CHALLENGES AND CHOICES

"In health, there is freedom.  Health is the first of all liberties."
Henri Frederic Amiel

What is the definition of wellness? More than ever before, we hear this word in the news, on billboards, in conversation and even at work. Interestingly, there is no universally-accepted definition of wellness. There is, however, a set of common characteristics seen in most thoughtful attempts at a definition of wellness. We generally see a reference to a “state of well-being,” which is vague, to say the least. Also frequently seen is a “state of acceptance or satisfaction with our present condition.”

Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a more successful existence.

• Process means that improvement is always possible
• Aware means that we are continuously seeking more information about how we can improve.
  
• Choices means that we consider a variety of options and select those in our best interest.
  
• Success is determined by each individual to be their collection of life accomplishments.

Too often, competition becomes the focal point of many early education health and wellness programs.  In its very nature, competition weeds out the "weak" and the "strong," leaving little room for development of basic locomotor skills and spacial awareness.  Competition can also discourage.  

Elementary students should leave this year feeling as though they can be life participants in their health and wellness. 

While interest will vary from student to student, our goal is to invoke interest in different activities by providing a basic skill set instead of a generalized here are the rules, here is the ball, play environment.  We will focus on spacial awareness, balance, locomotor skills, and coordination--All of which play key roles in developing confidence in ability.  

Please feel free to check out this article written by Eric Cressey, a leader in health and wellness. He runs through a basic outline of how important proper physical education can be for children now and later in life.  

ALL OF THIS DEPENDS ON YOU

As we explore this new notion of health and wellness as it pertains to physical education and also as it overlaps into traditional classroom settings, your children will be challenged on personal levels to achieve goals,  make smart and informed choices, and to lead by example. 

I hope that your child will be excited about what he/she is learning in this program and that they will bring home this knowledge.  I also hope that you will encourage their curiosity.  Throughout the year, I will post helpful resources pertaining to health, wellness, and diet.  In addition, you will always have access to our Year at a Glance, which will illustrate what we will focus on from week to week.  

Check back for easy, healthy snack ideas, fun meals to cook with your children, cooperative exercise opportunities, and tips for incorporating healthy into your lives. 

Similar to Math or English, a healthy lifestyle must be studied and reinforced.  A vegetable never smells as good as bacon.  Making an informed choice about food is a great stepping stone when introducing a healthy lifestyle to your family.  From there, the possibilities are endless.   

Please feel free to contact me at:  bschmissrauter@stpeters.org 

I am always open to new ideas and resources to introduce to the students!