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In the fall of 2005, Brookfield Elementary first grade teachers began a walking program to comply with the wellness curriculum the state had implemented. The first year, students walked every Friday morning during recess. One time around the playground was considered one lap and each student received a punch on his/her punch card for each lap. After accumulating twenty punches, students received a foot keychain and after every five miles they could earn another foot to add to their keychain.
Over the years, the program has spread throughout the other grades and is starting to make its way through the local middle school as well. “The kids really seem to enjoy it as well as challenge themselves and each other each week,” said Susan McBroom, first grade teacher. For $100, teachers purchased a kit which includes the punch cards, keychains and plastic feet.
In addition to the walking program, students are receiving additional nutrition education from the Missouri Extension Office. The two-week program is aligned to the Missouri State guidelines. Students learn about each food group and how foods help them grow, play, think and have strong bones and teeth. The older students learn about nutrients, digestion and the cause and effect of making healthy choices versus less healthy choices. They also have the opportunity to taste numerous fruits and vegetables that they had not had before. Students especially enjoyed the clementines because they were sweet, easy to peel, contained vitamin C and made their classroom “smell so good.”
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