Cardiovascular Endurance Activities for Children in Grades Four Through Six.

A program of cardiovascular endurance activities for children in grades four through six was developed to emphasize success and improvement and establish lifelong patterns of concern for and enjoyment of activities that contribute to physical fitness and optimum health. The activities in the program require more teacher preparation than the traditional push-ups, jumping jack routines, and Six Hundred Yard Run Walk most commonly used in grades four through six. They emphasize development of strength and muscular endurance in neglected areas (primarily the abdominal, arm, and shoulder girdle regions) as well as in leg and running muscles. Most of the activities described (rope,jogging, parachute, position, abdominal, and leg activities) require a minimum of space and equipment, are adaptable to any group size, may be used inside or outside, and require varying amounts of class time. They can be presented in the form of questions or challenges for the children to answer in his or her own way thereby allowing for individual success. They also allow the teacher to obtain desired responses by continually refining and revising the challenges used. Challenges are in the form of "Can you. . .?" and progress to "How long can you. . .?" Successful completions and times can be recorded on individual program cards (examples given) that enable both child and teacher to view success, progress, and improvement. A full description of each activity and suggested challenges is included. (MM)