POINTERS FOR PARENTS |
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(NAPSI)-Whether it’s dancing, running or just playing outside, it’s a smart idea to keep kids moving--and for more reasons than you might expect. Recent studies point to a link between learning and movement. Many experts agree that children who are active more easily grasp concepts taught in school. In fact, one Canadian study showed that children who participated in five hours of vigorous physical activity a week had stronger academic performance in math, English, natural sciences, and French than children with only two hours of physical activity per week. Additionally, a study of 3rd-grade children who participated in dance activities found that the kids improved their reading skills by 13 percent over six months, while their more sedentary peers showed a decrease of 2 percent. So what are the smartest ways to get kids moving? At Kumon
Math and Make It Fun Encourage your children to play fun games that include critical thinking, as well as physical activity. Games as simple as hide-and-seek force children to think strategically, but also require plenty of running. Hopscotch, jump rope and even freeze tag (where children “freeze” when they’re tagged by the person who is “it”) can also be beneficial. Stir Creative Juices Role-playing can be a fun way to stimulate children’s minds. Take to the backyard and start a role-playing game such as “jungle,” where children take on the identity of different animals. Ask children to behave like a lion or a monkey. Later, children can read more about the animals and perfect their roles the next time they play. Get Involved Children learn by watching their parents, so try to stay active and play with your children frequently. Be sure to ask them questions about the games you play and encourage them to use their imaginations while running around. Try a game such as “airport,” where your child is a plane circling a runway and you give him directions to turn left or right. For more information, visit www.kumon.com or call (800) ABC-MATH. Dr. Mary Mokris is an education specialist for Kumon Math and Studies show that active children might be better learners. |
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