Need Advice on Required Mile Run for Early Elementary School

Oh my goodness. It's just a mile. I think all kids should be able to handle it. Even if it's hot and they drink before and after.

I have heard my daughter whine about running the mile for a few years now. And you know what? I tell her she'll be fine and to do her best. And she isn't the best at sports and not a great runner, but she handles it just fine.

I just want to respond to some of the answers here.
First I want to say that I don't know Justamom or her child. However, you all seem to be looking at it from one stand point. Yes, exercise is good for them yes it can give them a sense of accomplishment. However, just suppose her child is already overweight (once again I don't know them so I don't known what the actual situation is) and maybe a mile might be too much for him to walk or run. Not only that but if he were to attempt and his /her peers see them struggle that might cause him or her to be picked on by the other children. If something like this, were the circumstances then I understand her concern.

At my daughter's school.... a public school, per when she was in Kindergarten... they did not do, that 'mile' run. They did short relays, stretches, exercises etc. That was their P.E. class.

Some adults cannot even run/walk a mile themselves.

And yes, the heat... is a crucial component to their 'required' mile run. And some kids have Asthma or other conditions... where they should not, be forced to do it. And water, at least in my daughter's PE class, is offered and they can bring their water bottles too. Their water drinking is not, controlled, but as needed per the child.

all the best,
Susan

It would be different, if it were just a run. Walk/run suggests they can walk if they need or want to. If there is a reason, that leads you to believe your child can't walk a mile...I truly think that should be taken up with a Dr...not the school. A child of this age generally runs around more then a mile at recess, or the park. If your child can't do this, there may be a physical reason. You can send a note saying you want your child to carry a water bottle. If you really feel you don't want your child to participle, you can send a note excusing them. Keep in mind, most kids are embarrassed to be missing out on activities. Honestly, our kids need to be taught the importance of exercise, even when it's a bit hard and annoying.

I think that you should encourage your child to do it. I know that I am really out of shape and would be tired after a mile, but it's excercise! Maybe they can finish, maybe they can't but I think that you and all the rest of the M.'s should be there to cheer the kids on.
I do, however, have a problem with no water being offered. I think that there should be a water station at every 1/4 mile. The kids can rest for just a few moments, get some water, and then continue on. I think it would actually encourage kids to finish.

I think you should be encouraging your child to do it and try their best. This is way within what a child that age should be able to do. Last summer my 4 and 6 year olds hiked 8 miles! Give your child a chance to prove they can rather than assuming they can't.

With a doctor's note, children may miss PE. I don't know if there are any hard and fast rules, but some teachers may also accept a parent's note. As long as the child has the choice to walk, I'm not understanding the big deal. PE is a class in school, just like reading and writing. It is "forced" upon children because it is a type of fitness, just like learning to play basketball, volleyball, or other activities. In other classes, writing is "forced" upon children, even if they don't enjoy the activity, as is learning addition facts. It is a part of what schools have children do. If you're concerned about heat/water, bring that up to the PE teacher and the school. The kids do need to be safe while running/walking a mile. It really only takes about 15 minutes to do, and I'm sure most little guys run around for far longer than that when outside playing.

I don't get the big deal here... It is PE, the children are learning about fitness and exercise. SO many kids can't run/walk a mile because they are overweight and don't play outside at all.

Most kids that love to play and be outside probably walk/run more than a mile if you measured every step they took while they are outside playing.

Before you charge in with complaints, with the actual run/walk and with the 90 degree day, make sure you have all your facts in order.

The CHOICE here is for your child to walk the mile. If the option is to walk, it's not horrible. I mean, how often do kids run around like crazy playing outside in the summer heat for 30 minutes or longer (which is about how long it might take for a kid to casually walk a mile)?

Honestly, it's not as big of a deal as you're making it out to be. Are you sure you didn't have a bad experience with gym class and perhaps you're projecting your feelings on your child? Not saying that to be rude, but it happens rather often.

By getting 'special permission' for your kid to do it differently you're teaching your child that they are above doing what is required of a typical student in a class and can get out of whatever they want to as long as mommy complains.

Since the child can run and/or walk, I don't see the big deal. Have you seen how many fat kids there are? Schools are trying to start implementing some programs and traditions to get people moving. Kindergartners and first graders should be able to walk and run for a mile unless they have a physical handicap of some sort. Why would you want to set an example for your child that it's okay to use a doctor's note when not needed in order to sit or take the easy way out when they could be active? Be happy you have a kid with two working legs and no disabilities! More kids need to be walking and running at least a mile every day! I wouldn't have blinked at the thought when I was in kindergarten. In fact, I wish I had some idea of just how many miles we used to walk and run playing outside all day! From May through September it was always 90 or 90+ degrees too. The key to hydration is to drink plenty of water BEFORE the exercise -over the 24 hours before so your body is in a hydrated state.

