About Us

Making School a Moving Experience

Make School a Moving Experience is an initiative to help elementary schools incorporate 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity into the school week – for every student, every week.

Participating schools will receive support to reach this goal through a combination of activities and resources for physical education class, recess, and the classroom. A secondary goal of the program is to help afterschool care providers offer additional physical activity outside of the school day.

What are the benefits of physical activity?

Physical activity has a number of benefits for students, not the least of which is improved academic outcomes. Mounting evidence shows that students who are physically active tend to have:

• better grades
• higher test scores
• better ability to pay attention in class
  
• fewer disciplinary problems
• better attendance

Of course, being physically active also improves children’s overall health and how they are able to function and feel in and out of the classroom. Physical activity helps kids:

• maintain a healthy weight
• reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes
• have stronger muscles and bones
• sleep better
• feel happier and less stressed
• feel better about themselves and their bodies

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate in the Make School a Moving Experience Network?
Public and charter elementary schools in Delaware and their associated afterschool programs are invited to participate, with priority given to schools in Nemours Health and Prevention Services’ (NHPS) partner districts. Over the course of the 2009-2010 school year, we were able to work with 25 schools in 6 school districts. There will be the opportunity for up to 35 more schools to participate in the 2010-2011 school year.

What will participating schools receive?
Schools that participate in Make School a Moving Experience will receive:

• Technical assistance in creating a plan for providing 150 minutes of physical activity
• Evidence-based program materials: Two programs, CATCH and Take 10, have been selected for use in this initiative. Schools will receive a full set of CATCH equipment (if the school does not already have one) and Take 10 program materials for all classroom teachers.
• Professional development: We will offer training sessions in creative formats to help physical education (PE) teachers, classroom teachers, and other staff implement CATCH and Take 10.
• Access to online resources: Through this online network and monthly e-newsletters, you will have access to planning tools, classroom activities, fact sheets, research studies, and success stories related to increasing physical activity during the school day.
• Monitoring and evaluation data: Data that is collected and analyzed as a part of this program will be available.

A Carol M. White Physical Education Program grant funds this initiative. There is no monetary cost for participation; however, there are some requirements for participating schools. The following requirements will be outlined in an agreement the school district superintendent signs:

• Commitment to participation throughout the three year grant period, from 2009-2012
• Commitment to providing 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity for all students, every week
• Use of CATCH and Take 10 as appropriate for each school
• Participation in monitoring and evaluation activities, which will include keeping activity logs, participating in brief surveys and/or focus groups, and allowing observers to assess levels of physical activity during a sample of PE classes and classroom activities
• Collaboration with afterschool care providers to ensure safe and adequately sized space for moderate to vigorous physical activity during before and after care hours

Who should I contact for more information? For more information about becoming a part of this initiative, please contact Linda Tholstrup at (302) 444-9139.