Reading Fitness

Here is a game that combines reading with Aerobic endurance and social skills.

Equipment: Four large pieces of paper or chart paper to write on; one penny or small disk for each group of four or five students; one small index card for each student; something to write with.

The Game:

• Divide the class into groups of four. Leftover students may join another group and make it a group of five.
• Write the instructions on how to play the game on four different large charts. Each chart will have part of the game. Place the charts on four different sides of the play area. The students from each group will separate, go to a different chart read the instructions, meet somewhere in the play area, and explain the game to each other.
• On the first chart write: Everyone will play the game independently, but will meet their own group after each round. Go to the side and get one index card for each member of your group. Place a mark, such as a small circle on one of the cards. Gather your group together somewhere in the play area.
• On the second chart write: Take the cards from team member one. Mix them and place them face down on the floor. Each person draws one card. Everyone looks at his or her card, but does not show it to anyone. One person then pockets all of the group's cards.
• On the third card write: Everyone goes to the side and either pretends to get a penny or small disk or actually gets one. Only the person with the mark on the card gets one. Hide the penny in one hand. Everyone else pretends to hide the object whether they have it or not. Everyone finds some personal space in the play area.
• On the fourth chart write: On the go signal, use your free hand to try to tag any member of the class. If you tag someone, she or he must open the closed hand. If that person has an object, she or he must give it to you and then go to the side and do five jumping jacks before returning to the game. If the student has more than one object, she or he only gives up one. On the stop signal, the students with the most objects are the winners of the round. Return the objects to the side. Meet your group and play again.
• Play each round for two to four minutes.
• Use music for start and stop.
• Change the locomotor skill with each round. Do not allow running. Use skipping, galloping, walking, sliding, or a dance step.