About the Fitness DAWGS Curriculum
The Fitness DAWGS curriculum is designed to combat the growing issue of childhood obesity by promoting healthy eating habits and physical activity. Developed by teachers for teachers, this curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of both teachers and students, providing a comprehensive approach to health and wellness in schools.
The Fitness DAWGS curriculum includes specially designed workbooks and teacher guides for Preschool-2nd grade students. These materials are crafted to engage young learners in fun and educational activities that promote healthy living, ensuring that students develop lifelong healthy habits from an early age.
Why is it Important?
Childhood obesity is a significant and growing concern in the United States. The national rate of childhood obesity increased to 22.4% in 2020, up from 19.3% in 2019. This condition not only affects children's physical, social and emotional health but also their academic performance. Research shows that children who are obese in kindergarten lag behind their non-obese peers academically. The main contributors to this issue are poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle, and a lack of knowledge about healthy habits.
An Inside Look
The teacher guides come with detailed lesson plans that align with educational standards. These plans include step-by-step instructions for each activity, ensuring that teachers can easily apply the curriculum into their daily schedules. The curriculum includes pre- and post-tests, lesson plans checklist, Let’s Move Cards, Fitness DAWGS Matching Cards, and more.
The guides are designed to be flexible, allowing teachers to adapt the lessons to fit their unique classroom needs. Whether used in a traditional classroom setting or during physical education classes, the guides provide valuable resources that support diverse teaching environments.
The curriculum includes a parent letter at the end of each module that encourages parental involvement; providing tips and activities that families can do together at home. This helps to reinforce healthy habits outside of the classroom and fosters a community approach to health education.
The workbooks are tailored to the cognitive and developmental levels of Preschool-2nd grade students. Activities compliment the lessons in the teacher’s guide and are designed to be fun and engaging. Thereby, making it easy for young children to understand and retain information about healthy eating and physical activity.
The workbooks include a variety of interactive activities such as coloring pages, puzzles, and games. In addition, students are introduced to new foods and sports! These activities are designed to be both educational and entertaining, helping to keep students motivated and interested.
Time-Saving
With pre-written lesson plans and resources, teachers can easily incorporate health and fitness education into their schedules without the need for extensive preparation.
Aligned with Standards
The curriculum is designed to meet educational standards, ensuring that teachers are providing quality instruction that meets state and national guidelines.
Support for Social and Emotional Learning
The curriculum is designed to promote holistic well-being by combining good eating habits and physical activity with essential social and emotional learning components, equipping students with the skills they need for success.
Positive Impact on Academics
By promoting healthier lifestyles, the Fitness DAWGS curriculum helps improve students' focus, behavior, and academic outcomes.