My students need pedometers to accurately measure the amount of walking they do throughout the year.
FULLY FUNDED! Mr. Z.'s classroom raised $268
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Marathon walkers in need of pedometers! Help us step into a healthier lifestyle!
I am the adaptive physical education teacher for about 50 autistic students, ranging in ages from 13 to 21. The school is an alternate high school for students with severe special needs. Adaptive physical education, or movement as it is so called by the school, strives to improve the levels of healthy, active living of the students. We participate in varying activities, from yoga to bowling and back to square dancing. If it moves your body, chances are that we tried it during movement class!
Unfortunately, the school also houses high school students with emotional disturbance. That population has access to the school gym; movement class is housed in the school cafeteria, not exactly a prime spot, particularly after breakfast and lunch. Equipment is sparse and proper movement clothes are mostly non-existent. However, the students and staff alike always have fun. We have made the best of the situation, creating our own little gym in the corner of the cafeteria.
The old saying is that if you met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism. Autism varies from person to person. So little is known about the disease and its presence is being felt by more and more people as the days continue to grow without a cure. My students really vary on the autism spectrum. There are some who are very verbal and aware; other students are completely nonverbal and profoundly autistic, with little or no ability to communicate basic needs. Yet, every student certainly has a personality and deserves the best movement experience. Since the students are so diverse, one activity that seems to be universal is walking. It is unifying movement that plays a prominent role in the class.
This year, our students are embarking on a virtual marathon. Our goal is to walk for 26.2 miles by the end of the school year! Each class will begin with about 10 minutes of walking. We will chart after each session how far we walked and how much farther we need to go. This is where you come in! The students need pedometers to accurately measure how many steps, and in turn, miles they have walked. It is also a great way to incorporate math skills into movement class.
My students really get the most pleasure out of the simplest of gestures. They are such kind, caring students who will truly appreciate the gift. It will enhance movement class twenty-fold and really make every lesson a small part of an overall huge goal: completing the 26.2 marathon!
More than three‑quarters of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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