A reading/running connection

There is lots of evidence that an active learning environment with time for physical activity, running and play helps children learn better.  The mind-body-learning connection is powerful stuff!  A new study from Finland shows that first grade children, especially boys, need time running around in order to learn to read.  Sitting for longer periods doesn't help - it actually hinders reading and math development!  Here is the article in Time.com : Boys Who Sit Still Have  Harder Time Learning to Read.

Boys whose days were more sedentary when they were in first grade (a crucial year for learning to read) made fewer gains in reading in second and third grade.

I'm happy to note that Parker kids in the lower grades get a minimum of 60 to 75 minutes a day for actual recess, and there is also phys ed, Muddy Boots Club, time spent outdoors just for fun, movement in music and Spanish and not a lot of "seat time".  It is a great argument for the adventure we are about to embark on -Winter Fridays - when everyone gets a change of pace for swimming, skiing, XC skiing, snow boarding, and movement.  Active body - active mind!

Active kids

Big smiles!  Winter Fridays at Parker bring cheers at Assembly - but today was the last for the year.  At about 1 PM groups took off for swimming, skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing (well... hiking today) and the K-1's headed to the gym for creative movement with Amy.  Amy is Pre K teacher Michele Ridgeway's daughter who came to Parker as part of a grant for Green Mountain Creative Dance Center to promote dance with elementary school children.  She also danced with the Pre K while she was here. 

There is huge energy around an extra weekly session of sports and movement, especially during the bleak winter weeks.  Thank you to parents without whom we couldn't pull this off - and thanks to teachers for getting out there, too.  Exercise decreases for kids after age 9, according to this NY Times article - but not for Parker kids!