Description
Tell the students to think of a name of a fruit and remember it. Then tell the students to move about the gym and find another person who has selected the same fruit as you have. When two students with the same fruits find each other they stop and do five jumping jacks, three push-ups or any other chosen activity. Once the two food items have found each other and the activity is completed, the students should think of a different fruit and start moving to find the new fruit item chosen.
For example: John and Marissa have each selected apple. They move around the room. When they whisper the word “apple” to each other, they find out that they have a match. They both do five jumping jacks and then each pick a new fruit and start looking for that fruit match.
This game could also be played with any other food group category as well as fitness activity (swimming, running, baseball, etc.).
Description
Divide the class in half. Half of the students each write a word on an index card. The other half of the class each writes the definition. Shuffle the cards and hand one card to each student. The students walk around the classroom and match the word with the definition. For younger students, match up sight words, letters or numbers. Also works well with math problems.
Description
Ask youth to stand up and clasp their own hands together. Then ask them to take a deep breath in, turn their palms out and breathe out as they stretch their arms away and in front of their bodies. Encourage them to stretch their shoulder blades apart while bringing their chins down to their chests. When they are ready to breathe in again, ask them to move their shoulders up, then roll them back and down, as they release their hands and bring them down to their sides. Continue breathing. Finish by asking them to raise their heads to look up at you and slightly tuck their chins in (as if their head is a drawer, sliding into a dresser). Repeat. Important: Make sure youth are maintaining a good posture. To do a posture check, ask youth to stand against a wall. Their heels, hips, shoulders and the back of their heads should all be touching the wall. Ask them to tuck their chins in slightly, hold the position and step away from the wall.
Description
Provide students with index size paper at desk. Ask a Multiple Choice questions (answer A or B, works best) and student writes the answers on one sheet of paper and holds paper up, with two hands overhead to stretch. Teacher checks answers.
Description
Ask the youth to write a spelling word in the air with their fingers. Once they write the word in the air, ask them to trace a line moving from left to right underneath the letters, then right to left. Take it to the next level! Ask the youth to point to the letters (in their correct placement) as they are called out. Remind youth to use their opposite hand and then, other parts of their bodies such as their toe or elbow.
Description
Number youth off as 1’s and 2’s. Ask the 1’s to stand in a line facing the 2’s (like a mirror). Each student’s partner will be standing in front of him or her, as if a reflection. Ask the 1’s to tell the 2’s about something exciting, while the 2’s “mirror” their excitement. Switch roles and repeat. After each partner has had a chance to play each role, change the emotion of the story to mad, sad, happy, etc.
Description
1. Introduce the pedometer and tell the students that the device is a battery operated step counter that tracks how many steps we take. On average, 2,000 steps equals one mile. We should strive to take 10,000 steps each day.
2. Demonstrate how to use the pedometer. The pedometer should be secured to the waist/pant line, straight up from either knee cap. It should be level and not tilted.
3. Help the students attach the pedometer correctly to their waist band. Spend four to five minutes per activity in the gym to allow students the opportunity to experience the fun and benefits of wearing a pedometer.
Pedometer activities could include: walking, running, hopping, and skipping or Choose MyPlate Chasers.
Equipment activities could include: jump rope, hacky sack or basketball.
• Ask the students which activity gives them the most/least steps in a certain amount of time?
• Have the students take a break from the activity to feel their heart beating faster.
• Remind them their heart is a muscle and it’s getting stronger and healthier with the activities they are doing.
Description
Use a paper plate as a steering wheel. Each student should have their own paper plate and place their hands on either side of the “wheel.” The students will “drive” (walk) around the room, gym space or outdoor area.
The teacher will than say out loud different commands that will cause the students to change their pace or the way they “drive” their vehicle. These commands may include speed bump, stop signs, red/yellow/green light, speed of a police car or fire truck.
Description
Divide the class in half. Half of the students each write a word on an index card. The other half of the class each writes the definition. Shuffle the cards and hand one card to each student. The students walk around the classroom and match the word with the definition. For younger students, match up sight words, letters or numbers. Also works well with math problems.
Description
Divide the class in half to review math problems. Each student stands by their desk (paper and pencil on desk). Call out a math problem such as 4+5=. One half of the class jumps 4 times, then the other half jumps 5 times. Each student writes down their own answer. Continue with other math problems, and vary the movements: clapping, touch toes, jumping jacks, side bends, high-knees. Have students pick the movements.
