April 18th, 2012 Zoe...Obviously
At my school, we have a club called “The Diversity Club”. We don’t only focus on welcoming our peers to different races and ethnic backgrounds, we also focus on serious subject happening today. Cyber bullying, bullying, keeping our school fit and active, getting ourselves and our school involved in our community, are some of the many things we do in Diversity Club. If your school has a diversity club, I think you should definitely join. It may not do all of the things I listed, however it’s good to get your school involved in things going on, and make them aware that it’s fun to learn about people’s backgrounds and where they come from.
For example, the diversity club that I am a member of is hosting an ethnic food week at our school. We’ll be making different foods from all over the world, to celebrate people’s backgrounds. We are having a bake sale to raise money for supplies that will be provided by the activist group “Invisible Children” to go to Uganda for the Kony children. We are also going to be sponsoring the new movie “Bully” when it hits our small town’s theater, and as a group, we will go see it the day it comes out.
We make posters with slogans on them about eating healthy, accepting different backgrounds, and bullying, and hang them up around our school. We even create skits that are presented to the school that have to do with different problems that teenagers in high school are facing, like peer pressure, relationships, etcetera.
All in all, diversity club is a good way to express to your school that you care about what’s going on, and you want to get your school to feel the same way. Your able to express how you feel about different situations, and you end up getting involved in some pretty cool stuff. So maybe think about joining your school’s diversity club, or make one of your own. You could be making a big difference in your school.
Talk to you guys later! This is Zoe…Obviously…signing off!
Posted in Community Activities, Education, Schools, Uncategorized | No Comments »
March 11th, 2012 Zoe...Obviously
To most kids, when we talk about our weight, we think of our appearance instead of how healthy we actually are. So what would we think if we had the responsibility to actually run a gym class?
Most teens would probably say that they would do five to ten minutes of light exercise, such as pushups, sit ups, etc. Then, for the remainder of the period, you would play a certain sport of your choice, such as football, basketball, and etc. It would probably be held like a regular gym class; however, we would find ways to make it fun so that it wouldn’t seem like just another class. Even though many of us act like exercise is not just about improving our appearance, many of us do realize it is important to be healthy both inwardly and outwardly!
Contributor:
Student Ambassador: Zoe…Obviously
Posted in Education, Fitness, Health, Schools, Teachers, Uncategorized | No Comments »
March 5th, 2012 admin
Weight loss will be more successful if people are willing to change their unhealthy habits, and replace them with healthy behaviors. Dieting is not the answer to weight loss because it creates temporary eating patterns, so you only get temporary results. So here’s the question most people with weight issues ask themselves: What is the best way to drop excess weight??
In order to maintain a healthy weight, there are a few of things you must do:
1. Exercise!
Reaching a healthy weight requires regular physical activity. Exercising helps burn calories and builds muscle, which makes you feel good and helps keep the weight off. Try to increase your daily level activity by walking your dog or riding your bike.
2. Watch your portions!
Being aware of portion distortion will help you keep the weight off. Most portion sizes are a lot bigger than they used to be, which means you are consuming a lot of extra calories that you don’t really need.
3.Stop drinking those sugary drinks!
A key factor in weight gain is drinking sugary beverages like sodas and juice. It’s best to choose smaller portions when drinking these beverages. Or skip having a Coke with lunch and dinner. Treat sugary drinks like they are a treat and have them occasionally.
Luckily, it is never too late to make changes that can control your weight and the health problems it may cause. Build your way up to big changes by making small ones. And never be afraid to ask for help!
Written by MECKids Student Ambassador Zoe
Posted in Education, Fitness, Health, meckids, Obesity, Schools | No Comments »
December 13th, 2011 admin
It’s hard to believe that 2011 is coming to an end already. Where has this year gone? As it comes to an end it’s time for us to reflect on everything that has transpired throughout the year!
Let’s take a look at trends that have come and gone regarding Childhood obesity in 2011.
What’s IN!!!
Educating Kids on healthy eating |
What’s OUT???
Letting Kids Eat Junk Food |
| Exciting PE classes that use social media and a
Variety of programs from Zumba to YOGA |
Boring Health & PE Classes
that don’t engage students |
| Video games that make you move like the
Wii & EA Sports |
Video games played on the couch |
| Community Involvement with kids focused on
campaigns such as Let’s Move & MECKids
You Gotta MOVE Events |
Schools go it alone to fight
childhood obesity |
| The Food Plate |
My Pyramid |
What do you think? Drop us a line and share your ideas on getting kids fit in the New Year!
Posted in Education, Events, Fitness, Health, meckids, Obesity, Schools, Sports, Teachers, Training, Uncategorized, Yoga | No Comments »
September 25th, 2011 admin
Breakfast is one of the most important meals you can eat, so it makes sense that the same is true for kids. Breakfast is what helps jump start their metabolism for the rest of the day. Whether you are a parent or a teacher, it’s imperative that we are helping kids get a healthy start to their day.
