Louisiana Body Walk

The Louisiana Body Walk is…

One part of the Smart Bodies program is designed to involve kindergarten through fifth grade students in learning the skills and choices for a healthy lifestyle. Children learn about the importance of good nutrition choices and being physically active through interactive activities.

Body Walk consists of…

• A 35-foot by 45-foot enclosed walk-through exhibit representing the human body
• Classroom activities for use before and after the students’ walk through the exhibit
• A take-home activity book for students to read with their families
• A list of additional nutrition education resources
• Information to help publicize the event and communicate with the media

The Body Walk experience…

The Body Walk consists of these 10 stations:

1. Brain
2. Mouth
3. Stomach
4. Small Intestine
5. Heart
6. Lungs
7. Bones
8. Muscles
9. Skin
10. Pathway for Life

At each of the Body Walk stations, a volunteer presenter engages the students in a five-minute activity focused on healthy choices. Students have the opportunity to meet the OrganWise Guys and become familiar with their nutrition message, “Be Smart From the Inside Out.”

As a result of Body Walk…

• Children will learn about healthy behaviors and practice new skills.
• Children will learn about the digestive system.
• Children will learn the importance of physical activity for overall good health.
• Children’s eating and health behaviors will improve.
• Awareness will increase among parents, school personnel and the community.

Body Walk exhibit details...

• A group of 8-10 students can start through the exhibit every five minutes.
• It takes each group approximately one hour to experience the Body Walk exhibit.
• A minimum of 300 students and a maximum of 550 students can participate in Body Walk on a school day.
• Indoor space required: 40 feet by 50 feet.
• Body Walk can go from school to school or be set up in a convenient location where several schools can participate.

Volunteers Needed for Body Walk Experience:

• 6-8 volunteers (parents, other adults or high school students) are needed to set up and take down the exhibit. No children should be present.
• 12-24 presenters are needed to engage the children in the activities provided at each of the 10 Body Walk stations (12 for all day or 24 for 2 shifts).
• The more enthusiastic the presenter, the more the children will enjoy and remember.
• Parents, 4-H Jr. Leaders, 4-H volunteers, community members, college students, PTA volunteers, Louisiana Volunteers, Council on Aging volunteers or others are great for these important roles.