Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
In the past few years, so much emphasis has been placed on math and reading that gym classes have not been given the same curriculum attention as they used to. Therefore, children were not getting the essential exercise that they needed at school. Now, with the pandemic and virtual schooling, the situation is even worse.
Sitting all day viewing a computer is definitely not healthy, especially for children who need daily exercise. It is exercise that will improve their spirits and make them feel better physically. If students are not getting sufficient exercise from their school’s online gym classes, parents need to step up and fill this gap.
If you happen to live in a cold climate, you will definitely need to be creative during the pandemic to find activities that will really get your children up and moving. Ironically, the place you will do this is on the computer. You should search for age-appropriate activities that they are likely to enjoy and eager to participate in. Investigate such activities as yoga, zumba, dance classes, aerobics, and exercise for kids programs. Be sure to check out YouTube programs because they offer so many different options.
If you are lucky enough to live in a warm climate, be sure to get your children outdoors. If your children just happen to be reluctant exercisers, you should do physical activities together as a family. For example, go hiking, go to the beach, play basketball, tennis, or volleyball or go on a nice, long bike ride.
By keeping your children active physically, you are going to enable them to cope much better with both the pandemic and their online schoolwork.
Parents should send questions and comments to dearteacher@dearteacher.com or to the Dear Teacher website.
©Compass Syndicate Corporation, 2021