Research has shown that students who eat breakfast have a general increase in their math grades and reading scores. That’s because a good breakfast jump starts their brain and body making them alert and ready for their school day. Studies have also found that students who eat breakfast generally have better health and a better attendance record.
Now that kids are back in school it can be hard to fit in a decent breakfast with the mornings being so busy. The truth is kids really don’t need that much to get them going in the morning. Here are a few simple breakfast ideas:
- Scrambled eggs and toast.
- Apple and Peanut Butter
- Smoothie with Whey protein
- Fruit medley
- Oatmeal
Make it a point to encourage your students to get a healthy breakfast before their busy day of school begins. You’ll help them get off to a healthy start in school and in life. Your students will thank you for it in the end.
Posted in Food, Health, meckids, Obesity, Schools, Teachers | No Comments »
August 23rd, 2011 admin
How many of you grew up playing some type of organized sports? Some of the best memories that I have from my childhood are from playing on some type of team. Whether it was playing kickball during recess or playing volleyball during the summer, I always loved the feeling of being on a team. Team sports are some of the best ways to encourage your kids to get out there and get healthy. There are so many benefits that can come from your kids being part of the team both physically and emotionally.
If you encourage your kids to play some type of sports, they are going to be far more likely to stay active as they get older. They will be exercising and most likely won’t even realize it because of all the fun they will be having. Sign them up for a team and help them get on the right track to being a healthy adult!
By being part of a team your kids will also build a camaraderie with kids their own age. It is important that your kids get the opportunity to build friendships with kids so they know how to interact with others. Being on a team shows your kids how to rely on each other so that they can accomplish anything if they just work together.
Kids that are on a team also learn how to build confidence. Teamwork gives kids the chance to try things that they would not otherwise try on their own. They feel that they can accomplish so much when they know that they have others doing it with them.
If your kids are not already on a team, I would highly recommend that you get them involved in one somehow. Help your kids become healthy adults by encouraging them to start healthy habits while they are young. Being a part of a team makes everything better!
Posted in Fitness, Health, meckids, Obesity, Schools, Sports, Teachers, Training | No Comments »
August 20th, 2011 admin
Staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do for your body. 75% Americans are dehydrated while only 50% of the world is. The worst part of that stat is that dehydration is 100% preventable.
Your body loses about 2.5 quarts a day and that doesn’t include when you work out or do anything strenuous. Studies have shown that for every 1% of water weight that we lose our ability to work or exercise goes down by 10%. You may not think that dehydration effects your body very much but it does whether you realize it or not.
When a person is dehydrated there are many things it does to their body. Dehydration causes your organs to use more blood due to the lack of water in your system. Lack of hydration causes cells to shrink and the water surrounding cells diminishes, causing cells to not function properly. If your cells and organs are not working the way that they should be your body can’t work at it’s full potential.
Now that you know the problems that can arise from it, let’s look at how we can tell if we are dehydrated. A few signs are nausea, muscle cramps and dry mouth. If you feel extremely thirsty most likely you are already slightly dehydrated. If you are well hydrated your urine should be a light almost clear color.
A key part to preventing dehydration is knowing what your proper water intake should be. Everyone’s intake will differ depending on gender, age, weight and environmental conditions. Try to drink about 1/2 of your body weight to start. Eating more fruits and vegetables will help you stay hydrated due to their high water content. If you are doing a strenuous activity make sure you drink plenty of water. Also if you happen to be flying anywhere staying hydrated is important.
Being aware of your body and it’s needs will help you live a healthier life. So drink up!
Posted in Fitness, Food, Health, meckids, Obesity, Schools, Teachers | No Comments »
August 11th, 2011 admin
Can you believe it? Summer is almost over. Your kids will be heading back to school within the next couple of weeks. I know there are some kids who eagerly await the chance to get back to school but most tend to dread the end of summer. Before the summer is over why not plan a few fun activities that you and your family can do together before the bustle of school begins.
1. Go Camping. You don’t even need to leave the house for this. If you have a tent pop it up in the backyard and make your own personal campsite. If you don’t have a tent or if you prefer to stay away from the bugs build a tent inside all you need is a few blankets and some cushions. Make it a no tv or computer night and enjoy the night with your family!
2. Go to your local zoo. I know I always loved going to the zoo as a kid. It was always so exciting to see such incredible animals that you don’t get to see on a typical day. You can even make it a learning experience. Have each kid pick out an animal and then at the end of the day have everyone share some facts about their animal of choice. Your kids will love hearing all about the other animals and you can add a fun element to the day.
