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A Letter from Kids Marathon Director, Jaime Parker
Children…running a marathon? I asked myself the same question, four
years ago, when I first heard about the Oklahoma City Memorial Kids
Marathon. At the time, I was training for my second marathon and
sharing my experiences with my first grade students. I asked them if
they would be interested in training with me. To my surprise, they
anxiously said, “Yes!”
So it began. From February to April, my six and seven year-old students
logged miles both independently and with me at school. At first, this
activity seemed like a fun way to exercise with my students and share
my passion for running with them during the school day. I grew excited
seeing the connection between running and my students’ behavior and
learning. I witnessed an increase in their attention span in the
classroom, an eagerness to learn, and the development of closer
relationships, between the children, as a result of the cooperation of
training together. Just think how good we all feel after a little
exercise! As a class, we discussed the importance of the Memorial
Marathon, how it came to be, and why it is such a meaningful race. A
survivor of the Alfred P. Murrah building bombing came to speak to our
class about the Memorial and Museum, in addition to the impacts of
violence in our society...a special and influential moment in my
classroom.
A simple idea, such as the children’s marathon, became a life-long
citizenship lesson as well as a service-learning project. The meaning
of perseverance, dedication, and compassion had a profound effect on
the students. Together, we felt we gave back to the community in a
small way, yet gained so much in the journey to achieve our goal. I can
only hope that this journey led to a healthy habit of body, mind, and
spirit that my former students will practice for many years to come!
The School Curriculum Guide was developed this
year by Shanda Bandi, M.Ed., elementary school teacher and my Kids
Marathon Coordinator! She took the simple ideas and activities from my
former classroom and “ran with them”! All of the lesson plans,
activities, letters to parents, students, and teachers were used last
year at Jefferson Elementary in Norman, Oklahoma. This step by step
guide on how to involve your students in the Oklahoma City Memorial
Kids Marathon includes written sample letters and lessons utilizing the
P.A.S.S. skills. It is a guide created by a teacher for teachers. Thank
you, Jefferson Elementary, for allowing us to use your school’s amazing
work and participation to share with others. Thank you, Shanda, for
your tireless enthusiasm and love for children, their health, their
character, and their futures! You are an inspiration of hope,
perseverance, and strength!
Thank you teachers, parents, and students!
See you at the starting line on race day! Happy Training!
Jaime Parker, M.Ed. Kids Marathon Director
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