MAKING YOUR CLASSROOM RUNNING PROGRAM SUCCESSFUL
"Funner" to be a Runner by Pete Saccone, August 19, 2000
Bookmark by Shelbi
On August 28 I begin my 21st year using It's "Funner" to be a Runner. I know exactly what will occur during the first 2 weeks of school, and, because I have had the 20 years of experience, I know how to handle what does occur. My goal is to help you have a successful program. I can accomplish this goal by giving you some tips now and in future months. The bottom line is not to fail before you give yourself a chance to succeed.

1) Be certain that the youngsters are aware as to why you are having them participate in your running/walking program. Discuss all the benefits---get excited!!!

2) Begin with walking during the first 2 weeks of school. Depending on your grade level, begin with 30 minutes or less and build from there. (This will not be an issue if you plan to have a brisk walking program. ) During week 3 begin some running. After the first month of school, the kids should be mostly running. The kids are going to want to run; however be certain that you insist on walking only during the first 2 weeks. It is important that the entire class walk together---you control that. Remember, the success of the program depends on its strong structure.

3) It will be quite warm in many parts of the country. Begin the walking as early as is possible. Besides beating the heat, the kids will be better prepared for the academic day ahead of them.

4) Spend time discussing what took place on the running field. Allow the kids to drink and eat nutritious food during class time as long as it doesn't affect your teaching and their learning. If it's handled correctly the kids will respond nicely.

5) Have the kids chart their progress each day. See our lap chart in my It's "Funner" to be a Runner booklet. You can create your own. Pull down a map and show the kids how far they "ran" today or all week---they get very impressed.

6) Have the kids write a letter to their parents sometime during the first day of school. They are not asking for permission to participate. They are simply telling their parents of the wonderful opportunity that you are affording them. They should be very excited. The letters should get their parents excited. Be prepared for those youngsters who complain. They need to know that their physical activity is required as much as is math, reading etc. The program is not an option. Hopefully you have a strong administrator who will support you when a few whining parents complain. The very high majority of the kids get very excited and it rubs off on the others. Usually, after the first 2 weeks, the dust settles and the kids know they are in for a special treat.

7) The most important thing to remember is that It's "Funner" to be a Runner!!!!


 by Carlye, 11 years old..."Running with Mr. Brant"
(John Brant, author of "A" for Effort, September 2000, Runner's World)


We are very pleased that Pete Saccone will be writing a monthly column on his program It's "Funner" to be a Runner. Please email carol.kids@rodale.com with comments on this column.