Running Head: PRESENTATION PLAN

Presentation Plan
Rachael Sotelo
PPE 310: Health Literacy for Schools
Dr. Hesse
November 8, 2016

Running Head: PRESENTATION PLAN

Presentation Plan
Desert Horizon Elementary School, Self-Contained Autism Classroom
1. Introduction:
- Assist in presentation with lead teacher to co-workers by introducing them to healthy
concepts and movement that can be used during the work day and company meetings.
- Introduce importance of movement and physical activity during company meetings:
Movement during the day while sitting, walking or standing, is critical to maintaining
wellnessthrough everything from fewer repetitive motion injuries to reduced weight
gainfostering greater concentration and engagement and boosting productivity
(Movement in the Workplace, n.d.).
-How can company meetings integrate movement? (Introduce physical activity and health
components).
2. Address physical activity component:
-During company meetings, employees will partake in listening to soothing music while
bouncing on stress balls, use hand held squeeze stress balls, or use yoga mats for
stretching and light movement.
-How can company meetings integrate health components? (Introduce health
components).
3. Address health component:
-During company meetings, employees will be offered water and healthy snacks (such as
fruit, string cheese, and nuts if employees are not allergic) to make sure they are well
hydrated and energized. Employees will also have the opportunity to address concerns

Running Head: PRESENTATION PLAN

and comment on their experiences either personally or anonymously before and after
company meetings. Physical, emotional, and therapeutic movement along with overall
healthy concepts will help keep employees stress free and willing to eagerly participate.
(Address and introduce health and safety managements issues).
4. Address safety management issues:
-During physical movement activities, employees will have the option to sit and bounce
on adult sized stress balls, use yoga mats for stretching and movements, or sit on desk
chairs and use hand held stress balls if they so choose. If employees choose to engage
in any of these activities during company meetings, they must sign a waiver form and
appropriately use the materials at shown to them in a video that will be sent to their
e-mails. If injury occurs during use of any materials, the employee must immediately stop
what they are doing and seek medical help.
5. Provide evidence that the plan is appropriate for the scope, knowledge, and interests of the
workplace:
-Employees should start moving and moving often to re-engage their focus and
increase their energy levels. Our research shows that just one to two minutes of
movement at frequent, 30-minute intervals, during meetings and throughout the day, can
go a long way toward mitigating the forces of stress and disengagement in the
workplace (Groppel, 2016).
- A person sitting in front of a computer doing office works spends insignificantly more
energy than someone lying flat in a bed. Many daily hours seated leave us without

Running Head: PRESENTATION PLAN

adequate physical stimulation of our muscles and cardiovascular system (Hedman,

Tobiasson, Sundblad, 2014).
-Providing high-quality, portion-controlled food to employees is a gap in workforce
health programs that must be addressed. Businesses vary in the content and quality of
programs offered, with sizable disparities in food options across sectors and regions
(Rosenzweig, 2014).
-Less than one-third of Americans are happy with their work. Half of the workforce is
checked-out. Eighteen percent are unhappy with their current position with some even
sabotaging the success of their workplace. An unhappy or unhealthy work environment
is bad for a business bottom line and bad for employees.
Studies have shown being unhappy with or unfulfilled by work can take a toll on our
health, relationships, and even lifespan. Those in unhealthy work environments tend to
gain more weight, have more healthcare appointments, and have higher rates of
absenteeism. Stress from work can also impact their family life, mental health, and even
increase risks for chronic illnesses and heart attacks (Workplace Wellness, n.d.).
6. Provide opportunities to accommodate modifications to employees with cognitive and
physical disabilities:
-Physical activities may be modified by moving company meetings outside, or by getting
professional instructions and ideas from the school physical education teachers.
-For employees with cognitive disabilities, company meetings may include a variety of
interpretations which includes but is not limited to voice conference meetings, video
conference meetings, meetings being held outside to offer less stressful and confined

