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Activities
READING/WRITING Using a T-Chart,
write the benefits of playing sports on one side
and the barriers associated with playing sports
on the other side. Review the barriers you listed
and propose ideas for overcoming those barriers.
Some people know exactly which sport they
want to play, while others try several before they
find one that they enjoy. Playing sports is a great
way to stay in shape and have fun. A person
doesn’t have to be athletic to play sports, but
he/she does have to be willing to make a commitment to the team and play to the best of
his/her abilities.
Complete the sport by writing the correct letter.
in shape, it is important that safety is always a
priority. Explain the concept of “sports safety”
and how you stay safe while playing your favorite
sport.
V_lleyball
WRITING/ART Write a paragraph or draw
The Benefits of Youth Sports Include...
Swimm_ng
_aseball
• Improves physical fitness
• Builds confidence and self-esteem
• Encourages teamwork
• Increases leadership skills
• Develops friendships
• Encourages goal-setting
Ba_ketball
G_mnastics
Sports Opportunities in Your Community
While elementary school sports are limited,
many community organizations offer recreational
leagues in various sports throughout the year.
Some kids play multiple sports. For example, a
kid that plays soccer in the fall and spring might
play recreational basketball during the winter.
There are costs and time commitments involved
in playing sports, but many organizations offer
reduced fees, scholarships, or sponsorships.
READING While sports are a fun way to stay
So_cer
C_oss-Cou_try
Fo_tball
Answers on page 8
Be Healthy and Wise and find a sport
that interests you!
Discussion Quest ions
Which sports interest you?
How can playing sports help
you build confidence?
What health benefits are associated
with playing sports?
a picture that describes your favorite sport.
MATH If your class has 16 students and you
want to divide the class into two teams, how
many students will be on each team? If you
divide the class into four small teams, how many
students will be on each team? If you decide to
practice sports skills in pairs, how many groups
of two will you have?
PHYSICAL EDUCATION Take time this
week in PE or during your recess period to play
a variety of sports. Play a game of soccer or volleyball. Try different sports until you find one or
several you enjoy playing.
ART Encourage the students at your school
to get involved in youth sports by creating and
displaying posters that highlight the sports opportunities available at your school or in your
community.
Caprock Press
Discussion Quest ions
How does your PE teacher help
the students at your school stay fit?
What kinds of activities can
you do at home to help increase
your fitness level?
Activities
PHYSICAL EDUCATION /WRITING
Demonstrate exercises for each component of
fitness described in the article. Make a plan
for the upcoming week that includes all fitness
components.
MATH/ART/READING A pictograph uses
pictures to represent data. Create a pictograph
for the physical activities you perform on a regular basis. Estimate the number of minutes you
spend involved in each physical activity. Can
you read another classmate’s pictograph?
WRITING This week, record the
amount of time you are physically active each day in your journal. Describe
or draw each physical activity and the
estimated minutes.
ART Draw a picture that shows you
taking steps to get fit. Include other
family members if possible.
PROBLEM SOLVING Families must schedule time to be physically active if they want to
improve their fitness level. Ask each member of
your family to list one physical activity that can
be done together as a family. Bring your list back
to class to share with your classmates.
One of the most important steps you can take
towards good health is to be physically active
every day. In fact, it is highly recommended that
children and adolescents get at least 60 minutes
of physical activity daily.
Fitness is the state in which the body looks, feels,
and performs at its best. It is achieved by regular
physical activity, proper hydration, good nutrition, and adequate sleep. During the school year,
your PE teacher plans physical activities to help
students improve their fitness level or maintain
their current level of fitness.
A good fitness program includes the following
components and recommendations:
WARMUP - Start with 5-10 minutes of low intensity exercises such as walking, slow jogging, knee
lifts, arm circles or trunk rotations. These low
intensity movements stimulate the muscles and
prepare them for more exercise ahead.
FLEXIBILITY - Complete 10-12 minutes of daily
stretching exercises performed slowly without a
bouncing motion. This can be included after a
warm-up or during a cool down.
CARDIORESPIRATORY ENDURANCE - Strive
for at least four to five 20-30 minute bouts of
continuous aerobic exercises each week. Popu-
lar aerobic conditioning activities include brisk
walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, jump rope,
rowing, cross-country skiing, and some continuous action games like racquetball and handball.
