Feature Story
The Great American Smokeout
On November 19, 2009, students across the nation will learn about the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout. The annual event challenges smokers to make a change in their lives by smoking less, quitting for the day, or by quitting smoking all together. However, the Great American Smokeout is also an opportunity to encourage increased health education within our schools. Although many students may not be smokers themselves, smoking is pervasive throughout our history and continues to cause major health concerns for smokers and nonsmokers alike.
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NBC Learn
The Great American Smokeout
The NBC News Archives on Demand Health and Wellness video collection provides 3-5 minute video clips that focus on positive lifestyle choices and the latest research in health science. Explore body systems, health and hygiene, exercise and fitness, food and nutrition, and advances in medicine, along with mental health resources addressing self-image, relationships, stress management, conflict resolution, and mental health disorders.
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Fitness Zone
Fitness Zone activities provide a good way to integrate fitness into your classroom. You can use them to give students a quick break between subjects, so students settle down to focus on new material more easily.
STOMP - Rhythm Activity
Divide students into pairs or do this as a whole class activity.
- Teacher/leader beats out a rhythmical pattern (may use hands on desk/floor, clap, or stomp). Start with simple rhythm patterns (such as clap, clap, stomp, stomp) and encourage students to use large body movements to move to the rhythm.
- Leader will place hands up in the air when the pattern is complete so students will know it is their turn.
- Have students take turns initiating other rhythmical patterns to follow.
You can find more energy boosters like these in FitnessZone.
Professional Development
Bringing the Great American Smokeout into the Classroom
The importance of the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout is easily recognizable. The event has been instrumental in educating the public about the dangers of smoking, creating anti-tobacco legislation, and challenging smokers across the nation to quit. However, it can often be difficult to incorporate the Great American Smokeout into a classroom setting. Since students are not legally able to smoke, it may seem unimportant to celebrate the event in school. However, the Great American Smokeout may be more important for middle school and high school students than for any other demographic.
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Teacher Tips—What Works!
Teacher tips are tried and true teaching strategies developed by health education teachers around the country. Take a look at some classroom activities that really work.
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