Students at my school enjoy an activity called Commercial Break. I wanted my students to work on their shoulder strength at home. I have them choose their favorite cartoon or TV show, and while they watch, do 5 to 10 push-ups at every commercial break. During certain segments of the class I will call out Commercial Break, and they do 5 push-ups before the next activity. I also include other exercises such as 100 jumps or sit-ups for those students who cannot do pushups or want variety.
Larry Hardman O.R. Edgington E. S. Englewood, OH

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I encourage my students to get involved in outside activities. We have soccer, baseball, basketball, softball and football available at the community level. We also have a recreational group that provides intramural activities. Several times a year class time is spent talking about the importance of physical activity, the benefits of being on a team and how much fun it can be participating with friends. In my bi-weekly school newsletter I encourage families to be physically active together.
Louisa Rise Goshen, OH

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Strategies I use now or in the past include:

The mile run fitness test: Each student is asked to get one or both parents to practice with them before the final test, then bring a signed note they have done so.

The Push-up/Curl-up/Pull-up Fitness Test: I encourage students to practice at home and on recess equipment. Either parents or other teachers can verify their practice sessions.

I have them watch a specific sport on TV and then report what teams were playing, the score, and something specific that happened during the game. This helps students understand the rules and strategies of that specific sport.

I encourage students to participate in intramural programs. We always have a great turnout. The activities are free and take place as if played in a camp environment. There is bowling, track, basketball, wrestling, volleyball, cheerleading and chess.

I give extra credit if students attend a school sport activity.

I attend the youth program ALLSports games that students of mine participate in.
Above all, I acknowledge my students' achievements to their peers. Any extra credit seems minimal to them compared to this kind of recognition.
Rod Hubbard

Fairfield Intermediate School Fairfield, OH

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First of all, students must feel worthy of an active lifestyle. Our society and many of our physical education programs too often reward elite movers, so the remaining students become competent bystanders who live a more sedentary lifestyle. Physical educators must crush elite barriers, and the goal to impact all students must be our concern. When students experience a class where all students' abilities are valued, there will be a higher probability that each of them will value his/her ability to have an active lifestyle. The teacher must also reach out into the community to find safe places for students to experience an active lifestyle. There is a major concern for our children and young adults today when it comes to safe places to play. The knowledgeable physical educator can inform parents and students about what is happening in their own community. Last, but not least, physical educators must continue to educate the students, parents, teachers, principals and community about the need for play and active involvement in sport and recreational activities.
Bill Carleton San Antonio, TX

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I teach a Lifetime Fitness class where students alternate from classroom to gym. We teach the benefits of exercise and exercise physiology. One way to motivate students to exercise on their own is by changing their attitudes. I try to stress moderate to high fitness activity, and encourage them to enjoy doing exercise no matter what form it takes. I also have students keep an exercise journal. Activities outside of the school are documented and merit bonus points. For example, if they practice three times a week for 15-30 minutes I give
them two bonus points. I also give them color-coded smiley faces to represent the number of bonus points. At the end of the 9-week semester student add up their bonus points and turn them in to be added to their grade. They also get bonus points from Gifts from the Heart. This includes being active in a walk-a-thon that contributes to cancer, diabetes, etc. Shoveling snow for the elderly or those who are unable to do so also merits bonus points. I encourage them to be active by helping those less able because it promotes a sense of awareness of their own wellness.
Linda Neff
Lacota Freshman School Westchester, OH

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To encourage students to be active, I:

Advise them to play outside or ride their bikes when they get home from school.

Take an interest in and attend sports my students participate in outside the school environment.

Personally hand out sign-up sheets for community leagues, lessons or camps. Any forms I can turn in for them, I will.

Put notices in our school newsletter related to lessons, camps, leagues, etc.

Take an interest in sport activities students attend and how they spend their free time.
Cindy Sauter Central Academy Middletown, OH

The contributions to Ideas Exchange were compiled by Garry Bowyer, Strategies Editorial Board member

Title: What strategies do you use to encourage students to be active outside the classroom?
Doc Date: 2002
Journal Name: Strategies (Reston, Va.)
Journal Volume: 16
Journal Publisher: American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
Journal Issue: 2
Journal Date: Nov/Dec 2002
Journal Pages: 5-6

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