Exercise Illustrated Word Cards and Work Pages Free PDF

This post has a free printable for Wallie Exercises by Steve Ettinger, C.S.C.S, Illustrations for the book are by Pete Proctor. Book not required for use but it would be motivational.

Wallie Exercises is an important book for helping children to learn the why and how of exercising properly. Steve Ettinger, C.S.C.S. sent it to me so I could review it and make a free printable to accompany the story. Steve is a nationally recognized fitness expert, speaker, and children’s book author. This book is fun and engaging and helps children learn about warm-ups, exercise, and staying hydrated. The understandable terminology of exercise is both in the child-centered story and short glossary. Pete Proctor’s illustrations have eye-popping color.

Due to the obesity epidemic, I would think there would be a wealth of stories and books for children with a theme of exercising and being fit, but I have found very few. It seems adults are bombarded with fitness ads and data, but there is not much appropriate information for children. The Common Core State Standards are requiring schools to include more nonfiction in the curriculum, and this book could be included as it is multi-genre with an appealing story but also a very important nonfiction lesson. This book would be a great choice for a school-wide read.

Wallie is a loving dog cartoon character, but he is mighty lazy. Instead of strolling through parks, Wallie masters his snores. Instead of playing fetch, he watches TV. This behavior continues until one day, his belly is too big for his pants! Wallie and his owner drive to find an outdoor exercise area. They find turtles racing, chimpanzees doing push-ups, and giraffes are in the trees doing pull-ups. Edwin the Exercise Elephant stops the truck, gives them sweatbands, and tries to teach Wallie to do trunk stands. Of course, a dog cannot do a trunk stand, and so Edwin rethinks his approach until he decides Wallie can do his own moves. That works, and the story has a happy ending.

I really like how the large elephant is able to exercise, be fit, and help others. I like how Wallie isn’t the biggest animal in the story. The implication is that no matter what size you are, exercise is possible. Using animals as examples, the story emphasizes there is some kind of exercise for everyone. Wallie does not lose weight by the end of the story, just learns to like exercise for himself. That is a great message to send to children. There are no super skinny unrealistic body types in this story. Children should be more focused on being healthy and active. Here is another post about physical fun and fitness for children by Valerie Allen.

Exercise Can be Fun

Teachers and parents, Steve includes some fun exercises to try such as the “Silly Shark Squat” and the “Wallie Wiggle Wag Walks.” Directions are included. There is a glossary and questions to ask children, answers included, which is so handy for the adult reading the story aloud. For more information about keeping kids active and fit, visit Steve’s website.

I am honored that Steve Ettinger would allow me to review his book which has won the following awards:

●Mom’s Choice Award

● Living Now Book Award

● Creative Child Magazine

● Young Voices Foundation Award

● Parent to Parent Life Buzz Award

● Reader’s Favorite Award

● USA Book News Award

Steve Ettinger has a degree in psychology from Boston University. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA), a Certified Personal Trainer (ACE), a Youth Exercise Specialist (NASM), an Advanced Regional Coach (NSCAA), a Double-Goal Coach (PCA), and has Jr. Fit^TMYouth Specialty Certification (AAHF). It takes someone special to understand and teach about fitness for youth. His book and work has been mentioned in PEOPLE, PARENTS, FITNESS, and FAMILY FUN. Wow! With all that background and the ability to reach children, I highly recommend this book.

Here is the freebie I made to accompany the book. Some (but not all) of the pages could be used in any exercise or brain break program with children, but it would be helpful to have the book on hand.

I was not compensated for this post other than reading the book which I am donated to a school.