Christmas at CIS & the Wii Fit Project

Lots of amazing things have happened since this dream became a reality in June 2009. The Wii Fit Project is up and running at Claymont Intermediate, in Dennison, OH, and as of early December, we've just received funding for a NEW grant (Ohio Action for Healthy Kids - Thank you!) that will place the Wii project in a third grade elementary class at Eastport in January (thank you Derek!).

This project will also take another step forward in January, as it will be used by the Pre-K classes at Claymont on Thursday mornings (during my prep period). Thank you Avy and staff! *In November, took the Wii Fit to Immaculate Conception (pre-k, second, seventh grades), and it was a HUGE hit!!

From a personal stand point I cannot be any more pleased than I am with the results of the first cycle and 1/2 of this research project. The more I read about gaming in education/exercise and how it correlates nothing but positive results, the more I get excited about expanding this.

On the last day of school for this year, the students played the teachers in dodge ball (kids brought in x amount of canned goods for under the Christmas tree, they got to play). The only part of my body that was sore the next day was my arms from throwing. I thought for sure I would get sore as the day went on.. I wasn't. Then it dawned on me. I exercise with the kids every morning using the Wii Fit Project. That's 15-20 minutes a day M-F. We stretch and do moderate cardiovascular exercises (still need ten more minutes in gym). If this is what it's doing for me - Imagine what it must be doing for the students? Wait, I know the answer to that one..

May God bless you in the New Year.
Get up, Get out, Get Active!
The Wii Fit Project 2010 -

Month 7 Action Research

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15MvT2O7zyg

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! Can you believe that it's already Thanksgiving? I'm currently working on my Cycle 1 results from the first cycle. The numbers are impressive! I also am writing my Lit Review. I'm anxious to get both completed to show the results so far in The Wii Fit Project. Narrowing down a new name for the project - something more original. I think I found a winner! Waiting on imput.

The numbers of those who are participating in the morning have faded a bit, but I have consitantly 14-15 kids in the gym every morning (there are 22 students in my homeroom). Of those that are participating, WOW! It just reinforces what I've thought all along... Exercising improves every aspect of the student's lives! God Bless all of us :) and thank you, God, for all the blessings in my life. :)

EMDTA_Action Research BLOG 11/15

* How is your AR project unfolding for you?
My AR project is going very well. I wish, however, that I had more time to devote JUST to it at this point in time. I am looking forward to Thanksgiving break for various reasons, but also in hopes that I'll get to spend a bit more time working on my project.

* How are you tracking your data?
Cycle 1 is completed. I'm going to put my data into Numbers. All the data has been collected for Cycle 1, it just needs to be written out in black and white.

* What's happening in your research that you didn't expect? Explain.
The receptiveness of the program of itself has been incredible. I have people throughout the district and community asking questions about our project, and others wanting to volunteer to be a Guest Friday participant with my students in the gym. I also didn't anticipate wanting to start another Wii Project™ so soon, but my hopes is to get at least one or two other buildings up and running by spring. My other goal is to get all buildings active using this program by fall 2010 (that would include a total of five buildings).

* How has this month’s course (so far) helping in shaping your ARP?
This is by far the hardest course I've taken from FS thus far. Lisa has been great, but there are lots of things I just didn't know how to do, so I've had to ask for lots of help with this. I love the idea of designing my own e-learning site, but it's like anything else, trying to find the time to do so.

October 23, 2009

Building is getting hit by various germs. I was out today. We have been using the NEW Wii Fit PLUS and kids love it! I've taken lots of pics and videos this week of kids using the program. They continue to amaze me on how simple this program is and how much they truly love being up and active in the morning prior to starting our days. I know it throws me off when we can't be in the gym (example picture day).

The kids who are actively participating are showing a difference in the classroom and out of the classroom. I still wish I could spent at least 10 more minutes in the gym in the morning. At CIS, we give kids breakfast in the morning, so they need time to eat and get organized before the day officially starts at 7:50AM. We are in the gym right now from 7:15-7:35. The kids always hate leaving. One thing we always do before dismissing to classes is we huddle up and discuss how to focus and approach the day. This is my favorite time! I miss coaching and these guys and gals are my TEAM and then some this year! I feel personally connected to each and every one of my kids.

One guy is still on the sidelines and not participating. Mom and dad are not sure about using video games in the classroom to teach. I will meet with them during conferences in a few weeks and hope to convince them otherwise. He paces back and fourth in the back while we are doing the Fit Project. He doesn't have to come into the gym, and is allowed to sit with the others in the cafeteria, but chooses to join us each morning. I'll keep you updated!

October 16, 2009

Just returned home from seeing WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE with my four year old son, Nate. Movie was dark, just like the book. Too much Full Sail in my blood now. I was critique the movie - and how they could have made it better.

Project was at a stand still this week due to sixth grade camp. We will start again on Monday first thing. Can't wait!!

Starting my AR website this weekend (thanks for the input, Roxanne!!). Now that I know what I have to do, I can let the ideas flow! I love fall. It brings an intensity unlike any other season for me.