IN THE CLASSROOM:

When they’re young, full of energy and can’t stay focused on one thing for too long, sometimes the best way to teach kids is without them realizing they’re being taught.

With the help of the local YMCA, that’s what some kids at College Park Elementary School are getting — a lesson in joy.

“The first thing you need to know is it’s all about fun,” said YMCA instructor Ken Martinez, looking down at 20 sets of eager, second-grader eyes full of enthusiasm.

Martinez is one of two YMCA instructors who visit College Park Elementary three times a week for nearly three hours, providing physical education for kindergartners through second-graders. Starting right after lunch with the youngest, Martinez and instructor Kevin Giltz take the kids out to the field to play for about 40 minutes.

Physical education for kids that young isn’t provided by specially trained P.E. teachers hired by the district, Principal John Sanders said. At those grade levels, the teachers set the time aside to take the kids out and let them get their heart rates up. Monday afternoon at College Park, the teachers were present, but the job appeared noticeably easier than before thanks to the extra help. This will be the first full year College Park students have worked with YMCA instructors, Sanders said. The scheduling still needs to be ironed out with teachers.

“We’re still working out the bugs. It’s like this master chess game, but we’re getting there,” Sanders said. “The more adult, positive role models these kids have access to, the better.”

The YMCA instructors are paid through the YMCA but are free to the school through a joint partnership, Sanders said.

The students don’t seem to notice any change, though, and maybe that’s how educators like it. Instead of throwing out a soccer ball and having 50 kids chase for it, with the YMCA instructors, the kids can easily organize a giant soccer game.

“I like the playing,” 9-year-old Carlos Hernandez said. “I like the running more than other stuff.”

Like icing on the cake for the school, the YMCA instructors are schooled in the way of CATCH, an increasingly popular method of physical education out of Texas. CATCH, or Coordinated Approach To Child Health, emphasizes physical education in smaller groups, involving kids in all activities, proper nutritional education, and advocating the school to provide healthy food choices.

“In all of the sports here, there is no loser,” Martinez said. “It promotes health, cardiovascular activity and motor skills. It gives them self-esteem and motivation and a fighting chance to go out for another school or activity in high school if they want.”

In the coming months, YMCA officials will also bring an after-school program to the school, available to the youngest students, Sanders said.

KIDS TALK BACK

What is your favorite playground game, and why?

“Basketball, because you can bounce the ball a lot and run.”

Sammy Dokovic

7, Costa Mesa

“Hmmm, monkey bars. Because I like to swing down on my back.”

Ivanna Zunida

7, Costa Mesa

“Handball. Because you get to hit the ball, and that’s it.”

Nathan Hayes

7, Costa Mesa

“Tag, because you get to run a lot.”

Breanna Barragan

7, Costa Mesa

“Monkey bars. I like to go down on the bars.”

Bernice Avalos

8, Costa Mesa

JOSEPH SERNA may be reached at (714) 966-4619 or at joseph.serna@latimes.com.