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Fit to Be Taught, Vol.1

Raising Well-Balanced Children

Children may be pampered with a plethora of gadgets, but they are not nurtured in a way that helps them develop into responsible and caring citizens, argues Dr. Peter L. Benson. All segments of society must commit to children’s well being, he argues. Included: information about 40 Developmental Assets.

While Americans may say that children are the country’s most precious asset, the U.S. falls short in providing for the well-being of children and adolescents, according to Dr. Peter L. Benson, president of Search Institute, a nonprofit organization which provides leadership, knowledge, and resources to promote healthy children, youth, and communities, according to its Web site. Too many U.S. kids get involved with alcohol, sex, and tobacco at young ages, and live in poverty or unsafe conditions or attend unsafe schools, Dr. Benson maintains.

All segments of society, including schools, communities, businesses, and governments must work together to foster the sound physical and psychological development of children and adolescents, Dr. Benson wrote in his book, All Kids Are Our Kids: What Communities Must do to Raise Caring and Responsible Children and Adolescents.

Dr. Benson recommends using the 40 Developmental Assets created by Search Institute as a framework for raising successful, caring, capable young people.

He talked with Education World about why he thinks society has failed to sufficiently nurture its youngest members and the roles educators can continue to play in helping young people become successful adults.

Read the full article on Education World.

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Nutrition Lessons In and Outside of School

It's "Funner" to be a Runner is a fitness education/classroom program designed to promote cardiovascular fitness and respiratory efficiency, while at the same time enhancing mental, emotional, and social health for K-5 students at Meridian Elementary School in El Cajon, California.

Students run for 45-50 minutes five days a week and some enter weekend fun runs. They do push-ups and pull-ups daily. Students gain a sense of confidence from meeting goals and accomplishing athletic activities that they could not do before, and the self-confidence often carries over into their schoolwork. Many of the youngsters keep in touch with school staff members after they leave the fifth grade, and report that they are still running, biking, swimming, or engaging in other types of exercise.

The program also stresses good nutrition. Healthful snacks are provided on a daily basis at school. Parents always are sending in nutritious snacks for the entire class and many tell school staff members that their children won't eat white bread, cakes, or other sugary snacks at home.

Read more about this program at: Its Funner to Be a Runner.

Click to learn more about Action for Healthy Kids.

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