Some time ago I had read a book entitled Walking for Little Children by Robert Sweetgall and Robert Neeves. It convinced me that walking should be an important part of the physical education curriculum and I got some good practical ideas on setting up a walking course and other specific activities. When I saw this new book by the same author I thought it would be worth a read. I am glad I did. This little book is sort of a “everything you want to know about pedometers.” In the early chapters it covers all the basics such as the different types of pedometers, how to wear them, and how to calculate step lengths in various ways. Maybe you think you already know most of this stuff but wait, there is more. Chapter three explains two pedometer fitness walking tests. There is a 6-minute version and a 15-minute version. They are clearly described and criteria are listed for outstanding, excellent, fine, very good, good, fair, and fairly deconditioned. I am intrigued by the tests and would love to see how well they would work when implemented.

Chapter 4 is devoted to log keeping. Sweetgall is a proponent of the motivational and educational reasons for getting both adults and children to keep an activity log. A variety of logging methods is offered. One fundamental method is to wear the pedometer all day and get a grand count. Another method is to wear the pedometer only on specified walks. The pros and cons of these and other slightly different approaches are discussed.

While there is useful information in chapters dealing with cardiovascular fitness, calorie burning/weight loss, and short/long term goal setting, I liked chapter 8 the best. It gives practical ideas on how to effectively use pedometers in schools. I particularly liked the grade-by-grade goals that are listed and defended, and the section on “finding the time.” I concur with the concept of programming regular activity breaks into the school day (5-minute mid-morning mini-walks, walks around the building to perk up after lunch, etc.). And I appreciated the coverage given to practical teacher concerns such as how to adjust instruction in light of the number of available pedometers, and how to deal with children who might be careless and thereby damage or lose their pedometers.

If this book sound interesting to you, checkout their web site, they have a good variety of other related books and cassettes (www.ceativewalking.com).

For more information, or to order this book, click here.

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