5-2-1-0 Spotlight: Megan Carlson

Helping kids learn and live 5-2-1-0 can be daunting, but it is important to start with small steps that can have a big impact. Montezuma P.E. teacher, Megan Carlson, shared the creative activities and initiatives she and her district have focused on with different age groups to ensure kids stay active, engaged, and mindful of their well-being

One of their biggest priorities has been providing students with extra movement time. Before their standardized testing, students get a 15 minute recess to run around the gym, and Montezuma has partnered with their local 4-H extension to offer blender bikes for kids to ride. When they leave to take their tests, they’re offered smoothies and trail mix so they have their blood pumping and stomachs full. Since middle school students no longer have recess, they have also introduced a 15-minute activity session after lunch, allowing kids to play in the gym or go outside when the weather permits. These small changes give students an outlet for their energy, promoting both physical activity and social engagement before long tests.

Regarding nutrition, their school has previously implemented taste-testing events to introduce students to new, nutritious foods they may not have tried otherwise. Soon they’ll also bring back the student and faculty favorite flavored water stations which was a surprising hit for something so simple.

Of course, they have thought about the hot topic of phone free classrooms as well. Their new classroom phone policy requires students to store their devices in designated pouches, leading to a noticeable drop in screen time—some students reported three fewer hours of phone use per day and this is after just kicking off their focus on phones in January.

Finally, Megan’s efforts extend outside the gym as well. She has taken students to incredible off-campus activities like sledding for outdoor fun, and they have utilized nearby Diamond Lake for tons of activities through the University of Iowa’s "School of the Wild" program. Everything from ice safety, survival skills, building a fire, and even kayaking and fishing.

The key takeaway? Small, intentional changes—like extra playtime, phone-free classrooms, and creative activities—can make a big difference. Megan’s work highlights the power of PE beyond just games, setting students up for a lifetime of healthy choices and new, healthy interests.