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Ten Points
Dear Carol,We are starting a running club at our school today for children in kindergarten through the fifth grade. Any suggestions?
Susan
Congrats on starting a running club for kids. Here are ten suggestions:
1. FUN
Make sure that "fun" is emphasized. Listen to the kids' comments and read what they write in their journals and you'll soon know if what you have designed is fun for the children.
2. STRUCTURE
There should be some consistency to your plan. I don't mean do "exactly" the same thing every day, but there should be some sameness each day. For example: warming up before the running or journal writing at the end of the club
3. VARIETY
Some days run on a different route, use a theme for a holiday, play a game, or run a relay.
4. PERSONAL GOALS
Kids should be working for personal goals. You may want a formal procedure for kids to create these goals. You may want kids to work for incentives: toe tokens, ribbons, medals
5. CELEBRATION
Some clubs work for a "fun run" as a culminating celebration. Take the kids to a local fun run or create your own. Others choose a party.
6. HEALTHY EATING
It's completely appropriate to include healthy snacking as part of your program.
7. DISTANCE
Many clubs like to tabulate distance as individuals (personal goal) or as a group (club goal).
8, VISITORS
Pep up your club by inviting visitors to run with you: parents, town officials, local athletes, teachers.
9. MAKE A CLUB TEE
Kids can show loyalty to the club by running in their club shirt.
10. INVOLVE THE PRINCIPAL
Ask the principal to make announcements about the club on a regular basis.
Carol
