Just play!

Another fabulous Friday event...

This year I committed to making sure that I also teach the children about a healthy lifestyle. I know they are not totally in control of what is at home and where they can play, but I feel that starting now will hopefully help them in the future.

One thing that I started doing was starting our recess time with exercises or a game. This has really become a fun time where we play together and just have fun. Through the daily routine, they see that it is important to exercise each day. I always give them time to then go do whatever they want on the playground.

Some my boys have starting coming over to me and asking if I would throw the football to them. "Sure," I say. Luckily they do not judge my non-spiral throw!

Friday, we played almost the entire time. Throwing, yelling "touchdown!" (even though we really had no structure to the game) and yelling, "nice catch!"

Some people have a problem with rough sports or games. For example, we are not supposed to play tag because it can get too rough. Well, guess what happens when you combine boys and a football? Yes, they naturally begin to get rough. We had already established a "no-tackle" rule, but it didn't matter. Two boys struggled to get the ball and fell to the ground. What do you know, one of them started to cry. Here is where I say we NEED more sports and games: crying, the boy turned to the other boy and used an "I message" (what we teach for conflict resolution). They shook hands, and happily continued the game.

Not only do we have great fun, they also learn conflict resolution and to play as a team. Plus, they see their teacher likes playing too. I always like to show them the "real side" of the teacher. I think it's important.

I am now on the search for more fun, outside games...

So teachers and parents, I know you might get sweaty, you might get dirty, and kids might get hurt, but JUST PLAY!!