I personally remember doing the mile every year in PE and I think that it should be required because it gets kids to be active and with the obesity rate at a crazy high, I want my dd to be doing as much active play as possible.... I however don't like that water wouldn't be allowed in high heat... I would get a dr note that states that your child needs to carry a water bottle around with them.

Like the other M.'s, I don't really see what the problem is. I think you should be encouraging your child to exercise and be active. Are you not active and that is why you are so against it? I don't mean this in a bad way, but I just don't see the problem or why you would be looking for an out.

Is this part of a PE class? If so, then you are asking that your child be excused from a class requirement which isn't really a good thing. Is this part of a walk-&-talk that is being used to meet state requirements for physical activity as part of recess? Is this every day or monthly?

Not sure what this is for, but if you are really feeling like your child isn't capable of walking or running a mile then speak with your doctor about it. Honestly, most 5 yr olds have a hard time talking while they are walking without falling over, so drinking water would simply be unsafe and add to the chaos. Is this a timed event or something that they are doing to promote heart health. You're making it sound like some kind of medieval torture activity, which seems a little skewed.

If this is really an issue for you, don't send your kid to school that day!

Unless your child has a medical problem this run/walk should be no problem. My 3 year old walks with me every day and my asthmatic 9 year old is also very active he plays sports so I don't see asthma as a reason not to participate unless it's a time when my son has a flare up. My only issue here is the lack of water it should be available every 1/4 or 1/2 mile.

is this just one run/walk a year? If you really hate it, keep her home that day. Or you could take walks with her around your neighborhood to build her stamina. Our 4 year old can walk the equivalent of a mile when we take family walks.

It's just a mile.

Seriously, it's not that long. Little kids can WALK a mile in under half an hour. If a child can't walk for half an hour, the problem is not that the school requires this once a year walk, but that they require it only once a year! The fact that neighboring schools do only a quarter mile (1 lap around a track) is the problem.

The water thing is troubling, but if your child is in Kinder, I assume you weren't actually there, so I wonder how you would know that.

Anyway, if you're going to go to bat over something, make it the water (although, water before and after is probably plenty safe).

T.

Last year my daughter's school ran a marathon - one mile at a time. They ran 25.2 miles over the course of a few weeks and then ran their "final" mile in the Pittsburgh Kids' Marathon. And yes - my daughter was a first grader and LOVED every minute. Particpation was voluntary but this year even more kids are clamoring to participate. (Even my 5 year old who isn't even in kindergarten yet wants to participate this year with the school.)

Also, we found it to be a great family experience because we would sometimes all run the miles with her. It got me back into running so it was a positive experience all the way around.

I'm all for promoting physical fitness but if there is an underlying physical health concern then by all means discuss it with your child's pediatrician and look for a way to modify but NOT eliminate the 'requirement'.

Embrace it and do not see it as a "control" issue (you vs the school) that you must win.

Unless your child has a medical condition it's really not that big of deal. My three year old walks a lot farther than that when we walk our dogs and he goes on long bike rides too. If it were my child I would encourage him to do it. It would probably be really a fun thing to do with friends. How does your child feel about participating?

Hmm, we always did them when we were kids..... it's actually pretty good for ya. Kids are healthy as can be and do a mile without thinking twice! They've taken a lot of P.E. out of the schools, HELLO, that's why everyone is FAT these days. Don't be afraid M., a mile really isnt all that long at all... it's not a long walk. It sounds like your "legal right" is just what the school said--- get a doctor note.

I have to say that I agree with almost all of the other posts. Your daughter should be very able to run/walk a mile unless she has some sort of medical condition that precludes it, and frankly, as parents we should be encouraging physical activity and not trying to find ways around it. A mile really isn't that far. I can't think of any reason for concern about "forcing a young child to run/walk a mile" assuming that the kid is mostly healthy.
I would just let this one go, and not set this particular example for my child.

We live in Florida and my 18 month old can walk a half mile. Sure it takes him a long time, but he's only 18 months old. He walks the dogs with me and my 4-year-old and when he gets too tired I put him in the backpack and carry him the rest of the walk. He would walk farther, but he starts to weave and wander and it drives me nuts since I have the 3 dogs so in the backpack he goes. My 4 year old walks the whole mile or so distance with no problem whatsoever, no rests or anything, and she's been doing the whole walk since she was about 3. When she was first walking the whole way I would let her rest, but she doesn't need to any more.
If your child has a medical condition, then getting a doctor's note should be no problem.
Depending on her medical condition, I still think that exercise is almost always beneficial. If her medical condition is respiratory then walking rather than running might be advised, but for muscle issues it's almost always recommended by doctors as a key part of a treatment plan. One mile to me seems perfectly reasonable. Talk to her doctor; he'll tell you what is appropriate for her.

