INNOVATIVE IDEA: 12 HEALTHY DAYS
Idea submitted by Brenda Bowman, Teacher, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools
We received this awesome idea from Brenda! This innovative idea can be modified to be non-denominational, implemented throughout the year and modified to cater to limited mobility.
| What’s your focus? | Active Living |
| What’s your idea and how have you implemented it? | 12 Healthy Days of Christmas:
It includes all staff and students. Every morning starting Dec 1, Health team members take turns daily to sing a verse of the 12 Days of Christmas during morning announcements, changing the words slightly to: “On the ___ day of Christmas, my teacher did with me: ___ (jumping jacks, lunges, fan dances, walrus waves, etc.) and 1 burpee!” |
| How did you overcome any barriers? | Having done this for years, and having enthusiastic administration, even the office members participate. |
| What is the feedback so far? | Kids love it, staff is participating more, and it’s now considered a tradition at our school. |
| Tips/strategy for how other schools can implement this idea: | Get student input for the daily activities, pick a regular time so everyone is prepared and be sure the whole school understands that everyone needs to set an example by participating and encouraging students. |
| Additional comments: | Try to choose exercises that require doing one side of the body and then the other for the even days of the song. |
Proof that making activity fun and including everyone can boost spirit and morale. Thanks to Brenda Bowman and her school for this great idea – we hope to see other schools giving it a try and adapting it to fit their own context!
We love reading about the innovative ideas that Alberta schools are implementing to boost physical activity, healthy eating and mental well-being for their staff and students. Is your school doing something cool? Email info@everactive.org with your idea and you could be featured on our next blog post!
