A Fit Classroom Culture
By Jeffrey Crupi

During the month of September we know it's crucial to create a classroom culture that fosters risk-taking, high levels of learning and respect for one another. Here is a variety of physical activities you can engage your students in to help promote a positive learning environment in your classroom.

Mutual respect
One way to foster respect among children is to engage them in the "Energizer Bunny®" activity. The object of the activity is to see how many laps one can complete within 10 minutes. Using cones, create a starting line on the field. A few yards past the starting line, place a second set of cones. Every time a student runs past the second set of cones, he or she has completed one lap. Students will continue running laps from the start cones to the second set of cones for 10 minutes. When "time" is called, the students might discuss the following:

• What happened if you started the challenge too quickly? What might be the best pacing strategy for this activity?
• How can you help a classmate increase the amount of laps he or she can complete? Make a plan that you can implement with a classmate.
• Did you notice that we all completed a different number of laps? Why are these differences good for us as a class?

Teamwork
An excellent way to facilitate teamwork is through relay races. When creating relay races, be sure that the activities center on various skills, such as balance, coordination, cognitive planning and physical fitness. By incorporating different skills in the relay race, teams will quickly realize that all teammates contribute essential skills to the group. Some examples of relay-race stations include: spoon and hard-boiled egg pass, passing through hoops while holding a partner's hand, a maze activity and jumping rope with a partner. After the relay, discuss the following:

• What station was hardest/easiest for you and/or your team? Why?
• What beneficial skill did each classmate bring to your team?
• What do you need in place for teamwork to be effective?
• How can working as a team be more beneficial than working in isolation?

Physical fitness
To help students understand the benefits of physical fitness, speak with them often about the need to take care of themselves physically. Be a role model and openly share with them what you do to stay in shape. Discuss how your physical routines help you stay healthy.

As an afternoon treat, reward your students with a walk around the school or a jog around the athletic field. A simple class walk can be a great way to build community while promoting beneficial exercise for your students and yourself.

Jeffrey Crupi is the owner of Peak Fitness Gym in Westport, CT. He is a certified fitness specialist with a degree from Marymount Manhattan College.