1. What common interests exist among the kids you work with?
I would say the #1 interest of Hispanic girls & boys is playing Soccer! Even though I am working with 9th-12th graders, i imagine it is no different for 6th/8th graders.
The more you bring in new sports for them to try-like-lacrosse, field hockey, tennis, flag football (they love this)
we also did a 3-week section of core activities that the students loved-like a mini-circuit set up...jump ropes, lite hand weights, lite barbells etc...all rotating to loud music..kinda like
muscial chairs...it was so much fun and the students didn't even realize how much cardio they accomplished in a class period-this would be an easy activity to implement
for an after school activity.
One of best activities we did was a Fitness assessment-included, BMI testing, Weight, Height and then used this data to create workout plans to use with weight training/spinning
activities in the on site fitness lab. (this part of our curriculum focuses on cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition).
Each student gets their own log book (which we keep for them so they don't lose it) and each class they enter data to see their improvement
Each student gets their own log book (which we keep for them so they don't lose it) and each class they enter data to see their improvement
over the unit.. we then re-assess each student at the end to see the improvement-very valuable for self-esteem, etc.
2. What do you think works best as a rewards system?
as far as a rewards system, I would do something like this-one whole class has to get in on the action-it is hard to do individual type reward system for high schoolers-too much
crazy competition with that. We have a trade system set up where students can do more of an activity that they are passioniate about (i.e-running) and eliminate other activities-it
has worked great for students that love to play a team activity vs. an individual sport and visa versa.
see my comments of my words of wisdom:+)
3. In your opinion, what are the biggest barriers to physical activity in the kids you work with?
3. In your opinion, what are the biggest barriers to physical activity in the kids you work with?
Laziness; obesity in teens, lack of physical activity other than the one PE class per day 4x per week for most of this particular demographic
Trying to reiterate to these students that Physical education is an ideal way to encourage activity and develop fitness- Plus- it might be their only preparation for an active lifestyle.
4. What issues do you forsee posing the largest barriers to an intervention in this population?
4. What issues do you forsee posing the largest barriers to an intervention in this population?
There needs to be a constant colloboration. District by District starting at the lower grades developing the importance of Physical Education so these students develop great behavorial/societal
habit around activity. There is no reinforcement at home from every angle-parents are rarely home to monitor these students, therefore the sedentary lifestyle takes a hold
at a young age.
5. In your experience, what are the most effective methods of communication with this group?
5. In your experience, what are the most effective methods of communication with this group?
Communication is a touchy subject. I, personally have done many 1:1 chats with many of my students on the value of physical activities, modeling and mentoring in every
class. As an Instructional Associate, I have the ability to assist/participate right along with the students-this is extremely valuable way to interact and connect with them.
I use some of my own physical activity accomplishments to show them that anything is indeed Possible...
6. Any other suggestions?
6. Any other suggestions?
The Dept of Education needs to change the Graduation requirements for Physical Education. Students only now need (2) years of credits (sports participation is extra)
and we do not see that requirement changing.
Other things that REALLY need to happen: How do we do some of these below? It has to be done from the Top Down-Superintendent of each District needs to get their arms around this!!
School curriculums that foster better nutrition. The creation of school wellness councils that include physician representation.
Coordinate physical activities with community agencies. Schools might allow use of school facilities by community agencies that sponsor physical activity programs, facilitate training programs for volunteer youth coaches, invite community groups to an "activity fair" for students in the school gymnasium, or provide a listing of community physical activity resources to students.
Schools should encourage and enable parent(s) to get involved in physical activity. Parents activity level is important in promoting activity among children. How cool would it be for schools to encourage activity in par by sending home PE homework that parents and children can do together. Also, start a recruitment program with parent volunteers for physical education classes, and sponsoring parent-child activity programs at school. (This never happens at the High School level, but why NOT???)
We must provide physical and social environments that encourage and enable physical activity. For example, schools should allow access to facilities before and after school hours and during vacation periods, encourage teachers to provide time for unstructured physical activity during recess and during physical education class, & to serve as "active" role models by enabling and encouraging their own participation in physical activity.
Schools should encourage and enable parent(s) to get involved in physical activity. Parents activity level is important in promoting activity among children. How cool would it be for schools to encourage activity in par by sending home PE homework that parents and children can do together. Also, start a recruitment program with parent volunteers for physical education classes, and sponsoring parent-child activity programs at school. (This never happens at the High School level, but why NOT???)
We must provide physical and social environments that encourage and enable physical activity. For example, schools should allow access to facilities before and after school hours and during vacation periods, encourage teachers to provide time for unstructured physical activity during recess and during physical education class, & to serve as "active" role models by enabling and encouraging their own participation in physical activity.
Interview #2 (School psychologists at a middle school in Escondido 85% Latino)
1. What common interests exist among the kids you work with?skateboarding, video games, technology in general (ipod/cell phone),
2. What do you think works best as a rewards system?
*reinforcement that is intermittent and unpredictible (rewards may be earned at random, unscheduled times)- "cactch" someone being great at a random time. "athlete of the day" "best sportsmanship". maybe earns an extra punch on their exercard, etc.
*small short term rewards and a bigger long term goal
*tangible items (possible donations from apparel companies- kids can earn water bottle, sweatband even up to a pair of shoes). this can be very good for low income families where lack of participation can be tied to lack of necessary "gear"- balls,
clothing, etc.
public recognition of their accomplishment (certificate given by principal in an awards assembly)
long term reward (e.g. ticket to a fun sporting event)
3. In your opinion, what are the biggest barriers to physical activity in the kids you work with?
poor diet
not a cultural norm, parents do not exercise, lack of active role models in community
may not be "cool"
for low SES families, the $ it takes to attend a lesson or buy gear is not available
4. What issues do you forsee posing the largest barriers to an intervention in this population?
* money
* times- some middle schoolers have after school jobs/work with their parents/babysit
5. In your experience, what are the most effective methods of communication with this group?
invite parents to accompany their children to an activity
phone calls often work better than letters to encourage participation
on permission slips, maybe have a spot parents can check if they'd like to help out
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