Power Up for 30 has provided many useful ideas to incorporate health and fitness instruction into Greenbrier Elementary School’s lessons and curriculum. Although their students have physical education class three times weekly for 45 minutes, Greenbrier felt that their students needed some type of physical movement every day. As a result of Power Up for 30, which Greenbrier began participation in August 2013, their students have the opportunity to “get up and move” daily while increasing a positive learning environment.
Many teachers have used and are using “brain breaks” during their lessons to keep students focused and energized. In addition, students are encouraged to participate in physical activities during recess periods that promote movement. Here are some students’ comments regarding Power Up for 30 and activities they enjoy:
“I like brain breaks and doing jumping jacks with math facts,” said Joahnnes, a third grader.
The faculty and staff are excited about Power Up for 30. A majority of teachers are already utilizing “brain breaks” and are seeing the benefits of this for the students by maximizing instructional minutes. Teachers integrate music and movement in their lessons utilizing their activboards and flip charts. As a result, students seem more engaged in the learning and their ability to remain on task longer has increased. Administrators are observing that the breaks and movement during lessons give the students time to re-focus and re-energize while promoting time on task.
“Sometimes we play follow the leader and lead the students through marching, jumping jacks, and running in place,” said Lisa, a kindergarten teacher. “Students ‘air box’ as they count to 100 during calendar time. CD’s containing songs with movement are used on a daily basis in all subject areas.”
During the Brierpatch Before and After School Program, students are involved in various physical activities including jump roping, hula hooping, low impact relay games, basketball, kickball, and four square. Participating in the Brierpatch before school allows students to get the “wiggles” out and provides for better instruction by the teachers and more focus and on task behavior by the students.
Greenbrier Elementary also participates in other local programs. Greenbrier Elementary has partnered with Georgia Safe Routes to School and completed a Walk to School Day and a Bike to School Day during the 2013-2014 school year, and plans are in place to continue these events during the 2014-2015 school year. These two events taught students to be more alert and aware of safety while traveling to and from school. Also, students learned that walking and bike riding increase physical fitness and wellness.
Greenbrier Elementary School is in the Columbia County School District.
