Group+PhysEd+Fitness+Program


 * 2 WEEK FITNESS PROGRAM**

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The Middle Childhood Syllabus (4-7), as developed by the Department of Education and Training Western Australia, currently states that children are required to participate in at least 2 hours of physical activity per week. Such targets can be achieved if 1/2 hour to 45 minute time slots are allocated throughout the school week, plus additional recreational sports and movement conducted after school hours.

In maintaining the interest of the students, physical activity should be made challenging yet enjoyable, allowing the students to experience achievement and self growth. Therefore in establishing a fitness program within the classroom, teamwork, strategy, discipline and integration amongst other school curriculum is promoted, while physical areas of strength, agility, balance and coordination are used.

In establishing an effective fitness program refer to the resources page above for specific and appropriate information. In creating a programe to be inclusive of self awareness and major muscle groups, a circuit based set up covers such areas. This requires a number of stations to be set up, often in a large circle, where each station requires an individual exercise to be completed. One station may involve jogging on the spot in which cardiovascular exercise is achieved. Another station may include situps where core strength is tested. Whilst conducting the cool down, the teacher can ask questions such as 'What was your favourite excercise and why?' or 'Which was your least favourite and why?'. This allows interaction and communication amongst students who are able to reflect and compare with their peers.

Exercise at home, or outside of the school environment, is integral in learning the importance of physical movement. This helps promote the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle whilst having to self manage activities and being aware of outcomes. There are many activities that children can participate in that often involves the back yard. The back yard is a fantastic area in which games of tag, hopscotch, duck duck goose, etc can be played with family and friends. These games are an excellent example of cardio based exercises, while interacting with other participants on a positive level.

Many local parks today are equipped with exercise equipment. Signs are displayed naming the type of equipment and the target muscle group being used. Children love to play on these and they also begin to feel and learn what muscles are being used on their own body.

Attached below is an example class plan:

Students can use the following technology both during and post fitness circuit:
 * __ Technology for students __**
 * A stopwatch for timing each station
 * A clicker for counting each repetition
 * A computer and software such as Microsoft Excel for recording results. Example recording table[[file:Circuit Plan Program Card.xlsx]]