Pupils wide awake to the need for rigorous workout

Mar 26 2009 by Antonia Merola, Chester Chronicle

ELTON Primary School youngsters are learning to Wake Up and Shake Up in their efforts to keep fit and healthy.

The school, on School Lane, Elton, holds short routines after school registration where children take part in rigorous exercise, dancing to fast-paced tunes, as part of an aerobic workout.

Wake Up, Shake Up sessions are designed to kick start the concentration, circulation and metabolism of the children. They also help enhance co-ordination, balance and movement.

Year 4 class teacher Laura Threadgold said the sessions really energised the pupils.

She said: “Every class takes part, with some doing an additional one in the afternoon just after lunch.

“The sessions are low to high-impact exercises, mixed in with aerobics such as arm stretching. They start off slow, then quicken up in the middle, then finish off slow again so the children are more prepared for the day.

“In my class, the children lead the session and they get to pick the dance moves for the song which gets played.

“We have a DVD which will play a pop song, such as YMCA, Whigfield’s Saturday Night, and more along those lines.

“The children love it, especially after lunch when they might be feeling a little tired and not quite so prepared for the afternoon, it gives them a boost. It’s also good for the teachers, as they can take part too.”

Elton Primary has won awards for the way in which it teaches pupils to have a healthy lifestyle.

It earned one of the government’s National Healthy Schools awards for promoting the link between good health, behaviour and achievement.

The school also won a Cheshire Healthy Schools Partnership Award for activities-based projects they organised toward encouraging healthy lifestyles in 2005.

Youngsters are also benefiting from SEAL workshops, which focus on the social and emotional aspects of learning.

Teacher Susanna Holtom said: “We have themes based on games, developing the children’s self-esteem and preparing them for the world of work and how to deal with situations.”

Among other topics, the SEAL classes ensure children know how to live healthily.

Key Stage 2 children received Change 4 Life brochures, to provide a range of information on exercise programmes and how to enjoy a balanced diet.