Outside Rules:
1. Keep moving quickly: speed walk, jog, or run the whole way
2. Stay on the sidewalk
3. Hands and body to yourself
4. Listen for the whistle/megaphone
Half/Mile Testing:
1. 6 laps = 1 mile, 3 laps = 1/2 mile
2. Single file walk/jog/run (no side by side), even if your test is done. This is to allow students to pass on the left. This is a pre or post test, not a social time. Blocking the sidewalk with large groups or students, or even two or three walking and talking, is discouraging to others still testing - and makes it difficult to pass.
3. Trying YOUR BEST is something to be proud of - no matter if that is 17 minutes or 7 minutes. If you try YOUR BEST, I am proud of you.
4. Speed walk breaks are okay. I frequently run for exercise in the mornings before school, and my running partner and I take walk breaks during our sessions. I emphasize with students that they should be moving quickly, not taking a leisurely stroll -- even if needing a walk break.
5. Bubble sheets: Our tracking system for laps -- students hold a half or quarter slip of paper while they run. Each time they complete a lap, I put a mark in the appropriate "bubble" on the sheet. On their last lap, I record their time. When they finish, I keep their bubble sheet and they continue walking/jogging/running to cool down while everyone finishes the pre or post test. Below is a student's completed bubble sheet, which I then use to record scores.
Second graders' bubble sheets only have three bubbles, as they are completing a half mile at this point in the school year.
