PowerSkills: HeartSmart Family Activities
PowerSkills is recommended as a practical learning resource that can be used at school or at home to support junior/intermediate children's participation in a healthy active lifestyle.
Description
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario
, 2001
One program printed in five books (one for each grade), free to Ontario schools
Grades : 4-8
Concepts : Heart health, heart and stroke, physical activity, health, outdoor education, drama, exercise, physical fitness, healthy living, teamwork
Subject : Health and Physical Education
CSC Evaluation
Curriculum Correlation
PowerSkills supports the Health and Physical Education curriculum for Grades 4 to 8, specifically the concepts related to healthy living and active participation. The games and activities are also suitable for at-home participation.
Content
PowerSkills is presented in separate booklets for each of Grades 4 to 8. Each booklet contains a number of independent and cooperative games in which children can participate. The games reflect the ability levels and interests of children at the different grade levels.
Methodology
Clear instructions with accompanying illustrations can be easily read and understood by children, parents, and teachers. Safe practices are a priority for all the games and activities. The items suggested for the games and activities are easily accessible at home or at school. The resource provides many opportunities for children to develop and practise conflict management skills and to contribute to a team effort. A feature called "Heart Leaders!" presents challenges and extensions to the activities. Connections are made to the home, community, and the environment throughout the booklets.
Assessment
While skill development and participation can be assessed through observation as the children play the games, adult supervisors would have to design their own tracking and monitoring techniques. The activities provide opportunities to assess behaviour, cooperation, and application of safety rules in addition to skill development and participation.
Format
Within each booklet, a game and its corresponding activities are contained on one page. The bold titles and page organization make the resource easy-to-follow for children and adults. The layout is child-friendly and appealing.
Bias
The information is presented from a balanced perspective.
Review Recommendation
PowerSkills is recommended as a practical learning resource that can be used at school or at home to support junior/intermediate children's participation in a healthy active lifestyle.
Contact Information
Sarah Calderwood
Associate Manager, Children and Youth
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario
1920 Yonge Street, 4th Floor
Toronto, ON M4S 3E2
416-489-7111 ext. 418
Fax: 416-489-4151
e-mail: scalderwood@hsf.on.ca
Read the publisher's description of this resource
Note: These learning resources are recommended by Curriculum Services Canada. However, such a recommendation is of the resource only and should not be construed as a general recommendation of the developer of such a resource or the developer's business or related activities. While CSC recommends a resource on pedagogical grounds, the end user is fully responsible for its use.