fit4Schools Encourages Healthy Choices in the Classroom

This post is in partnership with fit4Schools and WeAreTeachers.

One of the things that most teachers can agree upon is how much a good attitude and great energy levels affect learning in the classroom. It can be so challenging to overcome the mood of a classroom full of students who are sluggish and unmotivated. In fact, often when my students are dragging, I’m likely to be affected by that mood and follow them right down the same unproductive path. It is so important to encourage healthy choices in the classroom for everyone!

When your students start the day well-rested, fueled with nutritious foods, and energized by a little healthy physical activity, it is easy to have a powerful day of learning. For many children, however, there is not always the bandwidth at home to get the day started off right before heading to school and a short physical education “special” every week or two simply isn’t enough activity for their young bodies. Sanford Health, in partnership with WebMd, created the fit4Schools program, which is designed to give teachers the resources they need to help create healthy students through short lesson plans and brief physical activity, making their classrooms a more positive and productive environment.

How does fit4Schools help encourage healthy choices in the classroom?

The fit4Schools program is a simple way to empower children and their families to participate in activities that encourage healthy lifestyle choices.  In-class lessons, activity breaks, and weekly challenges help to reinforce the main keys of the program – RECHARGE and MOOD influence FOOD and MOVE choices. The fit4Schools resources include school programs, childcare training, apps, websites, and much more.

Teachers from grades K-6 access lesson plans in multiple topic areas throughout the school year. Each topic features multiple lessons with slides, handouts, supplemental printables and more. Lessons align with Common Core and Health Education standards, making them easy to integrate into your school’s curriculum. Sign up for your own fit4Schools account and get all of this and more, for free.

fit4Schools Sweepstakes for healthy choices in the classroom

If you are employed as a full-time or part-time educator at an accredited public or private school, you are eligible to enter the fit Commit Sweepstakes, through May 26^th! Simply visit the fit Commit sweepstakes page and enter to win for your classroom! Sixteen winners will be able to choose one of the below prize packs, each valued at $650!

The Rainy Day Kit Includes:

• A giant tower game
• A physical activity BINGO set
• Clever Catch activity balls
• A set of fitBoost cards
• Plus loads of other indoor get-moving games and activities including hula hoops, a dance CD, beach balls and more

For the PE Teacher Kit includes:

• 6 SST Scooters
• 24 ACTION ToppleTubes
• A huge parachute
• A set of fitBoost cards
• Plus all of the balls, Frisbees, jump ropes and more to make your P.E. class awesome.

The Classroom Active Seating Kit includes:

• 3 ergoErgo chairs
• 6 BALLance stability balls
• A Yze standing desk
• A set of fitBoost cards and Brain Breaks activities

The Flexible Seating Kit includes: 

• Tabletop standing desk
• Mogo active seat
• Active seat cushions
• Deskcycle – you have to try one of these!
• Stability ball chair
• Stability ball set

Daily 3-minute fitBoost

Want a quick, easy way to incorporate the concepts of fit4Schools into your classroom each day? Try a 3-minute fit Boost. These 3-part, 3-minute activity breaks will help to boost everyone’s focus and energy levels with just a few minutes of movement.

What are some of the things that you do to encourage healthy choices in the classroom? How do you think fit4Schools could help you enhance your lesson plans?