San Diego Students Jog Before School

They exercise their minds all day and their bodies every morning.

Elementary students in San Diego have taken to jogging before school to get their days started off on the right foot. The program encourages students who get dropped off early at school because of their parents' long commutes to jog with a group of fellow early birds.

Schools have not yet performed a methodical study of the impact of the before-school runs, but teachers report that scores on fitness tests and productivity during classes have improved significantly. Teachers' endorsement is enough for me. Besides, I know exercise certainly makes a difference in my mornings!

I salute San Diego. Kids need not only playtime and unstructured time, but also regular exercise. (See previous blog.)

Comments

[laura]

I think that jogging is a wonderful way to keep the student, as whole, in balance. Physical, emotional and mental stimulation is activated when engauging in physical activity where your heart rate increases. It just makes sense!

[raniamutharajan]

I do agree that children should have such regular excersise timings. I t keeps them mentslly alert and they will be able to pay more attention in their classrooms

[Carol Haag]

I would like to have a jogging group at my elementary school for the last 6 weeks of school for second and third graders. Please send me more info: parent permission; length of time each day; adult/student ratio; etc.
thanks
Carol Haag
Learning SUpport teacher
first, second, third grades

[Ermine Cunningham]

Hi Carol,

I am a teacher in a K-5 school in Syracuse,NY. It is a large school, almost 800 students. I have been trying(pretty much on my own) to start some exercise group as you described--I started a "running club" but was turned down for 2 grants(for shoes, etc.) but thought I would try it on a small scale. I only have 3 boys in the club (my trial group)--however, they got in trouble going back to their room from our session yesterday! Anyway, too much info, I know but it's the end of the week. Do you have a large area for running? Would you do it by class? When were you thinking of doing it? I like your idea of having it the last few weeks of school. Maybe I can help you plan it out a bit and get my own thing going here, too.
Write back if you'd like!
Ermine Cunningham

[mark Fox]

Just jogging could become a little boring after awhile. Here are some fun fitness ideas from Men's Health:

1. Chain Tag
Space four cones thirty yards apart in the shape of a rectangle or square. This creates boundaries for the kids to stay within when they run in this game. (NOTE: Thirty yards works well for twenty kids, so add a yard per additional child.) If you'd like to participate, you can start by being "it," or a kid can start. The person who is "it" should tag a student and the two of them then hold hands. Together, they tag another player and the three of them are "it," or "the chain." Continue until all kids are part of the chain.
The benefit: Starting the workout with a game emphasizes fun. Chain tag also teaches respect for personal space.

2. Superheroes
Have the students lie on their stomachs and pretend they are flying through the air like their favorite superheroes for 10 seconds.
The benefit: Increases flexibility and mobility; strengthens core musculature.

3. Sprints
Place two cones about 10 feet apart (call this the starting line) and two cones opposite them and about 15 yards away (the finish line). Place the kids in groups of four to six kids. Have one group stand at the starting line. On your signal, they will sprint 15 yards to the finish line, circle around the cones and return to start. After the first sprint, change the starting position. For instance, they can start on their knees, belly, back, side, pushup position, etc. You can also change the command to go (for example: when you clap, whistle, or yell a person's name). Alternate groups so three groups rest while one works.
The benefit: Improves cardiovascular health and endurance. Sprints are competitive, but the variations make them fun.

4. Circuits
Set boundaries with the cones 20 yards apart and have five kids stand by each cone. Yell "five vertical jumps" and all kids do five jumps. Yell "skip" and all athletes skip to the next cone, moving clockwise. Yells "eight pushups" and all kids do eight pushups. Next, ask the kids to suggest exercises. For instance, if one kid says, "bear crawl," all the kids should bear crawl to the next cone. After a couple suggestions, repeat the circuit once or twice.
The benefit: Builds strength, speed, and agility; encourages creativity.

5. Screamer
Ask the students to get in two lines facing each other and get in pushup position, so they're head to head. Have the kids do one pushup, stand up and then jump, giving their partner a "high ten." Drop back to pushup position and do two pushups and two jumps. Repeat once more for three pushups and three jumps and then reverse the drill back to one. Feel free to vary the repetitions based on the kids' age and fitness levels.
The benefit: Builds teamwork and trust, and improves strength and endurance.

[Mary]

Hi Carol
I run a movement class three times a week before school here in the UK.
It requires no equipment and has great research to back it.
Let me know if you would like more info. I have been doing this for the last few years and parents and teachers comment on the progress children make both physically and in the classroom.

[Jennifer]

Mary - I'd love to hear more about your program - trying to start one here. What's the research base? You can email me at jensinek23@gmail.com

Mark - love the ideas for the games beyond jogging.

Has anyone combined the activity with the goal of improving sensory-motor integration? It seems most kids these days could benefit...