What is FitnessGram?
FitnessGram works as a "student fitness report card" to help improve Physical Education programs and in turn, student's health. FitnessGram has been used for over 30 years by over 20,000 schools / 10 million students world wide. Due to their extensive research, consistent improvement and transparent communication tools, FitnessGram has become the number 1 Fitness assessment tool.
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FitnessGram uses a variety of information in an attempt to get as accurate a picture of a students' fitness level. With this information FitnessGram can create a report that is not only useful for the student and their parents, but also for the Physical Education staff. As a Physical Education teacher, my goal is to help instill a desire to be lifelong learner of health and the human body. With this, I need to evaluate where my students are in order to plan meaningful lessons that will help them grow and develop.
Sometimes people believe these fitness tests are judging their child, or creating a negative self image. That concern is very valid and I would hope that teachers who test their students in any area are well versed on the assessment they are using, on child development, and on emotional wellness. I take these areas into consideration when testing my students, as I believe a positive self image is an important part of wellness.
During the FitnessGram unit (and sprinkled throughout the year) we talk about BMI inaccuracies due to weight differential between muscle and fat, growth spurts, and age. I use the FitnessGram report as a talking point of how different exercises affect different muscles. I tell my students that most importantly, they are to find an activity that they enjoy and to choose nutrient rich foods to feed that active body.
Sometimes people believe these fitness tests are judging their child, or creating a negative self image. That concern is very valid and I would hope that teachers who test their students in any area are well versed on the assessment they are using, on child development, and on emotional wellness. I take these areas into consideration when testing my students, as I believe a positive self image is an important part of wellness.
During the FitnessGram unit (and sprinkled throughout the year) we talk about BMI inaccuracies due to weight differential between muscle and fat, growth spurts, and age. I use the FitnessGram report as a talking point of how different exercises affect different muscles. I tell my students that most importantly, they are to find an activity that they enjoy and to choose nutrient rich foods to feed that active body.
When do I get my child's report?
We test two times a year, once in the fall and again in the spring. I use the fall test results as a planning guide for my warm-ups, Fitness Fridays, and other activities. I will teach the students how to read the reports (individually reading their own report with their 1:1), and explain what I do with the information (a planning guide). I do not send home reports in the Fall, however your child will know how to access the report online. After our spring test we will review the reports, make summer activity goals, and the reports will get sent home. I have not yet decided if I will be sending home a paper copy in the spring, or if I will use the e-mail option that comes with the FitnessGram program. Either way, you will get a report at the end of each year from 4th grade- 8th grade.