elementary school-related stories
How many steps does your kid take in a day?
Fitness, Nutrition & Supplements
Seemed like a lot at first. I mean, don't kids mostly sit while receiving their elementary educations? Apparently not. And after further thought, I realize that my kiddo walks from our car to his classroom in the morning, he walks to lunch and back, he walks to "specials" -- like Art, Media, Music, and Physical Education, where he then walks some more and then runs, jumps, pulls up, pushes up, climbs, and jumps rope. There's also recess, and I've got a pretty good idea Joey and his pals race the entire time. Walking out of school and to the car wrap up the activity of the school day. I guess 4,000 isn't so much, then, given my 7-year-old's day of motion -- which of course, continues once we hit the front door of our house.
Does Joey log 15,000 steps per day, the recommendation for healthy, active boys ages six to 12 (girls this age need 12,000)? I can't be sure because a pedometer is not something he usually wears. But I bet he comes pretty close -- biking, skating, scootering, and ripsticking are his usual after-school activities (yes, he does watch TV and play on the computer too). All I really need to know, though, is that he's an active boy. It's lifestyle steps that keep kids in a healthy weight zone, after all. And this guy lives a pretty active lifestyle, So, yep, I think he's OK.
How many steps does your kid take? And what about you -- 10,000 should be your goal.
Girls: Gym class improves test scores
Fitness, Nutrition & Supplements
In an effort to raise test scores, schools have been forced to trim time from classes that don't focus on core essentials, like reading and math. "Specials," such as art, music, and physical education are also often cut when budgets get tight. But a new nationwide study done by the CDC should give school administrators pause when those decisions have to be made.What the CDC found was that girls who spend between 70 and 300 minutes in physical education each week tended to score higher on achievement tests than girls who spent a half hour or less each week in gym class. (This finding did not apply to boys.) Researchers theorize that the added exercise improved blood flow to the brain and also reduced disruptive behaviors.
Because many struggling schools can only provide a half hour class each week, parents may need to help their kids supplement physical education with outside activities. Encouraging regular family walks and bike rides, extracurricular sports and classes, and a generally active lifestyle will teach children healthy habits for life.
Where are vending machines lurking?
Vending machines seem to be lurking around every corner, tempting us with their quick, convenient snacks. Even I, a self-professed junk food hater, fall prey to them every now and then. They're a dangerous thing when you're hungry and a long walk from the nearest cafe.
But you know what institution has the most vending machines? Schools. According to this article, 98% of high schools have vending machines, compared with 90% of middle schools and 43% of elementary schools. Now, if that's not bad marketing directed at kids, I don't know what is. I know that in my high school, the vending machine was a way of raising funds, but I think schools should find a better way to do this.
What's your take on the dreaded vending machine?
But you know what institution has the most vending machines? Schools. According to this article, 98% of high schools have vending machines, compared with 90% of middle schools and 43% of elementary schools. Now, if that's not bad marketing directed at kids, I don't know what is. I know that in my high school, the vending machine was a way of raising funds, but I think schools should find a better way to do this.
What's your take on the dreaded vending machine?
Fitness belongs in the classroom
Celebs & Entertainment, Nutrition & Supplements
The kids at Rock Hill's Independent Elementary School start their day by jumping around the classroom. It sounds like a great way to start the day, and it might become more prevalent as school try to incorporate more physical activity into their curriculums. According to this, South Carolina is leading the way by implementing a required 90-minutes of PE per week in elementary schools, plus 60 minutes of PE education each week. It sounds like a great idea to encourage more activity, but 90 minutes a week doesn't seem like much -- that's only three 30-minute sessions a week. I could be wrong, but I thought we did an hour of gym class a day when I was a youngster. We needed it -- kids have lots of energy to burn, especially after sitting in a classroom all day.
Critics argue that too much physical activity at school means less time can be devoted to more important subjects like Math and English. I disagree. I think physical activity is one of the most important things you can teach children, especially in light of the obesity epidemic. After all, what's more important than your health? Just ask someone who is suffering from an obesity-related medical condition like heart disease whether they'd rather have learned about long division or the importance of getting fit and eating right -- I think you'll find that a pen and paper doesn't mean much to someone who is fighting for their life.
What do you think?
