Super Troopers initiative will get children active

THE Super Troopers health homework programme for primary school children has kicked off again with a wider than ever reach — 25% more schools are on board, representing almost 200,000 children from 1,250 schools countrywide.

A Laya Healthcare initiative aimed at parents, teachers and four to 12-year-olds, the 30-week programme features an easy-to-follow physical activity homework planner based on short-burst activities that draw on children’s imagination and sense of fun.

It’s hoped the mix of high-intensity family-based exercise routines and nutritional tips will help foster long-term healthier attitudes and behaviours.

The programme, now in its third year, includes family wall charts to keep track of progress, as well as information letters for parents and teachers.

This year, along with exercise and nutritional aspects, there are new activities on emotions, mindfulness and meditation.

Last year, Miriam Mulkerrin, principal of St Louis Infant School, Rathmines, implemented the programme for senior infants and first class — this year, she’s extending it to junior infants. Altogether 340 pupils are involved.

“We’re very conscious of the impact of a healthy lifestyle on children’s academic and physical development. In urban, built-up areas, you don’t see as many children playing outside on the road, even in housing estates, because it isn’t safe. And some children go to childcare facilities after school.”

Ms Mulkerrin opted for Super Troopers (built on three pillars: physical activity, nutrition and wellbeing) because she want- ed parental involvement in helping children build up healthy lifestyles.

“We wanted something that can be reinforced at home and that gives information to parents. There’s no point in saying ‘bring your children swimming every night’ — what parents want is stuff they can cope with.”

The short-burst fun activities that can be completed by children and their families at home fit the bill, says Ms Mulkerrin.

At St Louis, children who participated last year showed improvement in attention and motor coordination. Their attention in class also came on.

“Moving means more oxygen flowing through, so they’re more alert,” says Ms Mulkerrin, who confirms many of the teachers use the exercises in class as a quick two-minute break.

“They might do jumping jacks or a teacher might put on a bit of music and they’ll do disco dancing.”

• www.supertroopers.ie 

TOP TIPS

* Focus on present moment: Hold feather in your hand in front of your face. Breathe in; watch your breath move feather as you breathe out through mouth. Do for three breaths.

* Active hour: Each family member chooses favourite activity (scissor jumps, hop/skip/run on spot). Throw dice. Number is time in minutes your family has to do the activity.

* Each day, try a new fruit or vegetable. Draw or write down the fruit/vegetable and draw a face to show what you thought of it.