Girls on the Run is SO much fun!

Authors

Jess Sparks, Girls on the Run of Franklin County

Files

Abstract

A girl's self esteem peaks at age 8. Pre-adolescence and adolescence is a vulnerable period for all children; however, research reveals it can be a particularly difficult time for girls. Girls in the age range of Girls on the Run participants are at the critical point of their development where gender stereotyping of personality traits and achievement domains emerge and the gender stereotyping becomes less rigid, which is why this is a critical time to intervene. Girls on the Run is the first and only physical-activity learning based-youth development program for girls in 3rd-8th grade in Franklin County (ages 8-14). The purpose of Girls on the Run is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates running. Twice a year for 1 O weeks after school, girls are led by volunteer coaches through a 20-lesson program (covering topics like positive self-talk, cooperation and service to community) and develop a pace of movement to accomplish the end of season Girls on the Run 5k. Over the course of the program the girls come away with the following skills: develop and improve competence, feel confident in who they are, develop strength of character, respond to others and self with care and compassion, create positive connections with peers and adults, and make meaningful contribution to com

Publication Date

10-7-2016

Disciplines

Gender Equity in Education

Recommended Citation

Sparks, Jess, "Girls on the Run is SO much fun!" (2016). Learning Showcase 2016: A Celebration of Discovery, Transformation and Success. 25.
https://fuse.franklin.edu/ss2016/25