Page 63 - EdViewptsSpring2020

class, students might be engaging to support school-wide wellness.
in the traditional parachute activity. Yes. 50% in the form of a GOPHER
Surely you remember it from your gift card that never expires and
own experiences. Students shake the can be used across all of Gopher’s
parachute vigorously and the teacher many educational brands, including
adds bean bags and yarn balls that Pre-K, movement in the classroom,
pop into the air like “popcorn”. In the STEM supplies and athletics. (www.
lesson presented by health.moves. gophersport.com).
minds.tm , the students are asked to The remaining funds are used to-
imagine that the shaking parachute ward program resource costs (25%),
is their active mind. The objects are
health.moves.minds.® The pro- now thoughts that might be on their contributions to the state health and
gram brings an entire school culture mind. The teacher tosses them into physical education organization (15%)
together around free K-12 lesson the parachute and says: “My dog is and to SHAPE America (10%) so that
plans and resources that focus on sick”. “I was late for school”. “I don’t those organizations can continue to
kindness, mindfulness, empowerment have my homework today”. As the provide quality professional develop-
and advocacy in health and physical parachute shakes, the thoughts bump ment for health and physical educators
education and beyond. It offers op- into each other, maybe even fall out of as well as advocate for our profession
portunities for school and community the parachute. The teacher then asks on the state and national levels.
wide instructional activities and initia- students to slow down the parachute Last, but not least, if students and
tives that transform a student culture and watch the thoughts begin to be staff decide to do so, the school can
of stress, anxiety and depression into still. This begins the instruction lesson donate 25% of the 50% that goes to
thriving environments where acts of on mindfulness. their school to a local charity of their
kindness are commonplace and men- choice. Something meaningful and
tal health is embraced. This lesson, and all of the other important to the community. Any certi-
standards-based lessons are free to
The program was piloted across teachers and include assessments, fied charity organization (501c3). Even
the country in 21 sites with varying ideas for equitable groupings in the the school’s own PTA/PTO. Many of
geographic and socio-economic classroom and suggestions for accom- the pilot schools gave to mental health
characteristics. The outcomes for modations for students with special organizations, animal shelters, the lo-
students were extraordinary. By needs. The resources are available at cal police. A very personal cause that
opening the door for students to www.healthmovesminds.org and any engages a community.
express kindness and gratitude and teacher or principal can access the As I reflect on all of my years in
teaching strategies in the classroom materials without being a professional public education, I have seen many
around mindfulness, the students member of the state or national health educational trends come and go. The
themselves took ownership of their and physical education organizations. health of a child is a constant. The one
school environment. When Charlotte part of our responsibility that we can
Danielson tells us in the Framework The program also strives to introduce never ignore as leaders. Safe, healthy
for Teaching that the highest levels of students to the thoughtfulness of and engaged students are a path
distinguished teaching are the kinds giving back, not only to one’s school, to academic success and a journey
where students are empowered to but to their community. If schools toward success in life and work. I
lead and the teacher becomes the would like, they can sign up for a am pleased to be able to share this
facilitator of the learning, the health. fundraising component. Thanks to the program with my NJPSA colleagues
moves.minds.tm program fosters that partnership of the Society of Health and urge you to share the lessons
kind of classroom and school-wide and Physical Educators (SHAPE and information with your staff. For
culture. America) and GOPHER, schools can more information on the health.moves.
create a fundraising team. All of the
The lesson plans are transformative. funds can be donated online (with minds.tm program, please contact me
Allow me to give you an example. an offline option) and 50% of the at hpesolutions2019@gmail.com or
In a first grade physical education funds raised go back to your school visit www.healthmovesminds.org

About the Author

Judy LoBianco was the Supervisor of Health, Physical Education, and Nursing Services in the South
Orange-Maplewood Schools for 14 years. She is the Past President of the Society of Health and
Physical Educators (SHAPE America), the nation’s largest health and physical education professional
membership organization. Judy was honored as the 2013 National PE Supervisor of the Year and was
awarded by Education Week as a 2018 Leader to Learn From. A highly sought-after consultant in the
field, she currently serves as the NJ State Coordinator for the program health. moves. minds.® Follow
her on Twitter at @jlobianc

Educational Viewpoints -61- Spring 2020