgling clubs are provided with support, instruction, materials and incentive prizes, all free.
References
- Education Votes; NEA Urges Senate to Make Children a Priority; July 2010
- American Medical Association: Childhood Obesity
- American Academy of Pediatrics: What Families Can Do
- Greater Evansville Runners/Walkers Club: Step Up Club
- Alliance for a Healthier Generation: Schools Across the Nation Find Walking-Running Clubs an Effective, Low Cost Health Solution
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