We
had lots of fun and great conversations with our healthy living
month. I apologize for the extreme lateness in getting the blog
posting completed. We
worked together to
complete several art projects, many stories read and whole group
conversations about healthy living choices.
Some
of the stories we read were What’s for Lunch?
By Andrea Curtis, This is the Way We Eat Our Lunch,
by Edith Baer, Eating the Alphabet,
by Lois Ehlert, Lunch
by Denise Flemming, D.W. the Picky Eater
by Marc Brown, How Did That Get in my Lunch Box?
By Lucia Gaggiotti, Spoon,
by Amy Rosenthal, I will
Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato
by Lauren Child, Gregory,
the Terrible Eater,
by Mitchell Sharmat and Little
Pea,
by Amy Rosenthal. I didn’t realize how many until listing them.
It was a fun time reading serious books with informational text about
other parts of the world and how and what they eat to silly books
about what goats eat. It was enjoyable to read and also learn from
the books about what other cultures do with food choices. Most of
the books focused on healthy eating and our other conversations
focused on exercise and other aspects of healthy choices.
We
did an art project focused on the book Lunch.
I found an outline of the mouse from the book. Students cut out the
mouse and drew in the belly the foods that the mouse ate. I drawings
are simple and focused on learning the colors of foods as well.
Students added a front flap to the mouse to cover the belly. We
added a pipe cleaner for a tail to add to the cuteness. We
have enjoyed looking at them on the wall and reflecting on good food
choices we can select on our way to lunch.
We
discussed the
process that should be used to properly wash your hands. Students
used pictures clues to illustrate and write about the process. I was
really impressed with their knowledge. I attached some illustrations
the kids drew and they are really amazing. We read a poem together
about loosing baby teeth and getting permanent teeth.
The
students listened to information about fire safety and finding a safe
spot outside their home if there was an emergency. We talked about
dialing 911 for an emergency and that they would need to know their
address. Several students already did know theirs and I encouraged
the others to talk with their families. I had them illustrate ways
to be safe around cars in roads and parking lots. They knew to walk
in the crosswalk, wait for the light, and walk on the sidewalk.
They
also illustrated how to be safe in another situation. Some drew
about hand washing after using the bathroom, cleaning
a wound and bandages, keeping out of medications, staying away from
the stove or things like the iron or a swimming pool.
The
class discussed where foods come from. Wheat makes bread, oranges
make orange juice, cows make milk and things like cheese, and corn
can make popcorn. We discussed healthy food choices such as fruits
and vegetables, proteins and dairy. Then moderating how much we eat
of grains and fats.
We
enjoyed several discussions about exercise, types and how important
it is to keep your body all around healthy. I particularly enjoyed
going through a variety of stretches and exercises and watching the
students attempt them. Some were jump rope, squats, sit-ups, push-ups,
running in place, marching and arm circles. Stretches included the
hamstring, quads, arms, and big belly breaths.
Students
saw pictures of the human muscular system, skeletal system and
circulation system. They were able to see how the systems work
together to keep us moving. Students
identified ways to make their heart work hard and what exercise looks
like. They made paper skeletons and put the major bones in the
correct places to assemble the body. This was quite enjoyable and I
was impressed at their ability to do this mostly accurately after our
class discussion. I showed the students an activity pyramid. It is
very helpful to show different activities and how often and long they
should be doing them each day. It resembles the food pyramid
concept. The top of the triangle is using the iPad, next strength
activities, active activities like bike riding and jump rope and
most often, playing with toys, friends and at the park.
The
last thing we did was illustrate examples of anaerobic and aerobic
activities. Many drew pictures of weightlifting, which the pictures
are amazing and adorable. The aerobic activities are things like
swimming, biking and frog squats.
I
love healthy living month and the great discussions it promotes. I
was pleased to hear from some parents that their child was wanting to
eat healthier and was more excited to play outside or with toys
rather than watching TV. I hope this continues to be a trend and
lifestyle changes for them.
I
am so sorry to be so late getting this posted. I have photos on my
old phone I need to get sent and uploaded. I will get them added as
soon as I can.
The end of the year is a blur often with all the activities and celebrations. It was with much anticipation for my class to have our We are Champions! lesson as well as our awards ceremony. 
For this lesson, I have a giant play house that the whole class can fit inside. It was labeled "time machine". The students sat on the rug and then were invited to enter the time machine. I have a plastic tube sound maker that made "woosh" sounds while the students were in the time machine. Students came back to the rug and we revisited the things we had done for a particular month. I pulled up the community and watched videos or saw pictures that I posted for that month. The students then entered the time machine again and were brought to another month of the year. We went through all the topics and events we did this year. The kids loved it and enjoyed seeing their pictures of themselves over the year. It was a pleasure to do with them. 
We had an awards ceremony with our certificates and medals I made for them that said, "I am a champion!" The students took turns celebrating their friends and posing for a picture with me. I enjoyed much being proud of their individual accomplishments and reflecting quickly on their goals from the beginning of the year as each student listened. I am so proud of their accomplishments. I know that Kerry Simmonds had a huge impact on them as well. The students often brought up Kerry as a inspiration to something they did or why they did it a certain way. 
I love Classroom Champions and the amazing impact it has on my students, and me. I am thrilled to be asked to return to be a part of this inspirational program. Thank you.
