Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Kids Lead the Way: Walk Plus toward beating childhood overweight and Diabetes II:
Redmond, OR (For more)
Vern Patrick Elementary School fifth graders have something to dance about – a new way to get ready to read and learn - while leading others toward better fitness. More than 200 research studies on the effect of just 10 minutes of aerobic exercise before reading and math lessons inspired 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Carnahan to change the way her students prepared for her reading class. While they were pumping weights, a serendipitous outcome emerged. The students decided to create DVDs of their Heavyhands workout designs to share the fitness-learning connection message with others.
Working out in the classroom, many questions were jumping about in the minds of the students. They are very aware of the dangers of overweight, diabetes and sedentary habits on their own health. Living in Redmond, Oregon, their are endless opportunities for active, outdoor fun in snow, mountains, forests, skateboard parks and the nearby rivers. Just the same, these students wondered about the fitness-health dilemma and how they could make a difference for others.
Lion Sports-Heavyhands, a Ronkonkoma, NY company manufacturing adjustable, comfortable strapped hand weights called Heavyhands were looking for ways to team up to help kids get more fit- and gain life long exercise habits. Through a Wal-Mart grant and support from Lion Sports, Vern Patrick obtained the Heavyhands they needed to begin their adventure in fitness and learning. With guidance from community members, a student-led adventure was formed with Mrs. Carnahan's class.
The “Heavyhands Walk Plus” student mentoring team began training. They’ll be the expert for both the Heavyhands walking program and the fitness awareness component. By having lots of aerobic exercise before every reading group session, research suggests that their academic success will soar. In addition, kinesthetic, musical and spatial learners will have the opportunity to shine. Students can choose to design "Walk Plus" workout routines which will be taped and added to student messages on health topics. Reading about current topics like overweight, diabetes in children and the value of active lifestyles will spark the children's "get fit" message to their peers.
With the help of local high school students, members of the community with media experience, the students will be able to develop DVDs of their workout and messages to share.
Redmond, OR (For more)
Vern Patrick Elementary School fifth graders have something to dance about – a new way to get ready to read and learn - while leading others toward better fitness. More than 200 research studies on the effect of just 10 minutes of aerobic exercise before reading and math lessons inspired 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Carnahan to change the way her students prepared for her reading class. While they were pumping weights, a serendipitous outcome emerged. The students decided to create DVDs of their Heavyhands workout designs to share the fitness-learning connection message with others.
Working out in the classroom, many questions were jumping about in the minds of the students. They are very aware of the dangers of overweight, diabetes and sedentary habits on their own health. Living in Redmond, Oregon, their are endless opportunities for active, outdoor fun in snow, mountains, forests, skateboard parks and the nearby rivers. Just the same, these students wondered about the fitness-health dilemma and how they could make a difference for others.
Lion Sports-Heavyhands, a Ronkonkoma, NY company manufacturing adjustable, comfortable strapped hand weights called Heavyhands were looking for ways to team up to help kids get more fit- and gain life long exercise habits. Through a Wal-Mart grant and support from Lion Sports, Vern Patrick obtained the Heavyhands they needed to begin their adventure in fitness and learning. With guidance from community members, a student-led adventure was formed with Mrs. Carnahan's class.
The “Heavyhands Walk Plus” student mentoring team began training. They’ll be the expert for both the Heavyhands walking program and the fitness awareness component. By having lots of aerobic exercise before every reading group session, research suggests that their academic success will soar. In addition, kinesthetic, musical and spatial learners will have the opportunity to shine. Students can choose to design "Walk Plus" workout routines which will be taped and added to student messages on health topics. Reading about current topics like overweight, diabetes in children and the value of active lifestyles will spark the children's "get fit" message to their peers.
With the help of local high school students, members of the community with media experience, the students will be able to develop DVDs of their workout and messages to share.
