California Kindergarten through 12th grade physical education framework recognizes that the sedentary lifestyle is dangerous to children's health. Alarming numbers of children, with and without adult supervision, can be found in front of televisions or computers munching on snack foods. Recreation and activity are lacking.

The historical outcome of physical education in schools has been to emphasize competition, games, sports, and focus on natural athletic ability, causing most students to drop off and dislike physical education and activity. The purpose of the school based physical education programs and that of the JUST RUN program is to involve everyone and help each student recognize that running and activity are important to overall health and well being throughout life.

There is a direct link between physical well being and academic learning. The healthy, physically active child is more likely to be academically motivated, alert, and successful. Physical activity helps self-concept, social skills, and cooperative interaction with others.

Your main goal as a teacher or volunteer in this program is to insure that sessions are fun and each child understands the importance of physical activity and good nutrition to their lives. Each child can make choices and decisions that effect their health. They should choose to be active and to eat the correct food.

Running and physical activity drills involve various types of movement, balance, understanding the fundamentals, appreciating the movement, enjoying running and activity for its own sake. Development takes time and different grade levels should be treated differently in terms of distances run and adaptation to more strenuous workouts.

See the section on SAMPLE EXPECTATIONS BY SCHOOL GRADE