CATCH Champion - May 2008
Interview with Gina Wyman
Teacher, Playcare Inc. Lawton, Oklahoma

When did you and your district adopt the CATCH Program and what prompted you to do so?
I believe that Playcare, Inc. adopted the program in the summer months last year and they were prompted to do so because of the benefits it would have on the children in our care. It also gave us the opportunity to acquire some new equipment and activities for the kids.

Describe notable changes since implementing CATCH and how you know CATCH is working.
What I have seen in the children enrolled in the CATCH program is a more conscious effort to eat "everyday foods". I have observed children reading food labels and talking with other children about their food choices. I have seen a child eating candy and another child responding that it's a sometimes food which means they are learning.

I have also noticed that when the children are not involved in CATCH program time, but are playing with his or her peers, the games the children decide to play are that of an "all inclusive" style. No one is out, they just have to go to the sidelines or an area and do 10 jumping-jacks, and so on. I see games being played more fairly and less arguments over silly things, like getting tagged.

What are the keys to your success?
I have never given up on the goal of the CATCH program, even if I am not getting a lot back from the children (which does happen occasionally, the kids want to play basketball or soccer, not do CATCH games sort of thing). I always try to have a plan B so if my schedule of games is not working for my group then we can quickly move into something else of more interest. So, if they want to play basketball I'll do dribble tag and to get free from their "tag" the children have to shoot a hoop.

Another key, and most importantly, is the support I have from Playcare, Inc. and members of the Health Department. I can ask for advice or supplies and people are willing to help me out with lessons and I never felt like I was thrown to the wolves with this project.

What advice can you offer for those just beginning and for those who have already implemented the CATCH Program.
Don't get discouraged, and don't try to keep the kids in constant motion, it just doesn't work. Do your lesson, transition quickly and keep the energy up. Play when you can and when it is safe to play. Show enthusiasm about the games and lessons, and role model what is being taught because I have been caught many times with a "sometimes food" in my hands!

What was your most significant barrier and how did you overcome the challenge?
Well, not many people like to be observed (myself included) but when I received positive feedback as to how I was handling the CATCH program it boosted my confidence and renewed my drive to continue the program on the path I had begun.

What has been the reaction from parents, administrations, students and community?
I haven't heard too much reaction from parents, but I am confident that they are pleased with the program. No child has been taken out of the CATCH routine yet so that has to be saying something about it. My administrators seem to be quite pleased with the program and its attributes to healthy lifestyles for children. The students enjoy the physical activities and even though the nutrition lessons are hard for them to get through sometimes I try to connect that with our children being in school all day and then having to come to class again in our after-school program. But no matter what "fits" they throw we get through the material every week and it's paying off which is a great thing to see. As far as the community, I really don't know because it's new and they might not know about it yet.

What are your plans for the future?  What is your CATCH vision?
My plans for the future are to see CATCH have even more games and activities. I would hope that CATCH would have an even larger array of equipment and movement ideas so that the program remains fresh and new and doesn't turn into a boring routine for the children involved. My CATCH vision is to see children change the way they approach "play" activities (not everyone has to be out) and also to see children eat more healthy and chose to live a healthier lifestyle with the aid of the materials taught in the CATCH program.

Anything else you would like to add?
Like I said, keeping the kids moving the whole time doesn't always happen. The key is to transition quickly and modify any game to make it more appropriate for the group you are teaching.

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