Written and Illustrated by Linh Chau

Written and Illustrated by Linh Chau

A Note to Teachers, Parents, and Caregivers: With the popularity of television, computers, and video games, there is a growing concern over how modern technology is causing children to live more sedentary lifestyles. Each day, children are failing to meet the recommended amount of daily physical activity, which can lead to a number of health problems including obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Children need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily, and should be encouraged to take part in physical activities that incorporate a variety of exercises such as aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises, and exercises that improve flexibility. Regular exercise provides immediate health benefits and sets your child up for better health as an adult. Exercise can help to control body weight and prevent obesity, improve self esteem, control stress and anxiety, and build strong muscles and bones. This book is written in procedural form, and is a step-by-step guide on how to play Spell Your Name, a manipulation game included in Children In Sport: A Fundamental Skills Development Program A Resource Manual for Sport Leaders, by SaskSport Inc. This book includes illustrations that parents, teachers, or caregivers may use to engage children, and to provide a fun learning experience for both adults and children.

Spell Your Name is a fun and simple game that is appropriate for any age group and all skill levels. What is wonderful about Spell Your Name is that that children are given the opportunity to be physically active while having fun at the same time. It also engages children in an interactive play setting, allowing children to develop better object control and other motor skills as they learn to work in partnership with others. Children also learn important throwing and catching skills while learning to spell!

This game requires adult supervision!

You will need: 1. 1 ball or bean bag for every two children. 2. Groups of two players. 3. A large open area to play in. Note: For younger children, use softer balls or bean bags to avoid injury.

Choose an open area with large space for safety and success. Clear the area of obstacles or any other safety hazards. This game can be played both indoors and outdoors.

If possible, pair children based on ability level.

Younger children, or children with lower abilities may be paired with an adult for assistance.

It is important that each child is comfortable handling each ball. Younger children may require larger balls as they are easier catch and to visually track. However, older children and adults should be encouraged to use smaller balls which enable players to practice more mature throwing and catching techniques.

Take a moment to teach children about the importance of stretching before any physical activity. Stretching before taking part in a physical activity helps to reduce injury and improve flexibility.

Max Rini It is recommended that adults first demonstrate how to play the game to children before they proceed. To aid in the demonstration, please refer to the illustrations of Max and Rini for examples.

Partners throw the ball back and forth overhand.

Each player wins a letter in their name every time he or she catches the ball.

With each successful catch, each player continues to win the letters of their name. When someone wins the final letter of their name, he or she says their name to their partner as a cue. The player that wins their full name then moves back, and the gap between the two players widens.

When a player spells their full name, he or she moves back two giant steps.

The players continue to throw the ball back and forth as they repeat steps one to four.

The goal of each team is to make as many accurate throws and successful catches as possible. Each team must learn to adapt to the growing distance between each player and their partner, which makes the game more challenging and exciting as the game progresses. The team of players that has the greatest distance between themselves wins the challenge!

Play safely! Always lend a helping hand. Be supportive and encouraging. Have fun!

Encourage children to practice their throwing techniques by showing them how to: Adopt a contralateral throw (stepping forward with the foot opposite of the throwing arm). Bring the ball past the head to initiate a throw. Practice proper flexion and extension of muscles and joints while throwing.

Encourage children to practice their catching techniques by teaching them to: Keep their eyes on the ball. Move towards the ball while keeping their eyes on the ball. Have their elbows slightly flexed. Catch with their palms and fingers.

A letter may be awarded to a thrower for accuracy instead of receiver for catching. Make the game more challenging for older or higher skilled children by making the target more difficult. Example: Can the receiver catch the ball by only moving one foot?

Create by Linh Chau Parents can help their children build upon their health knowledge and skills by making health literacy more accessible to their children, and by introducing to their children how health literacy can be used as a tool to help maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Spell Your Name was written with the hope to introduce children to fun and exciting ways that exercise can be incorporated into their day-to-day activities, and to spread awareness of the importance of exercise and physical activities in the growth and development of children. About the author: Linh Chau was born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan. In her spare time, she enjoys spending her time outdoors biking and playing with her dog, Lucky. This book was developed in partial fulfillment of KIN 180: A Growth & Development Course at the University of Regina, 2012 For more games from SaskSport, visit their website at: www.sasksport.sk.ca.