Special Tips
Simple Fun
Looking for ways to increase your children’s activity level? Throw them a ball. According to a new report published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, basic toys such as balls, jump ropes and hula hoops do more to encourage physical activity than swings or other playground equipment.
Source: American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2008; 34, 1, 23–29
May/June 2008 • ACE FitnessMatters
Worth A Look
I recently came across a children's book I would like to recommend to you. A Child's Calendar is written by Massachusetts native, John Updike. Through spot-on poetry and the luminous art work of Trina Schart Hyman, children are treated to a celebration of every month in the calendar. Originally published in 1965, Updike revised the text and brought Hyman on board to create this Caldecott Honor book for the 21st century.
Heavy Lifting
Autumn is a great time of year to be outdoors. Your own backyard may be the perfect place for children to play and work at the same time. Since it's pumpkin season, pick up a few various sizes and just let children play with them. Lifting them and hauling them in wagons are great ways for children to develop their muscles. Leaf raking is another fun activity for children. Though they may not clean up the yard, you can be sure they will sleep soundly after a day of yard work!
Parent Resource
If you are looking for a practical resource for raising a healthy child, check out, Eat, Play, and Be Healthy, by W. Allan Walker, M.D. He is Professor of Pediatrics and Director of the Division of Nutrition at Harvard Medical School. I found this book to be very straightforward and the tips nice and simple.
Happily Ever Active at Home
Visit your local library and check out the book, From Head to Toe, by Eric Carle. As you read it ask your child to act out the motions. Not only is this book ideal for dramatization, but it also gives children the opportunity to respond verbally to the narrator's dialogue.
Beyond The Story
When reading to young children spend some time examining some of the book’s features.
Before beginning the story ask your child to look closely at the cover of the book and guess what the story will be about.
Read the name of the author and illustrator and explain the role of each.
Browse author and illustrator biographies on the back jacket so the children get to know a little bit about them.
As you turn the pages prior to the story you will often encounter a dedication page. This is intended to be shared!
Allow your listener to turn the pages. It reinforces the direction of the book and involves your child in the actual reading process.
Often text and illustrations provide foresight to the reader. Whenever possible, invite your child to predict what is about to happen.
When you complete the story go back and summarize the story with your child. Allow the illustrations to prompt them. Leading questions might include: How did the story begin? What happened next? How did the story end?
Healthy Parking Spaces
Who doesn’t give a silent cheer when we get the “best” parking space, you know - the one closest to the entrance? From now on, I encourage you to create a new mindset to pass along to your child. Instead of seeking the closest space, try choosing a “healthy space” that is farther from the door. Go ahead, let out an audible cheer. Celebrate with your child the fact that you are both getting in a healthy walk, a bit more fresh air, and maybe that closer space will go to a needier individual. As for those heavy bags of groceries, that’s just one more advantage. You and your child can both build up some stronger biceps. Even on those inclement days, don’t give in, it’s just weather.