I'm not sure my opinion on whether or not your kid should have to run it, but what does it matter... It's not MY decision or the school's decision. I'm confused by when you say, "a parent has NO say in regards to what happens to their child at school." My immediate thought is - LOL, are you kidding me? It's YOUR kid, YOU call the shots. Maybe schools in MO are different, but here in WA parents have PLENTY say. There's no need for a doctor note or anything else. If a parent says, "I don't want my 6 year old to run the mile," guess what? He doesn't run it. Are you SURE that you don't have more say? I teach third grade AND I'm a M.. I see both sides of every issue pretty clearly and if a parent says they don't want their kid participating in something I say, "No problem. Would you like him/her to go to the office or a different classroom during that time or would you rather just pick him/her up for the day?" Problem solved. They are entitled to their opinions and schools are entitled to their policies, but what are they going to do if you don't send her with a doctor's note for not participating? Will she flunk kindergarten? I don't think so! You don't need any legal options - they can't do a darn thing about it. Again, it's YOUR kid.

Honestly, I think your picking a losing battle. If more kindergarten age children walked a mile every day, we'd have less childhood obesity. A mile walk for that age should only take 15-20 minutes, and those SAME children would spend 15-20 minutes RUNNING around the playground playing tag, etc. I'm not sure why you are upset about this.

My daughter has asthma, and she was able to walk a mile when she was two. We take regular walks, yes, even when it's 90 degrees, and now at 5 she can walk 3-4 miles with no problem. She's not incredibly active, either...but asking a 5 year old to walk a mile is nothing!

However, I would address the water issue if it's really that hot.

Ok, I am sorry but with the physical health of many of our children and I am talking obeisity her people (i am and was in school too) make that kid run! My M. got me out of a lot of things in school and that was WRONG we did not think of it that way at the time but I konw it now as an adult. You need to find out WHY they do not allow drinking during the event and see if you can argue that vs the actual event.
Plus everything I read on running says that you should hydrate the day/night before, before runnin but not RIGHT before and after. The only time you should hydrate during is if you are running over 10 miles. Now most of this is adult related information but your kid is only running/walking a mile ... unless there is an actua medical reason you have omitted let your kid run the mile.

Hi, I understand your concern and if there is a medical reason why your child can not run then get the doctors note. I am a former ("retired" within the the year) PE teacher. I do have to say your child will have to run the mile twice a year and get timed in it once they get to middle school and continue that as long as they take PE. So even in Elm school they have to start practicing. Remember that they only have to run/walk it and it is at their own pace. Anyone can walk a mile. It is really not that far. And I promise you that they do give water breaks or dont mind if you bring your own water bottle to use. And they are not allowed to do it in extreme heat, but 90 is not extreme heat to walk.
I would hope that the teacher do tell you about this somewhere at the beginning of the year so you are prepared but it really should make too much of a difference because it is really not that big of a deal.
I hope all of us can ease your mind a bit, and know that it happens everywhere and not just at your school.

Is it just the principle of the thing to you?
I mean, the idea that this is something that's being "forced"?
If the last mile run was when it was hot, it must have been toward summer so it's not like it's a weekly thing. It is when kids get older. My son runs a mile in P.E. every Wednesday.
If you have the option of getting a medical note or just pulling your daughter out, I don't see how you can feel this is being forced on her. They've given you a couple of outs.
A mile isn't that far. It may sound like it, but most little kids I know are perfectly fine and happy to do it for trick or treating, if not walk even farther.
It sounds like the kids are allowed to walk if they choose.

When I was a kid, they had presidential physical fitness or whatever it was called. We ran, they measured how far we could throw a ball, how far we could jump, how many chin ups and push ups we could do. We received certificates of participation, etc.
They kept us kids on the move!
It's pretty well documented that many children these days don't get enough physical exercise. Exercise builds strong and healthy bodies. We have annual 5k's here and you'd be surprised how many little kids enter with their parents, not to mention Relay for Life. Oh, I just remembered also that when I was a kid we had the March of Dimes Walkathons every year. I raised money for every mile that I walked. I made it the whole 20 miles. It was hotter than heck and people that lived along the route had their sprinklers on for us and gave us drinks and snacks. Every year, I had seen the walkers go past my neighborhood and I wanted to do it.

