In September, PE teacher, Tiffany Smith, was awarded a Back-to-School Grant which allowed her to purchase items to make Workout Wednesdays a reality. Two of the purchases needed were for a projector and a 24-foot screen which would allow students to see different kinds of workouts and follow along. Since being awarded the grant, Smith was able to purchase everything needed and Workout Wednesdays are a go! During these classes, several different types of workouts will be introduced throughout the year, such as yoga, Pilates, Zumba, walking workouts, low impact workouts, and more!
Improving students’ physical health is always on the forefront of consideration for PE teachers. Workout Wednesdays will help students find a type of workout that they can do and enjoy, so they continue to be active even on their own. Since beginning these classes, Smith has noticed an increase in participation by students who normally don’t like to participate in PE games.
New types of workouts can be hard to get used to. Smith says when she introduces a new one, the students are cautious at first, but once they see other students following along, they get more involved. Smith also does the workouts with them, so they can see her doing the actions and that she is having fun while she’s doing them. Having fun while being active is also a desired outcome of these classes!
One of the biggest impacts since starting Workout Wednesdays this year is the routine it brings to students’ weekly schedules. Students know what to expect on Wednesdays and begin to look forward to it. Even though they learn new types of workouts, there’s a format to these classes that spans across any type of workout. So far, the students’ favorite workouts are Just Dance!
Workout Wednesdays are such a big hit, that some teachers are joining in!
