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Pete Saccone
 Bookmark by Elizabeth inspired by KR's bookmarks.There are several messages regarding It's 'Funner' to be a Runner on this site. Please refer to them if you are interested in starting a running program, (walking would work, too, or if you need help with your existing program). In late August, I received my 23rd group of 5th graders. Even though I knew what to expect, and I knew exactly what would occur, I still greeted them enthusiastically and let them know what It's 'Funner' to be a Runner would do for them. Just as I expected, the youngsters, 34 of them, couldn't believe that they had a teacher who was going to MAKE them run!! It was hot, and the kids were not used to physical activity. I started them off with about 30 minutes of 95% walking and a tad of running. I told them that we would, eventually, be running for 50 minutes daily. They doubted me, I'm certain. Well, we got through the first few weeks as we gradually turned the walking into running. We just finished our 8th week of school. The kids are running 50 minutes daily, and they are enjoying it a lot---they feel special. They are doing well physically, academically, socially and emotionally. They are doing something that they felt they would never be able to do. They are confident, and this confidence spreads to the academic areas, the good behavior area, and many other areas. It's truly wonderful how running can make a difference in a human being's life!!! Kids who never felt much good about anything suddenly feel good about a lot of what they do---all of a sudden they are athletic by simply putting one foot in front of the other. They can do it by themselves or they can run with classmates. They no longer are not picked to be on a team and no longer are they teased because they can't catch or hit a ball, etc. On October 13th, the youngsters participated in the City of Hope's 5K walk/run to find a cure for breast cancer. Of course, the kids in my class ran the 5K. There were 3,000 participants. It was a fund raiser. My 5th graders raised over $3,000!!!! They received their T-shirts, nutritious snacks, much praise, a medal, and an overall terrific experience. The next day, the youngsters wrote letters to the City of Hope to thank them for allowing them to participate. We had visitors from the City of Hope; the kids had the opportunity to ask questions and learn a great deal about the City of Hope. We were able to do a lot of math with the raising of $3,000---averaging etc. We're always integrating the running into all the other curriculum areas. All in all, the 23rd year of It's 'Funner' to be a Runner is off to a RUNNING start. The program truly works magic for youngsters----they just need someone to run with them during the school day----you can create this magic for them. LINKS: Email address saccone@gwise.cajon.k12.ca.us More from Pete Saccone - PETE'S COLUMN ON KR Pete Saccone The most important thing to remember is that It's "Funner" to be a Runner!!!! |
Please email rwedit@rodale.com with comments on this column.