MUSCULAR STRENGTH and ENDURANCE
Get a minimum of two 20-30 minute sessions per
week that include exercises for all major muscle
groups. Children should begin with body weight
exercises such as push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups,
lunges, etc. Strength training should include exercises for all the major muscle groups.
COOL DOWN - Have a minimum of 5-10 minutes
of slow walking, or another type of low-level exercise, combined with stretching after a workout.
List or draw the physical activities that you enjoy
most.
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Activities
READING/TECHNOLOGY Visit
www.choosemyp.gov andand
www.choosemypl.go
www.choosemyplate.gov
request
request
a personalized
a
www.MyPyramid.gov
MyPlate plan.
How
many
servings
of each
MyPyramid
plan.
How
many
servings
of each
food group are recommended daily? How much
physical activity is recommended? As a family,
request a personalized MyPyramid
each
MyPlate planplan
for for
each
family member.
ART Create a poster that encourages people
www.choosemyplate.gov
to utilize the
MyPyramid.gov Food Guidance
System
to help them
to helpmake
themhealthy
make healthy
food andfood and
physical activity choices.
MATH It is important
Choosemyplate.gov,
MyPyramid.gov
is thesponsored
food guidance
by thesystem
USDA, and
has
educational tools
tool designed
designedto
tohelp
helpconsumers
consumersmake
make
healthier food and physical activity choices for a
healthy lifestyle. Based on the current Dietary GuideFood
Guidance
lines for Americans, the MyPlate
MyPyramid
Food
Guidance
System is a personalized approach that uses a person’s age, sex, and physical activity level to recommend a daily food and calorie intake pattern. In addition to a personalized MyPyramid
plan,
there
MyPlate plan,
there
areare
other tools and
resources
available
at
www.MyPyra
available at www.choosemyplate.gov
www.choosemid.gov
thatcan
people
canhelp
usethem
to help
them
track their
that people
use to
track
their
calories and physical activities. There are also numerous activities and resources for kids.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans
(Based on a 2,000 Calorie Pattern)
Engage in at least 30-60 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week.
• Children and adolescents should be physically
active for at least 60 minutes every day.
• Balance your calorie intake and physical activity.
Consume a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables every day.
• Eat 2 1/2 cups of vegetables each day.
• Eat 2 cups of fruit each day.
Consume 6 ounce equivalents of grain products
every day.
• Aim for at least 3 ounces of whole grains each day.
Consume 3 cups
of low fat or fat-free milk or milk
equivalent products each day.
• Select calcium rich or fortified foods if you are
unable to tolerate dairy products.
that people consume appropriate sized portions
of the food groups. Select
several foods from one or
two of the five food groups
and oils to show accurate
portions for a 2,000 daily
calorie pattern or the daily
recommendations in the article.
Consume 5 1/2 ounce equivalents of lean meats,
poultry, fish, beans, nuts, or seeds each day.
• Vary your protein, choosing more fish, beans,
peas, nuts, and seeds.
WRITING/ART Write or draw your favorite
foods for each food group
group.in the MyPyramid
Consume no more than 24 grams or 6 teaspoons
of oils each day.
• Avoid solid fats (saturated and trans fats).
• Select healthier fats from fish, nuts or vegetable
oils, such as olive or canola oil.
CRITICAL THINKING/PROBLEM
SOLVING Brainstorm ways that
a person can utilize the MyPyra
web site
mid
www.choosemyplate.gov
Food Guidance System
if he/
if he/
she does not have regular access to
a computer.
Consume no more than 260
265 calories per day from
foods containing an abundance of sugar or fat
(sweets, pastries, candy, etc.)
TECHNOLOGY With
Play the
MyPyramid
Blast
a family
member,
Off Game
available at
add
www.choosemy
www.choosemyplate.gov
to your favorites.
favor
The above recommendations are for individuals
that need approximately 2,000 calories per day
to maintain a healthy weight. For individuals that
need to consume fewer calories, the recommendations are a little lower and for individuals that
need to consume more calories, the recommendations are a little higher.
Discussion Quest ions
Have you visited the
MYPlATE.gov
MyPyramid.gov
web
web
site?
site?
Why is it important for people
to know the types and quantities
of food they should eat?
Caprock Press
Discussion Quest ions
What are your favorite breakfast foods?
How do you feel when
you skip breakfast?