Running Head: PRESENTATION PLAN

spaces, and numerous material items such as weighted writing utensils, large writing
utensils for easier hold, calculators, and projectors to help employees who have physical
and visual disabilities, such as autism.
-Through acceptance and awareness trainings, all employees can and should be equipped
to effectively work alongside so-workers who have cognitive and physical disabilities.
-The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission (EEOC) enforces employers to reasonably accommodate employees and
address safety concerns. Employees may contact the EEOC at any time if they feel they
have been discriminated against due to their cognitive or physical disability.
Self-Reflection
While participating in company meetings at Desert Horizon Elementary School in the
Autism Department, it became increasingly obvious that our company meetings lack space,
physical comfort, and accountability. During the most recent meeting however, plenty of things
have changed for the better. So what went well? Could anything be changed during the next
meeting? Lots went well, voices were heard, and people were excited to be active and eager to
eat yummy snacks provided. However, the small space provided for meetings is hard to change
up, however it was discussed that future meetings may have the opportunity to be held outside if
the weather permits.
Managing behavior while adults bounced on large stress balls that we borrowed from the
school motor lab was a bit difficult at first. Teachers and classroom assistants were immediately
giggling and talking, however once the meeting officially started, it was announced that this was
an opportunity to try something new and be active, but everyone still had high expectations to

Running Head: PRESENTATION PLAN

lead and participate in the meeting as usual. Movement in the small area we were given made it
difficult for people to inappropriately move around, however assisting in the meeting
presentation gave the opportunity to settle in and make an obvious mark as a meeting leader.
Throughout the meeting, it was evident that teachers and teaching assistants needed to
have focus re-directed to the presentation leader and assistant. Calling on names, asking
questions, and reaching for ideas helped shape the meeting and grab the attention of those who
tend to nod off or not fully participate. Positively praising co-workers grabbed attention,
especially when a teaching assistant was given gratitude and thanks for handling a difficult
situation. When she was told, thank you for going above and beyond for the students in their
time of need, she immediately straightened up and realized that she had eyes on her and was
able to help manage the room by offering praise and encouragement to other co-workers who
helped her. This domino effect helped the meeting end on a positive note, as well as lead meeting
goers to give thanks for making the meeting fun for everyone.
Video Link
https://youtu.be/N9pTTHSzLYw
(Side note: I am a classroom assistant at an elementary school in a self-contained autism
classroom. My department consists of 20+ teachers and assistants that gather for brief meetings
several times a week. Because my lead teacher was responsible for leading the most recent
meeting, I was able to assist in the meeting with him and use my ideas to incorporate health
components without any issue. My lead teacher was out sick for the past 4 school days, and with
students present, I could not get parent or written permission to record with them in the room. I
ended up assisting in the meeting as planned with another lead teacher; however the exact

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meeting was not allowed to be recorded. I have recorded my rendition of the meeting that took
place).

Running Head: PRESENTATION PLAN

8
References

Cameron, K., & Seppala, E. (2015, December 1). Proof That Positive Work Cultures Are More
Productive. Retrieved November 07, 2016, from https://hbr.org/2015/12/proof-thatpositive-work-cultures-are-more-productive
Groppel, J. (2016). STRATEGIC MOVEMENT IN THE WORKPLACE IMPROVES
EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE. Retrieved November 08, 2016, from
http://preventcancer.aicr.org/site/R?i=UTX4HL76NOA8qNuOuXuJqQ
Hedman, A., Sundblad, Y., & Tobiasson, H. (2014). Still at the Office - Designing for Physical
Movement. Retrieved November 8, 2016, from http://www.divaportal.org/smash/get/diva2:761501/FULLTEXT02
Movement in the Workplace - Steelcase. (n.d.). Retrieved November 08, 2016, from
https://www.steelcase.com/insights/white-papers/movement-in-the-workplace/
Rosenzweig, W. (2014, October 9). Food at Work: Setting the Table for a Healthy Workforce.
Retrieved November 08, 2016, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/williamrosenzweig/food-at-work-setting-the-_b_5376081.html
Workplace Wellness. (n.d.). Retrieved November 08, 2016, from
http://www.nmha.org/workplace-wellness