MyPyramid.gov

MyPyramid.gov - United States Department of Agriculture - Home

This site states its: "An interactive computer game where kids can reach Planet Power by fueling their rocket with food and physical activity. “Fuel” tanks for each food group help students keep track of how their choices fit into MyPyramid."

Possibly a worthwhile resource for your students.

P.E. credit for outside activities

USATODAY.com - Online phys ed takes hold in Minneapolis:

"Last year, as the tall, cheerful South High School senior neared
graduation, he was finding it hard to complete his physical education
requirement while balancing studies, sports and a social life. Then
Miller discovered that through a new online class he could fulfill his
phys-ed credit after school by playing on the Ultimate Frisbee team."

I posted about this in my other blog and liked the concept of crediting students for work they do outside the school.

If one of the goals of a P.E. program is to develop skills and habits of physical fitness and activity, this seems to be the best way to address it. Let kids know that there healthy choices are so important that we would give them credit. These students can focus their time on tasks and skills that they need more help on. Conversely, if a student spends time at home writing and has proven proficiency in writing, maybe they lack some key habits or skills in physical fitness and might receive extra support in P.E. It seems like if we value P.E. we'll provide the same types of remedial support to it as we do to other subject areas. At the same time for those students who excel or spend vasts amounts of time in activity outside of school, they should be credited.



This may not be a perfect solution but one that has potential and principles worth exploring.

'Virtual cafeteria' teaches good eating habits

'Virtual cafeteria' teaches good eating habits: "In the virtual cafeteria, Cathy, an animated cafeteria worker, stands behind the daily menu items with a static, maternal smile on her face. With the sound of a busy cafeteria buzzing in the background, Cathy's talking word bubbles offer comments such as 'Good job! It looks like you know where to find vitamin A and vitamin C' when users place the soup and salad option on their lunch trays."

You can try out the virtual cafeteria as well.