MAKING YOUR CLASSROOM RUNNING PROGRAM SUCCESSFUL
It's "Funner" to be a Runner by Pete Saccone, 9/23/00
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I hope all of you have had a successful beginning to the start of the school year and a running program---walking program if you prefer. The first 2 or so weeks usually are the most difficult. Hopefully, all the whiny complaints from parents and some kids didn't allow you to cave in.

Now that you have made it through the first few weeks of the program, things should be only a positive experience from here on. The kids are excited. Their parents are truly experiencing healthier kids, ---kids who sleep better, eat better, and kids who are performing better at school with the academics.

By now, after 2 weeks or so, the kids should be mostly running (unless you have a walking program) for the time that you're on the running field ---K-1=10-15 minutes; 2-3=20 minutes; 4=30 minutes and grade 5=45 minutes. When a child "needs" to walk, be certain that he/she walks alone, but explain that it's not punishment and that you simply use this rule so that others don't join in on the walking.

Of course, the kids may run, talk, sing etc. together---just don't allow the kids to walk together unless you have a walking program. Be certain that you constantly praise the kids for their ability to run well, not necessarily fast. Tell them that most adults don't do what they do!

If you do have any youngsters who don't follow your few basic rules, be certain to take the privilege of running away from them. Have those few kids simply stand (alone) in the middle of your running field or wherever you choose to put them. Each day is a new start---hopefully, they will want to be a part of what the very high majority of the kids do each day. Don't use the running as punishment.

The kids should be keeping a record of their accomplishments---use the numbers and other aspects of the running program in math and other subject areas. Post paper shoes around the classroom. The shoes can have the child's name and the number of miles run. Depending on the grade level, pick a number. I give them out at 100 mile increments. You decide. Regarding the lap/mile chart, don't let it become a contest. It is best used for personal use---no competition. Never let the kids argue about about laps/miles---it's not their business what the others report. The teacher is the only one who is allowed to change a child's reporting numbers.

Good luck. More to follow for November.

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 rwedit@rodale.com with comments on this column.