A mile once or twice a year really isn't that much. That's my opinion.
If you don't think your daughter can do it, you have been given options.
She might surprise you though.
I would let her at least try it.

If they were forced to run the whole thing non-stop, i'd have a different opinion. But since they can walk, this still amounts to maybe 20 minutes of activity. My kids go to a school that's quite spread out and routinely walk 1/2 mile between going to lunch, bathroom, and music each day. And that doesn't count all the extra trips to the bathroom, art, gyme,and the miles they put on running around at recess. I'd bet if you put a pedometer on your child, you'd find they routinely walk & run a lot more than 1 mile in any given day. Have you watched an elementary recess lately? Those kids run for 1/2 hour non-stop screaming the entire time! And no water breaks! I'd suggest making the school fully aware (in writing) of your medical concerns for your child and then trying your hardest not to make this into a big deal around them. If they go into it with anxiety because M. thinks its bad, it won't be a good experience. But if they go into it excited and surrounded by peers that are excited, it might be the highlight of their day. Good luck!

p.s. about not having a say about what goes on at school... that pertains to about everything that goes on at school. from the math curiculum to what exercises the teacher forces the kids to do in gym, we parents have little control unless we home-school. bugs me as much as it does you!

If you are really that against it, then just let them be out of school that day. No big deal. But I tend to agree with other mothers that it really isn't asking all that much from the kids. Also, I highly doubt that the kids are just sent out and told to run without supervision... the teachers know how to watch for signs of dehydration and other things that can physically go wrong. BUT if it bothers you that much for water not to be allowed, you can always ask your doctor for a note allowing him to carry some...

ETA... after reading that your child has a medical condition... is it really severe enough that he can't walk just ONE mile? My BIL was severely physically handicapped, and had a severe seizure disorder... Doctors said that he would NEVER be able to walk, and that if he did it would be excruciating for him... that the physical exertion would set off seizures. But there was no holding this kid back, and by the time he was 8 years old he was more than able to walk a couple miles with no problem. (he learned to walk when he was 5...)

Walking a mile is something that seems very okay for a 5 year old... and younger. I have four kids 2, 3, 6 and 7. we walk to school everyday. the two younger ones walk to AND from school. It has gotta be about a mile. AND, i know we walk a TON when we are at the mall- or in the city. And when they get a bit older I'd love to do some hiking. I have asthma, as does my 7 year old, but we have it under control. It's good to get out there and run or walk. Gives them good endurance- and heck, you never know when you might need that endurance, for an emergency even.

It's a mile! They can walk it! It's a realistic goal. Talk to your child's doctor and see what the doc says.... doc will probably not see a problem with it either. Is the issue the fact that the district forces this, or that you really don't think it is a realistic expectation of a Kinder? I do really understand the whole "forcing" issue... however I think there are bigger battles to be fought... Those kids feel such a sense of accomplishment to have completed that mile... why take that away from them?!?? And really... a mile... it's not that far!!!

You're honestly objecting to your child exercising? Unless there is a medical reason why your child would not be able to participate walking a mile, there is no reason to object to it. We live just over a mile from school, and my kids walk it every day unless the weather is super cold, then they catch the city bus w/ their father. My children are 5, 7, and 8. You child would only be active approximately 25-30 min depending on how slow the walking was. As for hydration, just make sure you child drinks plenty the day before the event and that morning. With the water offered before & after the event, everything should be fine for that amount of exercise. Although, I must admit I don't like the fact that water is refused during the event, especially in that heat; kids can dehydrate pretty easily. The kids should be allowed to carry water bottles. My family walks everywhere, sometimes up to 8 miles a day and we ALWAYS have water bottles with us, especially on hot days because even walking is thirsty work. Instead of working on a petition for a smaller walk, I would work on a petition allowing the children to carry water bottles, or setting up one water station at the half way point. Even that only because most of the children won't be properly hydrated before the event, even with being given the water before it starts.

I used to run in the military so I'm going off of my experiences from that. I never felt thirsty during a run (even in 90+ weather) as long as I was properly hydrated and we never stopped for a drink; we ran much further than your child is expected to walk.

My 3 year old walks/runs a mile on a regular basis. We live a .5 mile from school and we walk to pickup her big sister when the weather is okay. She has been doing it for almost a year. She runs and walks as she wishes too. She has asthma and the exercise is good for her. We just got back from JOGGERS CLUB at the 1st to 5th graders running 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 miles every Wednesday. Then we live in Track Town USA!!! It seems everyone runs here.

