Recommended Website:
CircusFit.com
ClickSchooling list member Mary Burns recommended this site that offers a whole new take on physical education. Mary wrote, “Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey have put together an incredibly comprehensive program called CircusFit. It has a complete, lesson-by-lesson curriculum, including downloads, online activities, video clips, etc.”
In response to America’s epidemic of childhood obesity due to poor nutrition and inactivity, Ringling Brothers specifically created CircusFit curriculum to provide educators and parents with a fun way to incorporate fitness and nutrition into healthy living habits. You’ll find fitness tips, recipes, and fun physical games your family can play together to become CircusFit!
As the website explains, circus performers are accomplished athletes who need to be in top physical condition, making them ideal role models who can encourage young people to be active and fit. Acrobats, clowns, high wire and trapeze artists, and many other performer-athletes show kids of all ages an action-packed and playful approach to health and fitness.
The CircusFit Program consists of FREE learning modules that require registration for access. Use them sequentially, or pick and choose the individual lessons (that include interactive videos and activity suggestions) that fit your schedule. The lessons combine educational health and science info with movement and exercise. Each Lesson incorporates character education (via positive role models) and includes vocabulary building as well.
Turn on your speakers to experience the full multi-media design of the site. When you get there you’ll see an icon menu in the center of your screen. This is sort of a “sampler” with hints and tips for developing healthy habits along with some fun exercise and game suggestions.
If you look up in the right hand corner of the screen you’ll see another menu. Read the “Parents” section for ideas on how to use CircusFit at home. Click on the “For Educators” button to access the real meat of this site — all of the learning modules and lesson plans. You’ll be amazed at the content provided here for free.
