PLUMSTED — A local teacher has his students hip-hopping for health.

Chris Wells, the health teacher at the Dr. Gerald H. Woehr Elementary School and the New Egypt Primary School, and his cocreator Kurtis Johnson have just released a DVD called "Hip-Hop Health: Learning Concepts Through Physical Activity."

"The overall concept of the DVD is to provide students with physical activity and health concepts in ways that are both fun and engaging," said Wells. "The DVD can easily be incorporated into a health unit to supplement classroom instruction."

Plumsted Superintendent of Schools Mark DeMareo said the release of the new health DVD is very exciting.

"Chris Wells is a dynamic educator who has found an innovative way to teach children about proper health and nutrition," De- Mareo said. "These engaging raps will encourage children to become lifelong learners committed to taking care of their own personal wellness."

The DVD consists of six five-minute health raps that get the students moving in the classroom or the gym. The segments can be used individually or combined to provide a full 30-minute workout.

The raps offer students a fun-filled way to learn about bones, muscles, nutrition, the cardiovascular system and flexibility, Wells said. Also included with the DVD are lesson plans, the lyrics to the raps, instructions and tips to help all educators fully use the program.

Robert Burkhardt, principal of Dr. Gerald H. Woehr Elementary School, said he is excited about having Wells incorporate the raps into his classroom lessons.

"We are looking into doing an assembly program for all the students, as well as possibly writing some new raps to reinforce the importance of washing hands in order to prevent the spread of germs," Burkhardt said.

Some of the raps that are included on the DVD include "Bone Dance," "Pump it Up" and "Mission Nutrition."

It is hoped that through the raps and the DVD, students will not only have a great time learning the material, but will also develop and understand important health concepts that they will remember through their lives.