We all know that exercise is important for us. Growing up, I was very active. It started with playing outside until dark as a kid, then moving to basketball, softball, volleyball, and tennis through school, college, and recreationally. Being active was also important in our elementary schools when I was growing up. Between recess, PE, and the Physical Fitness Program, we were active students. Unfortunately, today, times have changed. When I look at a lot of students on my elementary school campus, recess is reserved for snack time instead of playtime. PE, for the most part, does not exist anymore. And the Physical Fitness Program…. who knows what that is anymore! Some elementary schools have physical fitness programs once or twice a week. But, that is not enough.

Even as a special education teacher, I am responsible for the physical fitness of my students, even those with severe disabilities. I have a responsibility to my student’s well being by making sure they maintain some level of activity each and every day. That is why it is up to us teachers to assure that our students stay active on a daily basis. And yes, sometimes we have to be real creative in doing that! I, like most teachers, know it is much easier said then done. Needless to say, I was intrigued by this one teachers creative response to assuring physical activity for his students.

I was taking my student, Jackie, to the cafeteria to pick up our lunches. She was doing a very good job of leading the way and holding onto the lunch basket. Giggling and coming to the corner to make a right turn, Jackie and I encounter a 4^th grade teacher with his students, nicely lined up, and walking back to their classroom (which is what I assumed). We stopped to let them go by. After several hand waves, greetings, giggles, pushing and shoving, and stares, Jackie and I were on our way to the cafeteria

While our lunch basket was being filled, I let Jackie take a couple of trips around the cafeteria. After a quick conversation with the lunch lady, I pick up the filled lunch basket, take Jackie by the hand, and we head back to our classroom. Stepping outside of the cafeteria, I see the same teacher, with the same group of students, walking by again. This time, with a little less enthusiasm, a little less chatter, and pushing and shoving, the students greet us as they go by. At the end of the line was the teacher with two of his female students. The look on both of their faces was priceless. I could tell they were done with whatever they were supposed to be doing. I soon learned what it was they were doing!!!

Girl #1, “are we done yet?!?”

Girl #2, “yeah, aren’t we done yet!!!”

Teacher, without missing a step, looks at his watch for a moment, looks down at the girls, and says, “Nope, we have 50 more steps to go!!!”

Priceless!!!!!!!