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2008-10-23 9:16 PM

Clearwater, FL
Subject: Great American Teach In

My niece has asked me to speak to her class again this year for the Great American Teach In and wants me to talk about triathlon(s).  Now as much as I enjoy tri talk to all my tri geek buddies, I can't really find anything all that exciting about triathlons that I can talk about to a class of 3rd graders.  Any suggestions???

 Kids, like adults like free stuff, so was considering bringing in energy bars and gels to give to the students, should win me some brownie points with the other parents, eh??? Tongue out



2008-10-23 9:28 PM
in reply to: #1762976

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Subject: RE: Great American Teach In

Well most kids will be able to run and ride and even swim...

A cool bike will probably get lots of interest, as well aero gear that looks like it came from another planet - maybe get your nieces bike and helmet in to that illustrates how it relates to them and their bikes - will make the sport seem like something they can play with...

The weird nutrition food... maybe cut up a powerbar into SMALL pieces and let them try it? Show them what a gel looks like... slimey and gooey is bound to go down well.But also mention how you can eat things like bananas too... healthy food they would have at hom

If youve got medals or anything from races maybe take those in... shiny is good (or maybe thats me)  Maybe you could get little plastic medals or something for the kids?

Apart from that just tell them how FUN it is to swim and bike and run - relate it to what they do and enjoy...  maybe find out if there is a kids race and tell them about it and how much fun it is.

Also talk to your niece  and find out what it is she likes about you doing triathlons - if she has asked you then she will know what she likes about the topic! Im ure if your enthusiasm for the sport comes through it will all go really well!

 

Good Luck!



Edited by kaqphin 2008-10-23 9:29 PM
2008-10-24 6:22 PM
in reply to: #1762976

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Subject: RE: Great American Teach In
You might want to start with an activating strategy by asking the kids, "Do you run...do you ride a bike...can you swim? Then you might have what it takes to be a triathlete!" You might want to mention how people of all body types participate in the sport. I like all of the suggestions mentioned above. I like the bike idea, and the power bars and gel suggestions. If applicable, prepare a PowerPoint presentation heavy with pictures and graphics.

When I was that age I was the skinny kid that sucked in the recess yard sports. Make sure you let them know that this is a sport where the skinny ones can really excel, especially if they aren't good in football, baseball, or basketball.
2008-10-24 9:56 PM
in reply to: #1762976

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Subject: RE: Great American Teach In
I'm a teacher and I can tell you that third graders will go NUTS if you bring in a bike, wetsuit, helmet, etc. They'll love stories and hearing about being in a triathlon. HOWEVER don't give any of the kids food because there are all kinds of allergies out there that are food related... peanuts especially, but wheat products are coming on strong lately.

In short, no one will remember how cool your presentation is if you kill one of the kids. (Just something to consider)
2008-10-25 8:50 AM
in reply to: #1765370

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Subject: RE: Great American Teach In

When another BTer (hdhtri I think it was) talked to a group of elementary school students about triathlon, she created a transition game for them to play. That might be kind of fun. Also, do you have a short video clip you can take.

I agree with the post above -- don't give out food, you have no idea what they can and cannot eat, and with the peanuts and high sugar content, etc., of a lot of those foods, it might be dangerous.

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