Keep Moving!

Physical activity supports academics and low-cost

resources make it possible for any program

Sara Goldberg, AmeriCorps MemberHannah Wise, AmeriCorps Member

•Hunger•More than 1 in 4 children in Ohio hungry or at-risk of hunger•24% of kids in Ohio live in poverty

•Consequences for children•More likely to score lower on achievement tests, display behavioral problems & be tardy or absent from school

Promoting Healthy Food and Fitness:

Why it Matters

•Obesity•1/3 of third graders in Ohio are overweight or obese

•Consequences for children•Health issues– increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, breathing problems•Emotional problems– lower self-esteem, depression, anxiety, OCD

Promoting Healthy Food and Fitness:

Why it Matters

Promoting Healthy Food and Fitness:

Why it Matters•Fitness

•Frequency•Duration •Content

•Effects on Academics•Higher standardized test scores•Better behavior•Increased concentration

Afterschool: A Unique Environment

1. Serve many children at highest risk for overweight (lower-income, minorities)

2. Reach children who are at an age when they are developing health habits they will carry into adulthood

3. Have a unique opportunity to modify lessons and make learning hands-on and fun

4. Offer a safe and supportive environment for trying new activities and building skills

5. Staff can act as role models to positively influence healthy behaviors

6. Provide healthy meals and snacks to serve as nutritious examples of a healthy diet

7. Provide both structured and unstructured opportunities for physical activity

8. It takes ALL environments to make a difference!

Adapted from “Promoting Physical Activity and Healthy Nutrition in Afterschool Settings: Strategies for Program Leaders and Policy Makers” US Department of Health and Human Services, August. 2006.

Physical Activity Standards

•60 minutes or more a day

•Increases muscle and bone strength

•Maintains healthy weight

•Reduces risk of chronic disease

•No more then 2 hours of inactivity

Physical Activity Guidelines

•Types of activities

•Curriculum

•Evaluation

•Qualified staff

•Environment

•Family, school and community

•Staffing

•Training

•Funding

Overcoming Barriers to Implementing Fitness Activities Afterschool

• Space

• Equipment

• Time

Activity Demonstrati

ons

Rotation Stations

•Cards with different movements

•3-5 kids at each station then rotate

•Themed stations

•Jump ropes

•Basketball

•Soccer

Rope Ladders

•Under $12 to make

•Need rope and 20 feet of PVC

•Movements require concentration

•Keep heart rate up

•Does not require space

Classic Game of Tag

•No equipment required

•Keeps them moving

•Alterations/challenges

Different Types of Tag

•Stuck in the Mud

•Rock, Paper Scissors

•Chain

•Dragon Tail

•Requires flags – what else can you use?

Garbage Ball

•Any equipment you have available

•Two teams

•Divide gym in half

•Be a role model

•Integrate physical activity

•Communicate with families

•Overcome barriers

Conclusion

Coming Soon!

To a place

hopefully near you!

CATCH Trainings!

Geared just for

afterschool staff!

CATCH After School

The CATCH Kids Club (CKC) is a physical activity and nutrition education program designed for elementary school-aged children (grades K - 5) in an after-school/summer setting.

The CKC program offers an easy-to-use format that both children and staff enjoy, and is ready to implement in the after-school and summer

settings.

Resources

•Ohio Kids on the Move: Physical Activity Guidelines

http://ohioafterschoolnetwork.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=8

SPARK: Free Webinars the 3rd Wednesday of every monthhttp://www.sparkpe.org/physical-education-resources/webinars/

Questions and Comments