I started this Monday morning the same way I have started my Mondays for the past 8 weeks – in a school gym with 40 energetic kids! I’ve been volunteering as a Lead Trainer for a before-school physical activity program called Build Our Kids Success, or BOKS.
The premise behind BOKS is quite simple, that through physical activity you can jump-start a child’s brain and help set them up for success throughout their school day. The program combines play, team games, physical activity and short talks on nutrition. BOKS is an initiative of the Reebok Foundation and those of us who serve as trainers were invited to the Reebok World Headquarters for a day of training before bringing the program into our schools. I attended a training session back in August and left so enthusiastic, I couldn’t wait to get started!
We kicked off the program in my sons’ school in mid-October, meeting twice a week before school for a 50 minute session. It’s been great working with the kids, watching them learn a new skill every week (this week was burpees!) and listening to them as they eagerly want to tell you about how active they were over the weekend or what new healthy food they’ve tried. Hopefully these kids are gaining some skills and habits that will stick with them long after the program ends.
I’ve had so much fun with this program that I will probably sign on again to help coordinate the Spring session. You can’t help but feel motivated after working out and playing with the kids – sets a great tone to start the day!
By the way if you are interested in finding out how to bring BOKS to your child’s school, you can check out their website HERE
Michelle that is a GREAT way to spend a Monday morning! It also gives the kids something to look forward to beyond, just the academics and standards , even though this does fit some standards – common sense ones in my opinion. But that is a different thing.
What a really great program! Good for you for leading this. I wish all schools would do something like this!
That is so awesome!! I don’t have kids yet, but I hope that there is something I can do to help like this when I do!
This program sounds fantastic. I couldn’t agree more on the premise that physical activity brings out the best (confidence!) in our kids. How awesome you are taking part in this.
Wow! That is an awesome program – and kudos t oyou for being involved.
I could probably benefit from some pre-work workouts! Love this idea and it’s awesome that Reebok is backing it!
Way to go Michelle!
Wow! Sounds like an awesome program. Love it when kids get excited about fitness!!
That is amazing! I have always wanted to start a school program, but am waiting a few years until my kids get a little older. You’re a saint to teach these kids about health and fitness, you never know what doors being active to open for you.
What a great program! I love hearing about fun ways to get kids to enjoy being active. Amazing!!