fitCLUB

Recharge Brainstorm Race

Kids learn about recharging their energy through sleep and relaxation. They'll learn how many hours of sleep is enough and how to relax to be healthier.

Group of kids sitting in a circle having a discussion
Small group of kids writing their thoughts on paper
Small group of kids playing fitClub balloon toss game
Kids running around cones in a gym
Girl looking too tired to eat the food on the table
Group of kids doing stretching exercises on yoga mats
Home fitClub Session 2-Energize Your Healthy Habits S2 Activity 2-Recharge Brainstorm Race

Activity Purpose

Kids brainstorm what they currently think "recharge your energy" means. This will help them learn that getting enough sleep every night and relaxing throughout the day are ways to get the right kind of energy to make healthy choices.

Objectives

  • Describe “recharge” as sleeping 9-12 hours every night and doing screen-free relaxation activities throughout the day.
  • Identify recharge as an influencer of fit choices throughout the day.

Preparation

  • Talk Time: Kids sit and stretch or stand and march in place. Be sure they are a safe distance (arm’s length) apart.
  • Activity: Divide kids into small groups of 3-4. Distribute a marker or pencil and a piece of blank paper to each group.
  • Wrap Up: Kids sit in a circle for discussion.

 

Talk Time

Introduction

Q: True or false? Watching TV in bed can help you wind down and fall asleep? 
A: False! The bright screen tricks your brain into thinking it is time to be awake.

Let's do a Brainstorm Race! Take a moment right now to think about what it means to "recharge your energy." (Pause for 30 seconds to allow time for kids to think about their responses before continuing with the activity.)

Do The Activity

Activity Instructions
  1. Divide kids into small groups (3-4 kids per group). Each group picks a person to write.
  2. Give each group 1 piece of paper and a pencil or marker.
  3. Set a timer for 1 minute.
  4. Leader asks "What do you think it means to recharge your energy?" then starts the timer.
  5. Each group brainstorms together and writes their ideas on paper.
  6. After 1 minute leader asks each group to share their brainstorm thoughts about recharge.
  7. Leader explains:
  • Recharge, along with mood, influences your choices.
  • Recharge gives you energy to make fit food and move choices.
  • There are 2 ways to recharge: 
    • Sleep 9-12 hours every night.
    • Relax and do a quiet, screen-free activity to recharge your energy. Do a puzzle, draw, write in a journal, play with blocks or Legos, do breathing exercises, do stretching exercises, meditate, etc.

Wrap Up

Reflections

Q: It has been a long day at school and you are wishing you had more energy when you get home. What can you do?
A: Recharge your energy by stretching, reading, drawing, doing puzzles, or evening doing a mindful meditation. Recharge gives you energy to make fit choices!

Challenge

Find ways to relax in order to recharge in your day. Take 10 slow, deep breaths between subjects or activities.

Next Activity

Time: 5 Minutes

What You'll Need

Resources
Materials
  • Blank Paper
  • Markers or Pencils
  • Timer
  • Optional-Pad of Sticky Notes
Helpful Tips
  • Instead of being in small groups, create a large poster with "recharge" written in the center. Kids write their brainstorm ideas randomly across the poster. Consider hanging the poster up to serve as a reminder.
  • Modify activity to be a Sticky-Note Storm! Everyone gets one sticky note. Set the timer for 2 minutes and have kids write down what it means to "recharge your energy" in the time allotted. Then, they share their ideas with each other.

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