Teaching and learning objectives: Children will be able to identify changes in heart rate and become aware of the impact of exercise on their physiological processes.

Supplies: Children and instructor

Time it will take to teach lesson: 15-30 minutes

Purpose: To facilitate the awareness and understanding of essential body processes, including heart rate.

Outcome: Children will be able to notice, identify, and express to others changes in physiological functions.

Instructions:

This activity works best in conjunction with an aerobic activity. If an aerobic activity is not planned prior to the Applauding Heart Rate Activity, it is recommended that you instruct children to perform activities (such as running at their desks, hopping on one foot, dancing, etc.) in order for children's heart rates to increase prior to this activity. Ask children to find their pulse.

Instruct children to hold two fingers together in the air (1st and 2nd fingers). Ask them to place their fingers on the middle of their necks and continue to gently move their fingers to the side of their necks until they feel the soft spot. Tell them they will recognize the spot by feeling a bumping on their fingers. Ask them to pay attention to how fast the bump is going and clap out how quickly it is beating.

You may say something like, "Show me with your hands how fast it is going." After the children clap out their heart rates, take a bow, saying, "Thank you very much." Follow up your comedy routine with questioning what makes the bump in their necks. Focus the discussion on the essential role of the heart in exercise and fitness.

Modifications according to grade and skill level:

Younger children will likely need assistance finding the soft spots in their necks. Allow for extra time to physically help young children in identifying where to take their pulse. When older children find their heart beating, they may be able to calculate their heart rate based on beats per 10 seconds. Indicate the range of heart rates most beneficial when exercising (between 80-100 beats per minute). In addition to promoting awareness about the role of children's heart rate in their exercise, emphasis can also be placed on corresponding physiological processes, such as breathing and perspiration, focusing on the functions of these in exercise.