Kids Health Newsletter by Center For Pediatric Therapies
Kids Health The Newsletter About Taking Care Of The Ones That Matter Most
January, 2018
“Have You Noticed A Decline In Your Child’s Grades?” GET YOUR CHILD READY FOR TESTING
There is increasing evidence that there’s a positive link between physical activity and academic performance. According to Active Living Research, even children who played physically active video games experienced improvements in math. There are several physical activities that can prepare a child for testing.
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Inside:
• How Exercise Can Improve Academic Performance For Your Child
• Get Your Child Ready For Testing
• Staff Spotlight
• Writing A Review Is Just A Click Away
Kids Health The Newsletter About Taking Care Of The Ones That Matter Most
“5 Simple Tips To Improve Your Child’s Testing Habits! January, 2018 GET YOUR CHILD READY FOR TESTING
1. Use the Entire Body Simple activities like Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes is a way for younger children to get moving while engaging the entire body. Playing Simon Says before an academic activity is also a fun game to make sure kids move in a variety of ways. If there’s room, acrobatic activity is a great option. Headstands and cartwheels are fantastic ways to stretch muscles and use the entire body. 2. Include Adaptations Action for Healthy Kids states that activities should be made as inclusive as possible for children with special needs. For kids that are mobility challenged, activities can be adapted so they can do them in a sitting position. If it’s applicable, pair children with a partner who can guide them through an activity. 3. Make it Educational There are several types of interactive video games that can be used so kids can learn while they’re moving. Dance video games provide a fun way to learn songs while incorporating physical movements. When learning math draw numbers on the ground with chalk or tape and have kids jump on the right answer.
4. Make it Competitive Kids love games like kickball, softball, and tag. If there’s a large enough area to play competitive games, this is an easy way to get kids moving. Scavenger hunts, inside or out, can keep kids of all ages both physically and mentally active. Simple obstacle courses can be set up in a room or outside.Childrencanbeon teamsor raceagainst theirown individual times. 5. Keep it Short No matter what type of activities a child engages in, it’s a good idea for exercise not to last longer than 20 or 30 minutes. This is enough time for children to get their heart rates up and increase circulation without making them too tired to concentrate on academics later. There’s little doubt that exercise is good for the brain on both a physical and mental level. Getting kids involved in a variety of physical activities will not only improve their health but boost their academic performance.
https://activelivingresearch.org/sites/default/files/ALR_Brief_ActiveEducation_Jan2015.pdf http://www.actionforhealthykids.org/tools-for-schools/1252-brain-breaks-instant-recess-and-energizers
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HOW EXERCISE CAN IMPROVE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE FOR YOUR CHILD
Why exercise impacts academics There are many reasons for the connection between physical activity and academic performance, beginning with its impact on the development of the brain. Researcher Charles Basch from Columbia University outlined how exercise affects executive functioning of the brain: • “[Increased] brain-derived neurotrophins that support neuronal differentiation and survival in the developing brain.” Neurotrophins help the survival of neurons in areas responsible for learning, memory and higher thinking; • Increased flow of oxygen to the brain; • Increased brain neurotransmitters. Three-pronged approach Arguably, there are more ways to improve a child’s physical activity level than the three suggestions listed here. However, the most common approaches tackle three main areas: school life, home life and professional intervention. The CDC recommends that children and adolescents participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. For the most benefits, the majority of exercise should be aerobic, with some time spent doing muscle- strengthening exercises and some time spent doing bone-strengthening activities. Here are some ways to fit that in:
School life With an increased focus on standardized testing and Common Core standards, there has been an unfortunate decline in physical fitness offerings in school. This is detrimental to children’s physical and mental health, as well as academic achievement. One way to improve this is to increase the time spent in P.E. classes. Before and after-school activities should also be offered, and teachers of academic courses can incorporate physical coordination into lesson plans. Home life Families can model healthy behaviors by participating in sports together, going on walks, partaking in physical activities and generally spending time away from the couch. Children’s first teacher is at home, and this is often where healthy choices are either encouraged or discouraged. Professional intervention Many familiesstruggle toknow thebestexercise regimen for their child (or themselves). As such, they turn to professionals, such as pediatric physical therapists, to develop a plan. Physical therapists can help people become active while reducing unnecessary pain. They can guide students through physical movements and teach safety measures important to success.
Often, they will measure a child’s current fitness level to develop a plan appropriate to the child’s needs. If you’re seeking professional insight and want help encouraging your child to become more physically active, consult with a pediatric physical therapist for guidance. centerforpediatrictherapies.com
Phyllis Behrer, MHS, CCC-SLP SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
Staff Spotlight
Phyllis Behrer is a Speech-Language Pathologist at the Center for Pediatric Therapies. Her passion is language therapy for early intervention and children with autism. Phyllis is certified in the Beckman Oral-Motor Protocol. Recent continuing education topics include Sensory Oral Sequential approach to feeding; Kaufman Early Intervention Program: Children with Apraxia of Speech; and Picture Exchange Communication System. Phyllis holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Delaware and a Bachelor of Health Science from Governors State University in Illinois. Phyllis earned a Master of Health Science from Governors State University, where she was awarded the Lee Edward Travis award for outstanding graduate student in 1999. Originally from Long Island, New York, Phyllis now lives on Smith Mountain Lake in Moneta, Virginia. Outside of work, Phyllis enjoys reading, cross stitching, writing, boating, swimming, and spending time with her husband of 30 years and their three grown daughters.
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