3. Go for a bike ride or a hike. Take advantage of the weather and hit the trails while you still can. Explore a new park in your area or ride your bikes in a new neighborhood. Show your kids that exercising and being outside can be fun!
4. Have a movie night. The twist is instead of picking a typical movie pull out old family videos or make a fun slideshow with some family pictures. Pop some popcorn and get ready for an evening of laughter. You and your family will have so much fun remembering all the fun you’ve had together as a family.
5. Set up a family soda shop. You’ll first have to explain what a soda shop is to your kids. =) Tell your kids they can make a sundae with whatever toppings they want on it. You can also make some classic root beer floats. There’s nothing wrong with a little indulgence once in awhile. Enjoy!
By trying to get in these 5 things before summer ends, you and your family are bound to make more memories. You’ll have had the chance to enjoy some time as a family before the craziness of school begins. You and your kids will be ready to take the school year head on. Make these last few weeks count!
Posted in Education, Fitness, Health, meckids, Obesity, Schools, Sports, Teachers | No Comments »
January 18th, 2011 admin
| Our schools have entered a new decade of change. In the last few years we have seen a proliferation of programs and technologies that are changing the world. How we best use these new innovations will make a huge impact on our youth in and out of the classroom. MECKids.com hopes to support more teachers and communities as we strive to inspire and influence on our greatest asset…our youth! |
| Transforming PE in the Classroom
Are you using transformative teaching methods? According to the National Education Technology Plan of 2010 the government is calling for the usage of technology to motivate students and maintain engagement. The plan recognizes technology at the core of powerful learning experiences and engagement among students. Technology based learning will be pivotal on improving student performance.
How can this best serve a physical education environment? Technology can be used to focus classroom activities on reasoning and evaluation of evidence. This allows students the opportunity to develop the ability formulate and solve problems. For example having students use a pedometer or an electronic health journal enables students to use deductive reasoning on their own health behaviors. “If I wear a pedometer and walk a minimum of 10,000 steps per day I will have a healthy cardiovascular system.” “When I play kickball for 30 minutes versus carrying my drums in the marching band for the same amount of time I burn 133 more calories playing kickball. I realize I am getting more exercise then playing kickball.
Technology allows all of us to expand on our ideas and change previously held opinions because of the supporting evidence it provides. “I should play kickball more often because it keeps my heart in better shape than simply marching in the band.” Technology requires that students reflect, think, question, negotiate, problem solving and collaborate on various strategies. The use of technology empowers students and teachers while also engaging learning in and out of the classroom.
Do you agree? Tell us what you think? Join us on the MECKids Teachers Forum. |
| What is MECKids?
MECKids.com is an interactive, Health & PE application that helps K-12 students get healthy and stay fit! We support Health and PE teachers as they work with students to track, assess and better educate themselves in the 5 key facets of health: Nutrition, Strength, Cardiovascular, Flexibility & Stress Management.
MECKids can help teachers and students in many ways:
- Start a classroom Wiki page on wikispaces.com and have the students work together to create the content and design.
- Create a discussion thread on a homework assignment
- Utilize media mashups such as Google Maps
- Create a blog or forum to discuss current events & topics
What sort of social media technologies are you currently using in your classroom? We would love to hear from you. Share your stories with us on the meckids discussion forum. Tell us which technology platforms you prefer and how you will use it in school this year. |
Posted in meckids, Schools, Teachers, Technology, Uncategorized | No Comments »
November 12th, 2010 admin
I’m so happy its Friday! I’m driving down to Virginia Beach and the fall colors are truly glorious here in Virginia, it even makes I-95 seem not so grueling a drive. I’m attending the Virginia Assoc for Health PE, Recreation & Dance (I know its a mouth full).
I’m really excited to hear the special speakers like Bill Sells from SGMA & former NFL player John Booty share their perspective on the childhood obesity issue and what part professional sports can play to support the community and schools on this issue. MECKids is sponsoring the President’s VIP reception Friday night with the special guest speakers so I can’t wait to meet all the new attendees.
I’ll be sure to share the highlights from the conference with all of you (especially my teachers & students) who couldn’t be with us for this year’s conference! Have a fabulous fall weekend and be sure to check back this weekend for updates from the conference.
Posted in Education, meckids, Schools, Teachers, Technology, Uncategorized | No Comments »
At my school, we have a club called “The Diversity Club”. We don’t only focus on welcoming our peers to different races and ethnic backgrounds, we also focus on serious subject happening today. Cyber bullying, bullying, keeping our school fit and active, getting ourselves and our school involved in our community, are some of the many things we do in Diversity Club. If your school has a diversity club, I think you should definitely join. It may not do all of the things I listed, however it’s good to get your school involved in things going on, and make them aware that it’s fun to learn about people’s backgrounds and where they come from.
