When it comes to winter, human nature seems to err on the side of hibernation, not movement.  Once cozy on the couch, most would opt to stay in and watch television given the choice on a cold night. Kids are no different.  After becoming used to regular activity during recess, they then quickly adjust to habits that are less physically demanding in the winter.  It is this concept that led Johnson Elementary third grade teacher, Elizabeth Mutafis, to seek out an innovative solution.

 

Mutafis, a 14-year teaching veteran, is always looking for exciting ways to help her students learn and grow.  When she stumbled across the Adventures to Fitness site on Facebook, she was intrigued with their unique approach to keeping kids active during the winter months.  After seeing a contest where her students could earn prizes, she immediately entered because, as she said, “Who wouldn’t want free gifts for her students?”

 

The school was notified this week that Mutafis was one of only 50 teachers in the nation to win the contest, which provided a $15 Osh Gosh B’Gosh gift card for each student in her class.  Each student also received stickers and a coloring book promoting fitness. “They were so excited,” said Mutafis about her students. 

 

Adventures in Fitness offers interactive, live and animated online videos that provide 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise for students in the classroom.  The videos can be live-streamed and include teacher guides, incentive programs, and activities for students, all aligned with the National Common Core Standards.

 

Mutafis plans to order the videos and integrate the program encouraging students to remain active throughout the year. 

 

“I feel so honored to be able to access unique opportunities for my students and I am so happy we won these prizes. This reinforces how integrated physical activities are with success in school and my students are truly deserving of such rewards,” said Mutafis.