I am a physical education teacher for students in grades k-5. Our school is located in a rural community in northeast Ohio. I feel that it is vital to focus on activities that students will be involved in for a lifetime. Physical education class is once a week for a forty-minute session so it is vital that my lessons impact my students in a positive way.
My students LOVE when I incorporate fitness stations into our class time. Setting up the gym similar to a public fitness center or club excites and motivates my classes immediately as they walk in and see the layout of the gymnasium.
While the preparation for a minimum of ten stations is very time consuming, it is worth the effort when I see all the students participating, working cooperatively in partners or small groups, and developing healthy habits. The activities are student-directed once I've introduced the exercises or skills. Students workout at a station during the 2-3 minute tracks of music, then rotate during the 15-second pause. Students have more time to workout and practice skills. Since the entire class is actively involved, it motivates them to stay focused and reduces behavior issues because there is little to no "down time”.
I found a system that will enable me to add strength training to my program with minimal set-up time. The StartFit System will allow me to create up to eleven resistance band exercise stations and provide opportunities to increase cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, as well as endurance and flexibility. The instructional cards will give my older students more independence while the photographs included on each card will provide assistance for the younger students.
I believe kids who are physically active are much more likely to become active, fit adults. They can live longer, healthier lives because exercise can prevent heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Your support for this project will enable me to add a variety of additional fitness-enhancing exercises to my current fitness circuit. Together we can help these young children recognize the importance of becoming healthy so they will set their own goals to maintain a healthy lifestyle through adulthood. Thank you for your consideration.
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