Jump-Start Learning in the Classroom
FIT BITS BOOST ENERGY AND ATTENTION SPANS FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS
written by Deborah Fast, Fizika Group

Any teacher can tell you it's tough to command the attention of students whose heads are nodding, their attention wandering far beyond the classroom. "You need to get their hearts pumping and their brains moving," says Stacy Scarpace, a second grade teacher at Holland Elementary in Taylor, Michigan.

Scarpace's solution to this daily challenge is a resource called "Fit Bits." Created by the Michigan Fitness Foundation, and piloted at Holland Elementary by the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, Fit Bits are short activities designed to get students up and moving in the classroom - helping them to burn off excess energy, jump-start their attention spans and get the recommended daily physical activity. Geared for use in K-5 classrooms, Fit Bits take 7-10 minutes for each activity. Messages teach nutrition, and reinforce personal/social themes such as respect for others, compassion, self-control, responsibility and cooperation.

"Fit Bits help me to refocus students," explains Scarpace. "Particularly with classes like math, which can take an hour, I use these short exercise breaks as a reward. All of the students are eager to participate." Scarpace knew it was a success when her students began asking for the activity: "I think we need a Fit Bit," a student would say. "We’re falling asleep here!"

Initially, however, Scarpace found she needed to assure her students that it was ok to exercise in the classroom. "I needed to change their thinking. The fact that it was good for their bodies made them feel good about themselves, and that changed their minds. Smiles came on their faces, and they began to see activity as a reward."

Rhonda Danaj, also a second grade teacher at Holland Elementary, emphasizes the importance of physical activity being a daily practice. "I used Fit Bits every day in my classroom. Also, it was important for me to be a role model; I did the activities along with my students."

"I enjoyed Fit Bits very much," says Kylie Scarpace, daughter of Stacy and a rising third grader at Holland Elementary. "I liked to get my body moving!"

Fit Bits include a healthy dose of information about healthy eating. Nutrition activities in each grade cover food variety, fruits & vegetables, healthy snacks and food safety. "[Over the years] I have seen a decline in eating habits, in what kids bring for lunches," observes Danaj, who has been teaching for 22 years. "Fit Bits create a healthy environment in the classroom. We need to start with the children to make changes to unhealthy attitudes in our society."

Designed by classroom teachers for classroom teachers, Fit Bits activities have a positive impact on the classroom. Fit Bits foster a learning environment in which children are able to settle down, and to listen better and learn better. Each Fit Bits book includes 40 activities targeted at a single grade; 20 focus on nutrition messages, and 20 focus on personal/social skills. Colorful, durable posters reinforce personal/social skills being taught.

Fit Bits are available through Fizika Group. To find out more about Fizika, visit our website. Learn more about Fit Bits.

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