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Sam's Six-Minute Schedule for Staying in Shape

What’s inside...

Sam Hernandez is a boy with big dreams. Some days he has visions of being a professional athlete, and other days he pictures himself as an astronaut flying through the universe. He knows whatever future he decides to pursue, though, he has to be in great shape. Through lessons taught by his parents, his friends, and health professionals, he learns how to be more physically and mentally fit to achieve the goals he has set for his life.
In series
Series reading

Non-Sequential

Age

7-12

Length

26 pages

Text complexity

Discussion points

How do you think Sam feels when he manages to follow his schedule?
What are some activities that Sam does to stay in shape that you might enjoy?
Why do you think it's important for Sam to stay active and healthy?
If you could create your own six-minute schedule like Sam, what activities would you include?
How do you think having a schedule helps Sam in his day-to-day life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Reflect on the importance of routine and share your own experiences with staying in shape.
Encourage your child to think about how they can implement their own short, fun routines for healthy habits.
Listen actively to your child’s responses to understand their perspective on health and well-being.
Connect the story to your child's daily life by discussing how they can use schedule-making to improve or learn new skills.
Praise your child’s insights and encourage them to think deeper about how small, consistent actions can lead to big changes.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Time Management
Explanation: Sam's story demonstrates the importance of organizing time effectively to incorporate exercise into daily life, emphasizing scheduled fitness activities.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to plan and allocate specific times for their activities, including homework and playtime, to build a balanced routine.
Example Lesson: Commitment to Health
Explanation: The book underlines the significance of staying physically active through Sam's dedication to his fitness schedule.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to consistently engage in physical activities such as sports or regular exercises, fostering lifelong health habits.
Example Lesson: Self-discipline
Explanation: Sam adheres strictly to his six-minute schedule despite various challenges, showcasing the value of self-discipline.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of sticking to commitments they make, whether it is completing schoolwork or attending sports practice.
Example Lesson: Importance of Flexibility
Explanation: Although Sam is dedicated, he also adjusts his schedule when necessary to accommodate unexpected situations, highlighting flexibility.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of adapting to changes while still aiming to achieve set goals, useful in dynamic real-life situations.
Example Lesson: Achieving Goals
Explanation: Sam sets a clear goal to stay in shape and achieves it through his dedicated schedule, illustrating how goals can be met with proper planning and execution.
Real-World Application: This motivates children to set their own achievable goals, whether academic or personal, and work steadily towards fulfilling them.

Sam's Six-Minute Schedule for Staying in Shape by Alex Beene, Haley Coop, Jessa Sexton