Activities to Do in the Classroom to Improve Student Health and Fitness
Health and fitness is something that needs to be taught in every classroom across the country. Teachers need to start educating the students, and sometimes themselves, on just what it means to eat a balanced diet and also get exercise as well. If we don’t, we are putting our students at risk.
The United States is officially the fattest country in the world according to the survey from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and numerous other studies. Nearly 40 percent of adults are clinically obese.
Let me say that again. Almost half of the population in America is clinically obese. We are not even counting those adults that are only considered overweight.
A little over 30 percent of American 15-year-olds are clinically obese as well. If we as a nation do not start making health and fitness a priority, at home and at school, then we only have ourselves to blame for doctor visits and health insurance premiums rising every year.
As an educator, you might be able to keep children and young adults from falling into the overweight category by informing them how to keep the pounds off. Below are some simple ideas you can start incorporating into your lessons.
Educate
Every now and then, spend a class period discussing a proper diet. Show them that the average adult only needs to take in about 2,000 calories a day. Ask them to keep a food journal and have them figure out how many calories they are consuming every day.
Read Labels
Bring in dozens of food labels and ask the kids to determine the healthiest meal they can make by reading the nutrient content on each of the labels. Let them know that high fat, high calories foods are not ideal and will eventually lead to a weight problem if they are not careful.
Fitness Contests
Students are fond of having breaks in the classroom. Next time your kids are arguing about who is going to be first in line for lunch, have a fitness contest to determine the line order. Push-ups, jumping jacks, yoga poses, and arm wrestling contests are always a good time, especially with younger students.
Make Healthy Snacks in the Classroom
Many students do not eat healthily because it is easier to eat junk food. Put on your own little cooking show in the classroom and demonstrate how to make a healthy and filling salad. Inform them how to make healthier food choices by leading them to nutritional alternatives.
Bring in Special Guest Speakers
There is probably a nutritionist, personal trainer, or doctor in your district that would enjoy speaking with the children about health and fitness. Maybe even one of your students’ parents can come in as a guest speaker if they have the credentials to properly talk with the kids about healthy life choices.
At iAchieve, we believe a healthy mind and a healthy body go hand-in-hand. Our tutors, academic coaches, and educational professionals can help your student maximize their potential during the school year and beyond.
Written by Ryan Crawley
Contact us today to discuss how iAchieve Learning can support your child in 2018.
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