Fun Fit Friday at Hugh Cairns School

−Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Fun Fit Friday was created by teacher Daryl Lesyshyn to get his students excited about leading an active life. Developed seven years ago, Fun Fit Friday has been a part of Mr. Lesyshyn physical activity curriculum ever since. The program continues to ensure success with both individual students and as a class, inspiring them to include both physical activity and healthy eating into their everyday lives.

Fun Fit Friday allows students to participate in a variety of physical activities which students may not have the opportunity to try. Sample activities include yoga, aerobics, dance, wheelchair basketball and curling. In Fun Fit Friday also gives students’ hands on opportunity to prepare nutritional meals, adding to their healthy lifestyle knowledge.

When Mr. Lesyshyn created Fun Fit Friday he wanted to enrich both physical education and wellness for the students through the concepts of:

• Everyone participates − no one is left out because of lack of funds or ability.
• Expand students awareness of different activities, in different facilities, lead by different leaders.
• Identify and introduce positive role models who exemplify a healthy and positive lifestyle.
• Integrate and coordinate activities done outside as well as activities in a school setting.

The program is closely followed by parents, administration and instructors. Written and oral feedback is given by parents and instructors on a regular basis and newsletters with updates on the program are also offered. Students write a journal after each activity indentifying what they learned and the benefits they encountered.

With assistance from Goodlife Kids Foundation, grade 6 students at Hugh Cairns Elementary School will get the opportunity to experience a variety of physical activities – beyond what the school curriculum offers. This is a great opportunity for these students to experience the positive benefits of living an active life and having the chance to share their experiences with children and youth across Canada.