| Reviewers Comments: | This compact resource is an easy way to add fun physical activity to your nutrition classes. The set comes complete with 78 cards, 73 of them describing a different fitness activity. The cards are 5” x 8” and come hole punched in the upper left corner so they can be held together by a string or binder ring (not included). The first few cards describe fitness basics – how to warm up and cool down, and take a break for thirst – and classroom management skills, such as how to deliver instructions, how to stop and start a class consistently, how to organize children into groups and help them make formations (such as circles or lines), how to improve class behavior, and suggested consequences for unacceptable behavior. This is followed by the activity cards.
Each activity card has the name of the exercise, the age level it is most appropriate for, the amount of space needed, directions on how to lead the exercise, and equipment needed (if any). Many of the activities can be down without equipment. Some of them require simple items, such as scarves and chairs, and balls. There are several activities that require a large parachute. Each activity card is numbered in the bottom right corner, and an index of card activities is included in the front section. The number of children needed for the activity is not specified; however most can be adjusted to accommodate various sized groups. Activities can last from several minutes to an hour or more, depending on how much time the teach allows to be spent with it.
While activities can be used as a stand alone tool, it is recommended that they are used in conjunction with a nutrition curriculum. Many of the activities have a nutrition theme and relate to food and food groups, such as “Food Group Colors, “Hide the Veggies”, “Fruit Salad” and “Find Your Food Group”. Tips are given on the back of each card for integrating the activity into a nutrition curriculum. While the activities will teach and enforce children’s knowledge of nutrition and provide them with important physical fitness, activities are not based on behavioral change theory and may not alter participant’s eating behavior unless used in conjunction with a solid nutrition curriculum. Activity cards can also be used in conjunction with a log where participant record the amount of physical activity they do daily.
These physical activity cards are easy to read and follow and contain fun activities that will appeal to all ages. They are great way to enhance any nutrition class.
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