Before You Go Zonking
Safety for the Children is Paramount
Audio Safety Briefings Precede Every Episode
A long version of the Safety Briefing precedes the first Episode of every Story. A shorter version begins each of the following Episodes. The long version is used in every Episode of the premier Story "Let's Get Zonking" to ensure kids remember its importance.
Make sure you look at the written Safety information for Teachers and Parents here.
Also see our Terms of Use about Safety here.
Not Fit Enough? Let "Today's Zonker Leader" Take Over
Let One of the Kids Lead the Class
Most of us are not in as good of shape as we would like to be. Plus, some Teachers and Parents have physical limitations that make leading the class in exercise problematical. That's okay. Kids can still get the full benefit of the programs: If you feel you cannot lead the class personally, let one of your kids do it.
Ask for volunteers to be "Today's Zonker Leader", or use it as a positive reward, or on a rotating basis. There are always lots of willing Zonker Leaders.
Have "Today's Zonker Leader" review that day's Episode in advance. Also have them look at the Exercises to be used that day, and watch the short videos for each. This not only helps them lead the class better, but instills the information more deeply and personally.
Then, when the class is ready, have them start the Episode, and as Today's Zonker Leader, model each exercise at the right time. Meanwhile you should be on the lookout for potential safety problems during the program - like kids accidentally hitting each other or desks or chairs. Especially be on the lookout for kids in physical stress and be ready to take quick, appropriate action.
This is when it gets really good for you: Begin doing some of the daily exercises yourself - if you can't do them all, do the ones you can, even for brief periods. Slowly build-up to being able to exercise through an entire Episode. Before you know it, you'll be in much better shape - and a great role model for the kids!
By the way, many of the Zonker Teachers and Parents go Zonking twice a day - once in the morning to get the kids energized, and again during afternoon slumps. Kids love to hear the programs twice, and you'll get into better shape that much quicker. Who knew that being a
Teacher or Parent of elementary children would be a great way to get into shape?
