Since August, Clays Mill kindergartners and first-graders in Melissa McDaniel’s class have walked to Kansas – 10 minutes at a time.
Every morning, weather permitting, McDaniel’s students take 10 minutes to refocus and reenergize by taking a walk or run – a routine that has had a lasting impact on the students and the staff.
“I like to walk because it’s healthy for you and makes you strong,” said kindergartner Matt Polard. “It gets my mind working.”
The class doesn’t waste precious instructional time during their physical activity. Students learn while they move – reciting the alphabet or reviewing their sounds.
Every morning, weather permitting, McDaniel’s students take 10 minutes to refocus and reenergize by taking a walk or run – a routine that has had a lasting impact on the students and the staff.
“I like to walk because it’s healthy for you and makes you strong,” said kindergartner Matt Polard. “It gets my mind working.”
The class doesn’t waste precious instructional time during their physical activity. Students learn while they move – reciting the alphabet or reviewing their sounds.
“Their focus during academic time has increased in a phenomenal way,” said Clays Mill principal Edwina Smith. “They’ve had a large increase in time on-task since their activity breaks.”
Once a week, the class charts its progress on a map by counting the miles they walk. The goal is to cover enough ground to reach California before the end of the school year.
“As teachers, we’ve come to think that it’s the parents’ responsibility to get their kids moving and that’s not always the case,” said McDaniel. “It’s up to us to help give our kids a start on a healthy life.”
The primary assistant in McDaniel’s class was skeptical when the group first started walking. Now 36 pounds lighter since September, Deb Miller is a confirmed believer.
“I’ve been a changed person over this,” said Miller. “I don’t think people realize the importance of physical activity. I know I didn’t.”
Last year, her son was diagnosed as pre-diabetic. Unless his eating habits were altered and his physical activity was increased, he would need to go on medication. She got him moving.
Now, every evening, Miller and her family participate in some form of physical activity.
Family Circle magazine invited Miller to participate in a family fitness challenge along with two other families from across the country. You can follow their progress in this month’s edition.
“My goal is to incorporate another mile each day after work,” she said.
Once a week, the class charts its progress on a map by counting the miles they walk. The goal is to cover enough ground to reach California before the end of the school year.
“As teachers, we’ve come to think that it’s the parents’ responsibility to get their kids moving and that’s not always the case,” said McDaniel. “It’s up to us to help give our kids a start on a healthy life.”
The primary assistant in McDaniel’s class was skeptical when the group first started walking. Now 36 pounds lighter since September, Deb Miller is a confirmed believer.
“I’ve been a changed person over this,” said Miller. “I don’t think people realize the importance of physical activity. I know I didn’t.”
Last year, her son was diagnosed as pre-diabetic. Unless his eating habits were altered and his physical activity was increased, he would need to go on medication. She got him moving.
Now, every evening, Miller and her family participate in some form of physical activity.
Family Circle magazine invited Miller to participate in a family fitness challenge along with two other families from across the country. You can follow their progress in this month’s edition.
“My goal is to incorporate another mile each day after work,” she said.
Press Release and Photo: Fayette County Schools
No comments:
Post a Comment