One mile is not that far. I sub in my area and listen to the kids whine about it. It is good for these kids to get out and run/walk. I know that some kids have conditions, but walking that mile cannot hurt. I think it could only help. OUR KIDS are overweight and lazy. All my kids are in sports and my girls have a little bit of weight on them. So I "workout" with them at home too. Walking cannot hurt anyone. (Unless wheelchair bound) and they like to be pushed around the mile. Go with your child to walk the mile and encourage. Stop if you have to and rest. When I was a kid I was really skinny and never encouraged to do sports or exercise, except at school. Now I struggle with weight. Exercise is healthy. Even if you walk. Walking is great for anyone.

.

When I was in school all my M. had to do was send in a note saying that I was to walk the mile, not run it. ...

While I agree that 5 is a bit young to require this, it is just four laps aound the track usually. Take him to the school on the weekend. Have him walk the track one time. See how long one lap takes. In most cases all kids can do this is about 20m or less.

What you need to do is to get all your information put together in a clear and concise way. I would include the possible dangers from heat exhastion, lack of physical training for this and anything else you can find. Then take it all in to your principal as a first step. If and when you are denied THEN take it to the school board and present it to them. Also let them know that they were denying the chidren a drink of water in the heat.

My kids hate doing this AND they are very active boys - not sedentary. They aren't runners and aren't into sports so they just aren't interested. They can swim a mile and hike 12 miles though - not many can say that!

Not sure what the big deal is - she can walk it if she wants. ALL of the students will be walking/running, she won't be alone. You are allowed to be there. You can demand she gets water when she wants it - hook a water bottle to a belt loop. If they refuse that request, you can demand she does not do the walk. Really, they CANNOT force her to walk. The worst thing that can happen is that she gets a 0 for the activity - that is no big deal, it's kinder PE. Our school invites the parents to walk/run w/ their child - too bad you don't have that option.

Pro - she has successfully walked a mile. That's it! Unless it is done regularly, it has no benefit.
Cons - she will be tired and thirsty.

Wow. That seems extreme to me. Is this part of that presidential fitness challange or something?

As for the heat issue, my national company has had to update their field protocols to reflect the California CalOSHA regulations that require 1 quart of water for every hour in the heat and this needs to be readily available and accessible. Not being able to drink during the event is completely unaccpetable IMO. Maybe you could research the OSHA web pages to see if there is any info along those lines...

The only suggestion I can think of is to workout with your child and privately build the stamina they need so that when this unannounced event occurs, you are comfortable in the knowledge that they should be able to do it safely and in a timely manner (not sure if there is a time component or not....).

Good luck.
~C.

I'm not sure what your daughter's medical condition is, but if you feel she can't walk--and shouldn't even try--then get a doctor's note. Otherwise, let her at least try. Maybe you can do it with her, or practice beforehand.

Our daughters public school has always done this K - 5th grade.. .. It is not a track it is more like a cross country.. the kids are allowed to run or walk or both.

The actual classroom teacher is the one that leads it each day before recess.. ..Remember we are in Texas so in August when school starts the days get to 100 or above (this goes on into Sept), so they walk or run is done in the mornings.

At the end of the year, the City of Austin sponsors a 1 mile run and every K - 5th grade child is allowed to participate.. It is a huge deal and the kids love it.. They also keep a chart of how many miles the entire school runs per year and the kids are always so proud of the results.

The only kids not required are the kids with Dr. notes. Our daughter had asthma and knew the days she could not run so she would walk.

It seems that you do have a choice, you can pull her out of school for the day.

Otherwise, a mile only takes 15 minutes to walk.

PROS-Exercise, sunshine, socialization, self-esteem, lifetime health habits

CONS-Can't really think of any.

I walk about two miles a day with my 4 year-old. It is not that big of a deal.

But I do remember your post about hypotonia. Have you asked her doctor or physical therapist about whether or not she can complete this mile long walk? That would probably be a good place to start.

5 years old is to young to run a mile I would start a petition for the 1/4 mile.

If the child is able to do both running and walking, I see no issue. I am unsure about your concerns beside her medical condition which you don't feel comfortable disclosing. I would talk to her pediatrician and ask his/her opinion on whether or not your child is healthy enough to participate in this.

Also, if you fear that your child is too overweight or not ready to do it, then maybe you could start practicing with them at home. Go on nightly walks and if it's too cold try going to the community center or even the HS gym. I am a bit surprised that they won't let kids drink water during the walk/run, that seems odd, but I would suggest you ask if they can carrry a water bottle with them while walking and see if that would be okay...talk to the teacher and or the principal about it, b/c I do agree with you on that point. Also, if you'd like to be there, just ask when it is to take place. Speak with the PE teacher and find out the date, I'm quite sure it's already decided or at least they can give you a general idea of the month/week.