Activities
WRITING/READING Underline each food
item in the breakfast options with the correForexample,
example,
sponding color from MyPlate.gov.
MyPyramid. For
whole grain cereal would be underlined with an
orange color to represent the grains food group.
READING/ART/WRITING Review the
breakfast combinations in the article. Illustrate and
label the meal that is most appetizing to you.
MATH In class, compare and contrast three
brands of cereal by reading their food labels.
Which attributes (words, pictures, games, etc.)
help you determine whether the cereal is healthy
or not so healthy? Determine the amount of calories, fat grams, fiber, and sugar in one serving
of each cereal. Put the information in a chart
format. Which cereal has the most sugar? Which
cereal has the most fiber? Which cereal has the
most fat? Overall, which cereal is the healthiest?
Which cereal would you pick for breakfast?
CRITICAL THINKING/PROBLEM
SOLVING Sometimes breakfast food manu-
facturers try to sell their products to children by
incorporating toys or prizes into their packaged
foods. Bring examples of these types of foods to
class and discuss how you feel about this type of
advertising.
If you go to school without eating
breakfast, you are probably not
going to be ready to learn or
perform at your best. Research
has shown that people who
skip breakfast have lower
performance and concentration rates. The American
Dietetic Association reports that 30 percent to 40
percent of children age 8 to 13 skip breakfast. Fiftythree percent of adults skip it.
People that skip breakfast are irritable and tired in the
morning and are more likely to gain weight. Skipping
breakfast affects concentration, increases the level of
errors, and decreases a person’s creativity. Those who
don’t eat breakfast within the first couple of hours of
waking are less likely to meet nutrient needs. However, they are more likely to have high cholesterol and
be overweight because they probably snacked more
throughout the day and ate excess calories at other
meals.
READING/CRITICAL THINKING Review your school’s breakfast menu. Are healthy
breakfast options always offered? Could the
menu be improved? Explain your answer and
give examples.
WRITING/ART In class or with family
members, write or draw a healthy breakfast
grocery list.
ART Draw a picture that will serve as a re-
minder to eat breakfast every day. Hang the
picture on your refrigerator at home.
Healthy Breakfast Options
• Whole grain cereal with fat-free or low-fat
milk and fruit
• Peanut butter on whole-wheat toast
• Instant oatmeal with fresh fruit
• Breakfast shake or smoothie made with
fruit and low-fat yogurt
• Frozen whole grain pancakes or whole
grain waffles topped with fruit
• Toasted whole grain bread with a slice of
low-fat cheese and orange juice
• Whole grain bagel with low-fat or fat-free
cream cheese or fruit spread
• Toasted whole grain English muffin with
fruit, low-fat cheese, or a poached egg
• Bran muffin, low-fat yogurt, and fruit
Most people skip breakfast because they feel they
don’t have enough time or they simply don’t enjoy
traditional breakfast foods. Even if you only have a few
minutes in the morning, it is better to eat something
small than nothing at all.
Be Healthy and Wise and eat breakfast every day!
• Grilled low-fat cheese or peanut butter
sandwich on whole grain bread
• Beans and salsa wrapped in a whole grain
tortilla
• Hard-boiled egg, whole-wheat toast, and
orange juice
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The
Activities
BODY
NEEDS
WATER
ART Draw a picture that would illustrate at
One very hot day in July, Sean spent most of the day swimming and then went to the park to play soccer
with friends. He didn’t eat very much that day and all he had to drink was a little juice in the morning and
a soda for lunch. By the time Sean arrived home, he wasn’t feeling well. In addition to being very thirsty, his
lips were very dry and he felt like he was going to throw up. He also felt very tired. Sean’s mother could tell
that he was dehydrated and immediately began giving him fluids.
O
ne very hot day in July, Sean spent
most of the day swimming and then
went to the park to play soccer with
friends. He didn’t eat very much that day
and all he had to drink was a little juice in
the morning and a soda for lunch. By the
time Sean arrived home, he wasn’t feeling well. In addition to being very thirsty,
his lips were very dry and he felt like he
was going to throw up. He also felt very
tired. Sean’s mother could tell that he was
dehydrated and immediately began giving
him fluids.
least a part of the short story in the article.
READING Use a dictionary (if necessary) to
learn the definitions for the following words:
dehydration, temperature, digestion, absorption,
and elimination.
MATH Maria weighs 80 lbs. Based on what
Water is Essential for Life
• Water regulates body temperature.
