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www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, August 4, 2010 · 20 Keeping children active can improve academic performance (NC) ­ With the end of summer looming, parents may consider decreasing the number of activities their child participates in to ensure their child can focus on academics. However, a recent survey conducted by Ipsos-Reid on behalf of Kumon Math and Reading Centres has found that children that are engaged in extra-curricular activities experience academic benefits beyond their less-active counterparts. According to responses from more than 1,200 Canadian parents, the number of nights a student participates in extra-curricular activities does not negatively impact academic performance. Of those parents surveyed whose child participates in extracurricular activities on two or more school nights, 84 percent were identified by their parents as academically at or above average grade level. Extra curricular activities are important. They challenge children to explore their talents and interests, develop responsibility, and encourage time management skills as students learn to balance schoolwork, extracurricular activities, social life, health, and for many older students, a job. The survey findings point out that the majority of students who perform well in school have achieved a balance between homework demands and extra curricular activities. This is key to their achievement. The amount and type of extra curricular activities will depend on a number of factors including the age of your child. · Kindergarten to Grade 2: The early school years are a time for your child to adjust to school routines and explore individual interests. Non-competitive sports and other physical activities such as dance or gymnastics are good bets, as well as enhancing your child's creative side with art or music classes. · Grades 3 ­ 6: Team sports are now a good bet at these grade levels. Your child is old enough to remember and follow rules and typically has the maturity to handle a bit of competition. · Grades 7 ­ 12: Pre-teens and teenaged children can be steered toward activities such as clubs of interest, volunteering, and leadership activities at school (e.g., school newspaper) or in the community (e.g., Scouts or Guides). Part time jobs are popular with this age group. While your child will enjoy the extra money and independence that accrues from having a job, now more than ever striving for and maintaining a balance among school work, extracurricular activities and a job is critical. Parents can help by encouraging their child to become involved in extra curricular activities whether offered at school or in the community. Here are some tips: · Explore the options that are available at your child's school and in the community. Talk to your child's teacher and other parents. · Talk to your child about his or her interests and once you have researched possibilities, discuss those options with your child. · Ensure that your child is not over scheduled and has enough 'down' time during weekdays. This varies from child to child, but some signs of possible over scheduling include irritability, tantrums, regular complaining about the activity itself, a recurring illness such as stomachaches, and a sudden drop in grades. How to keep your child fit all year round Your kids have likely spent the summer outside--biking, running and being physically active. Now that they're back behind their desks, it can be tough to keep their physical activity levels up. Here are some easy ways to keep them active all year long. 1. Turn it off. Research has shown that children who spend more than two hours per day in front of a screen (TV, video game, computer) are twice as likely to be overweight as those who watch less than one hour per day. Turn off the tube and spend some quality family time together. 2. Try everything once. Get them involved in sports and physical activities that they enjoy. Swimming may be great exercise but if they don't like it, they won't stick with it. Let them try out several different types of activities before you commit them to anything. 3. Cheerlead. If your child's not the athletic type, encouraging them to become engaged in various sports or physical activities may be a challenge. Find opportunities where your child can participate in activities that emphasize fun, not just winning. Physical activity provides fantastic opportunities to promote healthy living as well as the benefits of teamwork, co-operation and camaraderie. 4. Quiz them.At My Best, a national school-based children's wellness program developed by AstraZeneca Canada and Physical and Health Education Canada, has put together an interactive online physical activity quiz that your kids will love. Get them started on learning about the benefits of fitness online at www.atmybest.ca. 5. Lead by example. If your kids see you being active, they'll want to join in. Family walks after dinner are a great start. www.newscanaada.com Crescent Nursery School · Innovative programs for ages 2-5 years including a separate J.K/S.K program. Teacher/child ratio is 1:6. · Programs offered 5/3/2 days. Morning (9-11:45am) or afternoon (1-3:45pm). · Beautiful location with an outdoor playground in a mature park-like setting. · All staff are registered with the College of Early Childhood Educators (C.E.C.E.) · Summer Camp offered on a weekly sign-up basis during July and August. 905.823.2625 186 Morrison Rd. 905.844.3432 crescentnurseryschool@hotmail.com