It is a fact. For preschool and elementary-aged children, the results of poor sleep mean overly tired and cranky children who struggle to focus and follow directions making school no fun for themselves, their peers, and their teachers. The same challenges will arise at home. Adequate sleep leads to happier children [...]
Generally speaking, we all know today's kids aren't moving enough. Taking this further, we can prove kids aren't moving enough. How? The rate of childhood obesity is climbing rapidly. Logically, this means kids aren't moving like they used to or like they should. So obviously this impacts their health, both immediate and long term. [...]
In Virginia, it is still humid and hot, but there is every indication fall is on its way. The leaves are starting to turn and fall. Occasionally you can get that whiff of decaying foliage that smells like autumn, a breeze with a hint of cool, and yes….the definitive sign it is September, school [...]
In June, I was honored and humbled to present on two topics at the International Play Association Triennial Conference in Glasgow, Scotland. With only 550 attendees, many of whom were presenters as well, the conference was jam-packed with data, experience, and fun from all over the world. What were the takeaways? Finland, the traditional poster child for [...]
I am a former athlete. I am currently a fitness instructor. I have tried Zumba and Hip Hop, but my hips and shoulders do not go in opposite directions. I am not a “dancer.” But I love to move and get sweaty. When there is an added skill challenge, I am game. When there is [...]
I started my business in 2000 when my children were preschoolers. As a health coach and group fitness instructor, I believed health was vital in childhood and I was concerned about the statistics I was seeing on the declining health of our nation’s kids. I knew I liked my children better after we had [...]
If you were in elementary school in the 80’s or earlier, you will remember recess. I mean real recess. You may even remember several recesses a day. When I was in elementary school, we had two recesses every day, a short one in the morning and a long one in the afternoon. In every [...]
Have you ever wondered exactly what Pivot to Play® might be? It is a good question. Pivot to Play® grew out of Pop, Hop & Rock™ a big-body physical play program designed to help schools get kids moving for the purpose of improved learning and behavior. For more than 20 years, Pop, Hop & [...]
Peace and quiet. Could these two words be powering our culture’s constant need to reach for a screen? And if so, what is it doing to our kids? Think about it. Kids don’t ever have to worry about being bored if there is a screen to turn to. There is no peace and quiet [...]
Even one of the grumpiest characters in all literature enjoyed and appreciated outdoor play. As a child, the elementary school I attended only had indoor recess when it was raining. I imagine most of us experienced the same. And it was miserable. Confined to the cage of our classroom our ants in the pants [...]
