September 30, 2005
As many people know, It's so easy to brush off exercising because of work, or a busy schedule. Kids are busy, too, which is why Venable Elementary School took time away from the books and made recess extra long today.
"I'm having lots of fun," said Zoe Hurwitz, a 1st grader at Venable Elementary School.
This first grader at Venable Elementary School is not only having fun, but she's also feeling a workout, and so are her classmates.
"They're exercising, they're getting a lot of cardio, they're getting a lot of upper and lower body strength," said Francesca Zavacky, a gym teacher at Venable Elementary School.
As part of the school's second annual 'Team Day', those key factors, set the pace when it comes to providing physical challenges to build self-confidence. Academically, teachers say setting aside one day for students to play moon bounce, run an obstacle course, or do activities requiring teamwork, help better themselves throughout the school year.
"A lot of our students are really where they would be three months from now in terms of working together. It's a great catalyst for a better school year," said Zavacky.
Team Day at Venable E.S. takes place the day before Nickelodeon Television kicks-of its 'Let's Just Play' campaign, promoting healthy and active lifestyles for kids and families. For some kids, this is a great idea.
"Because this is more fun than reading books," explained Hurwitz.
"We like to be athletic, we like to play football a lot, and kickball," said A.J. Harper, a 4th grader at Venable Elementary School.
Which is good news for adults, when children exercise, it affects them many different ways.
"Relieving stress, finding their own strengths, and being able to build on those strengths," added Zavacky.
It may look like an extended day of recess for the students here at Venable Elementary School, but it's more than that. It's also a lesson to become more physically fit.
The Nickelodeon network, a partner of CBS Television, has given more than one million dollars through its 'Let's Just Play' giveaways empowering kids to facilitate play in their local communities.
