Once a week/month (or other unit division) 5-10 minutes of class spent on discussion and generating answers for the board. Information is related to students during each class where a specific component of physical fitness (muscualr strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and cardio vascular strength and endurance) is targeted for that week/month. Some simple examples are the "quick stretch test" and "I can feel my heart beat." The "quick stretch test" is to have students sit with legs straight and reach both hands as far toward their feet as possible remembering to where they reached. Then do a hurdler's stretch for 1-2 mins. alternating legs about every 20 seconds. Retest, and they should find that they increase their reach (flexibility). "I can feel my heart beat" is great for kindergarten and first graders. After they have been moving quickly for a while, have them stop and put their hand over the left side of their chest where they will feel their heart beating. With their other hand, have them simulate the pumping action by squeezing their hand each time they feel the beat. Use this as a start for discussion about developing cardio vascular strength and endurance even with older students. (See materials below for more resource information.)

K-1 students can cut out pictures of people in pursuit of physical (fitness) activities and decide where - for which question- the picture is most appropriate. 2-6 students will generate words to be written on bananas for things that develop or encourage physical fitness and use clouds for jobs related to physical fitness.

Potential Outcomes:
Students will be able to understand physical fitness as a lifelong on going process. Emphasis here is not just on where you are now (your fitness level) but also in which direction you are moving. (In my classes these directions are referred to as toward the "couch", the sedentary life of junk food and TV, and toward the "banana", the healthy active life style.)

Students will understand physical fitness as impacting life quality (how they feel, injury prevention)

Students will be able to cite at least one example of a physical fitness components.

Students will be able to identify a job that is related to physical activity and fitness