The Start2Finish R&R Club is FREE and accessible to children in grades 1-6 both in-person and online. The program offers a unique, life-changing experience as it is one of the only known, evidence-based programs in Canada that focuses on the “whole child”, producing outcomes in 4 areas of well-being: Physical, Mental, Social-Emotional, and School/Academic.
The R&R Club uses physical activity to empower children to build a lasting cycle of health and success. The program is based on research that shows exercise positively impacts children's cognitive and social skills and reduces the "stressors" they face (especially those caused by challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic).
The R&R Club Positive Education Curriculum help children improve executive functioning skills (focus, working memory, self-control, etc.) and social-emotional agencies (resilience, motivation, mindfulness, positivity, relationship management, self-regulation, belonging, etc.) empowering them to be successful in school and in life.
Program Activities
In Person
- 45 minutes of physical activity (running, aerobics, and active games)
- 20-minute “Word of the Day” Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) component
- 45 minutes of culturally relevant reading/literacy support individually and in groups with local trained volunteer “coaches”
- Year-end 5K R&R Challenge enabling participants to achieve their goals and celebrate together/with the community
Online
- 30-40 minute sessions 2x/week in small virtual “hubs” (8-10 participants; 2-3 coaches)
- Allows for a much deeper connection between volunteers and participants
- Sessions include fitness, literacy and mentoring activities, with emphasis on the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) experience
- Administered through an interactive, accessible technology platform
FAQs
Is the Running & Reading Club online or in-person?
It’s both! This year we are excited to have our Running & Reading Club both online and in-person.
However, not all schools that normally have in-person Running & Reading Club will - yet! This depends on each region's COVID regulations. But by signing up now it means you can continue to participate online, and when we are able to return to in-person at your school we will let you know!
Why does it say it’s 3 days?
For all of our in-person locations the Running & Reading Club will run 3 days a week (Tuesday, Wednesdays, and Thursday)! Once a week at the school, and twice a week online for half an hour! This is so you can get the most out of the program. Our online program has an increased focus on social-emotional learning - which helps build resilience and wel-being! And we know now more than ever that this is important.
Does my school offer an in-person club?
You can find the list of schools we partner with for in-person programming here:
Running & Reading Club Locations — Start2Finish (start2finishonline.org)
When does the Club start?
Online Running & Reading Club will start mid-October! In-person Running & Reading Clubs start dates will depend on regions and schools.
What if my child can’t make the online session time for their club?
Contact your Regional Manager or Start2Finish staff! They will do their best to find a session time that works for you.
How can screen time be positive?
The online component of the program uses innovative approaches through its trauma-informed framework, addressing mental health challenges among participants. With our Positive Education curriculum, Thrive!, and mentoring component, Brainworx! helps elementary students develop agencies like resilience, self-regulation and mindfulness that empower them to successfully deal with anxiety, depression and trauma and achieve success both during and beyond the pandemic.