I.Q. Gets Fit

I.Q. was the class pet. Not the teacher's favorite mind you, but the real class pet. He was a rat, but would have much rather have been a student in Mrs. Furber's class. It was "Health Month" and they were all going to an assembly to "learn how to get fit." At the assembly his tummy started to rumble and he was embarrassed because the children laughed at him. He didn't eat his breakfast and it was rumble time. The speaker told all the children that if they passed the fitness test they would "receive a gold ribbon." Everyone was excited, especially I.Q., because he wanted one too! Mrs. Jugar was the physical education teacher and she would be recording their results. Brett, Kim, Tim, Holly . . . and there was I.Q. on the list! They were recording things like how many sit ups, long jumps and pull ups everyone could do. They were supposed to eat "different kinds of foods," but when Mrs. Furber talked about the Food Pyramid there weren't brownies on it. I.Q. would have a lot of work to do in order to win a ribbon. Proper exercise, getting enough sleep and a balanced diet were just a few things he'd have to work on. I.Q. really wanted that ribbon. If he really worked at it, could he cut the mustard? Maybe he'd just have to cut out those brownies! This is an excellent book to get children subtly interested in physical fitness. The whimsical artwork is adorable and the "before" and "after" shots of I.Q. are very amusing. This would be the perfect choice for a read aloud and discuss book in a classroom setting if you are planning sessions on encouraging health and physical fitness. Your classroom can also work on the President's Challenge and win a real award!

This is absolutly the best book. We used it for Fitness Month Storytime at our Library. It teaches the principles of healthy lifestyle at a level toddlers and older can grasp. It discusses exercise, diet, sleep, and drinking water. You can also stop and have them do the exercises with IQ. It also throws in some suspense...you don't really know for sure if he will win the gold ribbon. I copied the last page of the book for the kids to color,take home to put on the fridge, and reinforce what they learned. It turned out fantastic. Great, great book! You can't go wrong with this one.

It's Heath Month in I.Q.'s classroom, but I.Q. is worried that because he can't run as long or jump as far as the other students, he won't win a ribbon at the fitness test. I.Q. the mouse is challenged to do his best - and still he doesn't seem to be able to compete. His efforts will eventually win him something different in this warm survey of a student who wants to achieve the most.