• Water removes waste from the body.
• Water carries nutrients, oxygen, and glucose to the
cells to give the body energy.
• Water cushions joints and protects tissues and organs.
• Water aids in digestion, absorption, and elimination.
Dehydration is a very serious condition and can even
be fatal. It is very important that people consume an
adequate amount of water each day.
Water Consumption Tips
• Divide your weight by 2 for the number of ounces of
water you need each day.
• Drink more water if you are exercising.
• Spread your water intake throughout the day.
• Limit drinks that contain caffeine, such as sodas.
• Unless you are exercising vigorously for longer than 1
hour, water is the best choice for hydration.
• Don’t let yourself get thirsty.
Write words or draw pictures associated with water.
you learned in the article, what is the minimum
amount of water she should drink every day?
How much water do you think she should drink
on days that she exercises or is very physically
active?
WRITING/MATH Track your water intake
for a day and report the following information to your classmates:
How many ounces of
water did you consume?
At what times did you
consume water? Did
you drink enough water
throughout the day? Ask
a family member to track their water intake, too.
RESEARCH/TECHNOLOGY/
SCIENCE Learn about the water cycle at
www.kidzone.ws/water. Based on your research,
describe and illustrate the water cycle. What is
water conservation and why is it important? List
some water conservation tips.
ART Draw a picture or create a poster that makes
water look delicious or appetizing to others.
Discussion Quest ions
Swimming _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _________
How much water do you
drink every day?
Bath _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________
Does your family drink water
with their meals at home?
Be Healthy and Wise and drink plenty of water!
Have you ever been dehydrated?
Caprock Press
Activities
and its systems
READING/WRITING Create a matching
or fill in the blank activity for the body systems
described in the article. Example: The skeletal
system is made up of ________ and _________.
Exchange activities with other classmates.
MATH The human body has five senses: sight,
hearing, smell, taste, and touch. Count by 5’s to
100 or as far as you can.
ART Draw a picture of one of the body systems
or your five senses in action.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION Your body and
its systems need plenty of physical activity. In
class or at home with other
family members, complete
the following exercises and
determine which body system
benefits from each type of
physical activity: Jog in place
for 15 minutes, complete 20
push-ups, take a 30-minute brisk walk, and complete 20 lunges on each leg.
RESEARCH People that have lost the sense
of hearing often use sign language to communicate. Use other reference sources to learn more
about sign language. Share your information
with your classmates.
SCIENCE The human body is a collection of
cells that group together to form tissues. Tissues
make up body organs, and then organs work
together in groups called systems. Draw a picture
that illustrates your understanding of cells, tissues, organs, and a body system. It is okay if you
have to guess what these things might look like.
Discussion Quest ions
How do you take care of your
body and body systems?
Which sense do you use the most?
Have you ever used all
five senses at once?
The human body is an amazing, complex machine. A person’s ability to
breathe, move, see, hear, taste, smell, touch, eat, and think are made
possible by the body and its systems and senses.
A body functions best when it receives an adequate amount of
healthy foods, water, oxygen, sleep, and plenty of physical activity.
Certain lifestyle habits such as a poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking,
and drug or alcohol use can hurt the body and damage its systems.
Quick Facts on Body Systems
The Nervous SYSTEM: Your brain, your spinal cord, and the millions
of nerve cells in your body make up your nervous system.
The Circulatory System: Your circulatory system includes
your heart, arteries, veins, and very thin blood vessels
called capillaries.
The Digestive System: Your mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines and
other organs make up your digestive system.
The Respiratory System: Oxygen enters your body through your nose or mouth,
moves down your windpipe and into your
lungs. Your lungs are the most important part
of your respiratory system.
The Skeletal System: The skeletal system is made up
of bones and cartilage and gives the body its shape.
The Muscular System: The muscular system consists
of three different types of muscles: cardiac, skeletal and
smooth.
The Urinary System: Your urinary system includes
the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. The urinary system removes a type of waste called urea from your blood.
Match the sense with the
correct organ or body part.
Sight
Touch
Smell
Hearing
Taste
Ear
Mouth
Eye
Skin
Nose
Caprock Press
Discussion Quest ions
How do you prepare for
a new school year?
What are you going to do
after school this year?
