The Project: An Overview

Twenty-five 6th graders in Washington Heights will play their way to better health during the last two full weeks of school, June 12 to June 21, 2012.  The project, "Play Your Way to Better Health," explores ways children can be healthier people, empowered consumers, and positive change agents in their communities.  (These sixth graders don't see these grand goals.)


They do, however, care and want to get involved in finding solutions to the "obesity crisis" they keep hearing about. How do I know?  Over 50 sixth graders out of 120 ranked this project their number one choice when they were presented with six projects. In addition, over 80 sixth graders ranked it in their top three.  When given a choice, an overwhelming number of children want to be active and healthier.  All the students who showed interest are curious about their bodies and want the learning process to be fun.  They are not alone.   

Through the integrated study of nutrition, media, and exercise, these 25 lucky students will take dance and yoga classes, participate in athletic competitions in NYC's parks, view and analyze food ads, watch pertinent documentaries, go grocery shopping in different neighborhoods, learn the basics of the digestive system, choreograph muscle-targeted movements to poplar music, and create ads (print or television) to influence their peers.  

They will post their thoughts and experiences on this blog to add dimension to this project's impact.  If you are interested in where this project takes us, follow us on this incredible journey where children will be empowered to teach and persuade their peers (and even their parents/guardians) to play to better health.  You may get inspired to jump rope, ride a bike, and roller-skate. Follow. Learn. Inspire. 

HealthyLady is Judith Myrthil