fitCLUB

Stretch and Discuss Physical Activity

Kids play a game to learn about the connection between energy level and the desire to move. Kids will discover fun movement ideas to support a healthy body.

Group of children having a discussion with an adult leader
Group of kids sitting together writing on paper
Group of kids listening to an adult leader
Smiling girls showing strong arms
Group of kids playing on grassy field outside
Group of kids standing and stretching in a gym
Home fitClub Session 5-Make Moving Fun S5 Activity 6 Stretch and Discuss Physical Activity

Activity Purpose

Kids discuss the connection between their energy and desire to move. Kids will also learn fitness tips and fun movement ideas.

Objectives

  • Identify "recharge" as sleeping 9-12 hours every night and doing screen-free relaxation activities throughout the day.
  • Recognize that recharge is an influencer of fit choices throughout the day.
  • Recall "Think fit. Be fit!" as a cue for "know your mood" and "make a healthy choice."

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: Have Recharge Activity Cards ready to use. Print the Session 5 Challenge and My fit Thoughts handouts for each fitClub member. If using music, have the player and music accessible and ready to play.
  • Wrap Up: Kids sit a safe distance apart for group discussion.

Talk Time

Introduction

Q: Did you know that 2/3 of a cat’s life is spent asleep?  That's about 16 hours a day! Do you remember how many hours of sleep you need?
A: Kids need 9-12 hours of sleep every night, that's between 1/3 and 1/2 of a day.

As our final activity, we are going to move through a breathing and stretching routine while we review what we have learned about recharge and plan for fit choices before our next fitClub session.

Do The Activity

Activity Instructions
  1. Kids sit, close their eyes, then take 3 deep breaths. Breathe in through the nose and fill the belly up like a balloon for a count of 6. Slowly exhale through the mouth for a count of 6.
  2. Ask for 3 volunteers; each chooses 1 Recharge Activity Card.
  3. Demonstrate how to do the stretching movement on each card. Continue the breathing pattern. 
  4. Continue stretching through Wrap Up and Reflection.

Wrap Up

Reflections

Q: Pretend you have a pencil in your hand and can write in the air. Write the most interesting thing you learned about movement. (Allow kids time to air write, then ask them to share their thoughts.)
A: Answers can include:

  • Talk and sing to help you know your movement intensity level.
    • Low intensity activities are important for flexibility and balance.
    • Moderate intensity activities send blood and oxygen to your brain.
    • High intensity movements build muscle.
  • Moving strengthens your bones and muscles.
  • Moving boosts your energy.
  • Nutritious food choices give your body the energy to move.
  • Strive to move for at least 60 minutes a day.
  • Talk yourself into moving by finding fun ways to move throughout the day.

Distribute pencils and My fit Thoughts to check for understanding and readiness to make fit choices. This will provide you with information about how well the kids are understanding the fit concepts as well as their learning needs. Remind kids that there are no right or wrong answers. Read the questions aloud:

  1. Circle the icon that represents the fit session you learned about. For this session, circle "Move."
  2. What did you learn about in the fit section you circled above? Write down something you learned today.
  3. What is one fit choice you plan to make this week.?
  4. On a scale from 1 to 5, how easy will it be to complete the fit choice you made in question 3? Put an X over "Super Easy," "Easy," "Doable," "Difficult," or "Super Difficult."
Challenge

Thank you for coming today. We had fun learning about move and its connection to the other parts of fit. Here is your challenge to help you make healthy choices until the next session. (Distribute the Session 5 Challenge for kids to take home.)

Closing

Do the fit-Chant! 

Leader: Think fit. (Pointer finger pointed at brain.) 
Kids: Know your mood! (Pointer finger pointed at brain.) 

Leader: Be fit! (Show thumbs up!)
Kids: Make a healthy choice! (Show thumbs up!)

Next Session

Time: 10 Minutes

What You'll Need

Resources
Materials
  • Music
  • Markers or Pencils
  • Timer
Helpful Tips

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