Activities
WRITING/ART Make a list of your favorite
Make this School Year a Success
It’s back to school time again! Starting a new school year and grade level can be challenging for some
students. New teachers, new rules, different schedules, and a whole new curriculum are just a few of
the changes you can expect. The best way to begin a new year is to be as prepared and organized as
possible. Planning ahead can make a difference.
Back to School Checklist:
• Make sure you have required school supplies.
• Plan what you will wear to school the night
before.
• Go to bed at a regular time and try to get at
least 8 hours of sleep each night.
• Take a shower each night or morning.
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
• Always eat a healthy breakfast at home or at
school.
• Make sure you have a designated time to
leave your home to arrive at school on time.
• Eat a healthy lunch.
• Schedule time for homework each day and
ask your parents to check your work or help
when necessary.
• Take the items you need back and forth
from school to home, but don’t let your
backpack get too heavy.
• Get at least 60 minutes of physical activity
on most days of the week.
• Be courteous to teachers and classmates
and try to express a positive attitude.
Back to School Safety
Back to school means more cars on the road taking kids to school, more bike riders, and more kids
walking at the crosswalks in your neighborhoods. Students should be observant and always cross at
a designated crossing, preferably with a crossing guard. Parents, be careful and watch out for speed
limit changes as you drive into a school zone.
After-School Options
Consider participating in an after-school program available at your school or in your community. Many
programs offer an enrichment curriculum that provides the perfect blend of academic and recreational activities. Spending time with friends, having time to finish your homework, and staying safe during
after-school hours are just a few of the benefits provided by after-school programs.
things to do after school and draw a picture of
your favorite after-school activity.
READING With a classmate or family member,
summarize this article. Why is summarization an
important skill?
PROBLEM SOLVING It is
Healthy and Wise to not let your
backpack get too heavy. Suggest
some strategies that will help
lighten your backpack each day.
CRITICAL THINKING
With your parents, make an
after-school safety plan and
checklist. Include safety
procedures that you should
follow when you are home
alone, activities or chores that
should be done after school,
and emergency contacts and
phone numbers.
MATH
What time do you go to bed each
night? What time do you wake up? Calculate the
amount of sleep you get each night. Are you getting enough sleep? Do you feel refreshed or tired
each morning?
WRITING/CRITICAL THINKING
Explain the concept of “Positive Thinking.”
Thinking”. How
How is
is
this related to a positive attitude? Write or draw
an example of “Positive Thinking.”
Thinking”.
Caprock Press
Discussion Quest ions
Getting Along
With Others
How do you try to get along with others?
How can you make your classroom
a good learning environment?
As a new school year begins, you will have
the opportunity to see old friends again
and form friendships with new classmates.
When people belong to a large group, such
as a grade level or class within a school, it is
important that they always try to get along
with others. Of course, conflicts will arise,
but how you handle them can make a difference.
How can you improve your
classroom environment?
Activities
Tips for Handling
Conflicts
• Stay calm and don’t raise your voice or yell.
• Have a positive attitude and don’t blame
others.
• Consider the other person’s feelings.
• Listen and try to understand what the other
person is saying.
• Be willing to compromise.
• Find a solution that is fair to both parties.
• When the conflict is resolved, put it behind
you and don’t bring it up in the future.
A Healthy and Wise Classroom
Take extra steps this school year to make your classroom Healthy and Wise. Keep your classroom clean
and organized and try to incorporate healthy lifestyle habits into your daily routine. Be courteous to your
classmates and teacher. Accept each other’s differences. Be a good listener and strive to make your classroom a good learning environment.
Describe or draw your classroom.
READING The main idea is what a story or
article is mostly about. What is the main idea of
this article? A detail gives more information and
supports the main idea. State three important
details from this article.
MATH
How many students
are in your class? Create a
graph that displays students
by gender (males/boys,
females/girls). What other
characteristics can you use to
classify the students in your
classroom?
WRITING/ART List or draw ways that you
can help make your classroom Healthy and Wise
this year.
ART Draw a picture that shows at least two
people getting along and enjoying each other’s
company.
WRITING/ART Describe or draw a com-
mon conflict that can occur in a classroom. How
can this type of conflict be resolved?
ROLE-PLAY Create and then role-play scenarios that show people getting along or resolving
conflicts in a positive way.
Answers
Page 1 answers
Volleyball, Swimming, Basketball, CrossCountry, Soccer, Baseball, Gymnastics,
Football