Training teachers to keep kids fit

Getting school children to keep fit and active is a vital part of the curriculum these days.

So the USQ Fraser Coast is teaching their education students how to include physical fitness in their day-to-day classroom programs.

Fourth-year education students, who are about to become teachers, are being taught how to conduct ‘Play for Life’ sessions with children.
It includes group games with objects like balls, hoops and parachutes.

USQ Fraser Coast education lecturer Sharon Louth said the students played the games in order to learn more about them and how to teach them to children.

'It’s a lot of fun but has a serious side,' Mrs Louth said.

'It teaches our education students how to encourage children to get involved in physical activities.

'They are learning how to promote and teach children to take part in games and enjoy the many benefits of a healthy lifestyle.'

The students have taken part in the Community Coach Training course, run by Australian Sports Commission Regional Coordinator Tony Dreger.

Mr Dreger said the students were very enthusiastic during the course.

'Running the course at USQ Fraser Coast provides these students with valuable practical experience delivering the ‘Play for Life’ sessions to children through the district,' he said.