Integrated instruction that draws together literacy (reading, writing, listening, speaking) and fitness (physical, nutritional, social, and emotional), introducing an invigorating and much-needed fitness strand into the daily classroom routine.
In this inspiring, breakthrough book, nationally respected educator and fitness expert Michael F. Opitz together with veteran teacher Jennifer Davis Duerr share their secrets for combining literacy-rich, ready-to-use lessons with easy-to-implement fitness exercises. You'll discover how to weave fitness (physical, nutritional, social, and emotional) into your existing classroom literacy rountines--guided reading, read-aloud, independent reading, readers and writers workshops-for the invigorating workout today's students urgently need. Addresses childhood obesity and accompanying health issues.Links to more than 250 children's literature selections and 75 websites on fitness and well-being.Features meaningful group and independent activities to help children understand the importance of physical fitness and well-bring. Features meaningful group and independent activities to help children understand the importance of physical fitness and overall well-being. Shows students how to take responsibility for their own fitness and well-bring through a special "Taking Action" feature.
A former elementary school teacher and reading specialist, Michael Opitz is professor emeritus education of reading at the University of Northern Colorado where he taught undergraduate and graduate courses and supervised doctoral dissertations. He is now a literacy consultant and author well known to individual teachers, instructional leaders, and researchers as the author of numerous professional and curricular resources and through his extensive work in schools nationwide.