Verb it up for April

To counter the messages promoting a drug culture that children are exposed to in the media, home, and street, physical educators can adapt the VERB program created by the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov/youthcampaign) to combat sedentary behavior.  (Many resource materials are available on the website or free/low cost by mail.) VERB targets tweenagers (middle schoolers).  To adapt VERB to an anti-drug/alochol campaign, (a) make time for VERB during each lesson; (b) have a conversation about how being active (verb = to do something) prevents or reduces the risk of substance abuse; and (c) promote the program in the school and to parents.  Some activities are suggested below.

Verb Arsenal:  There are up to 22 school days in the month (although many schools observe Spring Break during this month).  Students should maintain a notebook in which they list 5 new verbs (physical activity related) each day.  They should turn their favorite verbs into a VERB suggestion box, which the teacher reviews each day.  For the next lesson, the teacher has students perform 5 verbs as a warmup or mini-activity (can announce the author of each verb for additional reinforcement)   Students who reach 100 for the month can be awarded a certificate or their names publicized as VERB superstars on bulletin boards or by intercom.  

Verb, The Video:  Over the course of the month, videotape students performing in physical education class, recess, intramurals, and sport programs.  While filming be sure to include your audio comments that include the name of the verb being performed.  You can edit the film down to several dozen clips of different activities.  If you have the right equipment, you can incorporate titles, dubbing, and transitions and even burn your film onto CD.  The CD can be played each year, shown at back-to-school nights, and if the final product looks "good enough," copies can be sold as a fundraiser.