Shall We Dance?

Margie Dykes is the head of the health and fitness department at Montwood High School in El Paso, Texas, but her real talent is teaching dance. Dykes, who has been teaching for 23 years, says "There's nothing better for kids and teachers than increasing the blood flow to the brain. Movement enhances concentration and helps you stay energized for the rest of the day." Dykes suggests you get the kids up out of their chairs and encourage them to move for at least 10 minutes before or during class. To make sure you stay fit too; no slacking. Hang in there with the kids every step of the way.

FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL KIDS:

1. Play some some fast-moving music with a solid beat.

2. Warm up the kids with 20 jumping jacks.

3. Now, dance...dance...dance. (All your students may not be able to move with the same ease, so dance freestyle to the music or do an easy line dance like the Electric Slide. It's especially fun to go retro and teach them a dance you did "back in the day.")

Whatever you do, remember, the idea is to stay fit and have fun!

FOR MIDDLE (AND EVEN HIGH) SCHOOL KIDS:

1. Pick an aerobics tape. Each song will be 124 to 136 beats per minute, perfect for a good workout

2. Warm up with some good stretches.

3. Now workout! Encourage students to use their own steps and invite different students to lead the class each day with workout moves of their own. If your middle or high school students are just too cool to participate, throw a fit-party that is. Invite them to bring some good dance music-just make sure you or another adult check it out first-and let everyone dance freestyle.