WOWS E-Newsletter 3-25-09

March 25, 2009 

....Easy HEAR-SEE-DO action tips each week

HEAR .... Provide a message to increase awareness of knowledge/skills
SEE .... Show people HOW to make healthy changes
DO .... Help people practice and make healthy changes

Take a "Screen Time" Break - National TV Turnoff Week

HEAR

During National TV Turnoff Week (April 20-26, 2009), encourage kids to explore other interests and activities besides television, computers or video games. It's a great opportunity to encourage active play and healthy eating during the week by trying the simple ideas below!

SEE

• Center for Screen Time Awareness "National TV Turnoff Week" - get ideas to organize and support TV Turnoff Week
• Healthy Kids Challenge resources for healthy eating and active play ideas:
  A La Cart-Snack Fun, A La Cart-Breakfast, Nutrition & Activity Berry Berry Good, Food Museum, School Activity Kit and Acting Up booklets

DO

1. Provide a daily activity idea with morning announcements such as "take a nature walk to collect seeds and leaves today", or "play stick ball in the neighborhood today".
2. Brainstorm ideas for activity during the week. Ideas might include: learn how to juggle, play charades, pick up trash around a park with a friend or parent, jump rope, play catch, help fix dinner, build a fort with sheets/blankets, roller skate, play hopscotch, create a healthy snack, or do some stretching exercises. 
• To incorporate math skills, have kids estimate the number of activities the class might complete in the week.
• Each day check off activities that are completed from the list.
• At the end of the week, determine how close each child's estimation was to the exact total.
3. Encourage kids to take part in the Turnoff Week poster or essay contests.
4. Use HKC booklets for after school program activities, such as the "Roman Numeral Run" on page 24 of Acting Up