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Reedsburg teacher reaches out with Movin’ and Munchin’
Brenda Erdman knows the best place for children to learn healthy lifestyles is at home. 
But Erdman, a physical education teacher at Reedsburg’s Westside Elementary School, also knows that sometimes the home environment needs a boost. For the past eight years, the Movin’ and Munchin’ Schools program has given Erdman a ticket into students’ homes.
“Anytime we can communicate with parents, it reinforces what we are trying to teach the kids,” says Erdman. “The more you communicate with parents, the more they understand what you are trying to do. They learn we are all on the same side.”
Parents earn miles
Erdman especially likes the option of getting families involved in the accumulation of Movin’ and Munchin’ miles. From her students, Erdman has heard of parents giving up smoking during the 10-week Movin’ and Munchin’ program, or doing situps before breakfast, or cutting soda out of their diets. Erdman has even heard directly from parents who no longer have children at Westside, telling her that they miss the annual program.
“I try to stay in good communication with parents and encourage them to do things at home,” Erdman says. “I have three kids myself, so I know how hard it is with time demands. I feel I sometimes have to change attitudes about fitness. Getting into good shape is not something that can be done quickly.”
Education for all
Erdman believes it’s important to educate the parents as well as the students. She includes wellness information for parents when students go home with their activity sheets. Examples of that information include topics such as “Fun Facts on the Heart and How to Keep it Healthy,” “Benefits of Aerobic Exercise,” and “25 Healthy Snacks To Have Ready for Your Children.”
“Fitness is not like math and reading,” Erdman says. “You need to make conscious choices for fitness. Movin’ and Munchin’ is a great tool for holding students and parents accountable. It makes them think about what choices they are making.”
Award-winning school
The Westside programs have earned awards from the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and the WEA Trust, but more than the award money, Erdman values Movin’ and Munchin’ as an opportunity to reach hundreds of students and their families each year.
“I can’t be in everybody’s homes, but I have to trust the parents to make good choices. It’s fun to work through the kids to do that.”
For more information
For any schools looking for ideas or information on a Movin’ and Munchin program, Erdman recommends the DPI resources. Erdman is also willing to offer suggestions to any faculty member who wishes to contact her at berdman@rsd.k12.wi.us.
