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By Chuck Corbin, Arizona State University
During the current coronavirus pandemic, many kids are home from school. If you are a physical education teacher with multiple classes, finding a way to engage students at home is challenging. The project based approach allows for a project that will increase activity at home and help students learn skills.
Performing moderate to vigorous physical activity during the evening helps reduce sedentary behavior and helps kids get some of the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity each day. This blog offers one activity, Jumpnastics, that can be done at home and could even be used as a school physical education project assignment.
Jumpnastics was created in 1970 and was widely used in schools during the 70s and 80s. The skills and movements in Jumpnastics are easily learned and as much fun as they were 50 years ago. While most suitable for elementary school kids, Jumpnastics can be done by the whole family—especially during these times.
The two-page Jumpnastics project sheet can be downloaded for free. This moderate to vigorous activity requires the learning of foot and arm movement skills performed to music. It can be used a project assignment using these steps:
- Send an email and the project sheets to parents similar to this:
- Look over completed student projects and provide feedback. Offer alternatives to those requesting them.
Feel free to use the project sheets in alternate ways as you see fit. The Jumpnastics.pdf encourages children and their families to be active together in the evening. It also encourages children and their families to create and share a Jumpnastics video. After the coronavirus crisis, some of the routines could be performed in groups at school.
Kudos to you, physical educators, for what you are doing to keep physical education as a priority.
Chuck practices what he preaches. After 45 years of teaching, researching, writing, and promoting regular healthy lifestyles, he walks, plays golf, does his own yard work, and does regular core and muscle fitness exercises. He enjoys playing his guitar as well as traveling with his wife of 56 years and being with his four granddaughters. Learn more about the books written by Chuck, including the Fitness for Life and Health for Life resources.
