OUR COMMUNITY

The main mission of HARDBODY KIDS is to improve the physical education programs at various elementary schools, starting with schools in the local community. I’ve started this mission with CrossRoads Adventist School (CAS) in Ellicott City, MD. I take a trip there on the first Thursday of the month and go through an array of exercises; discuss nutrition; challenge them mentally through some thought-provoking games and keep them encouraged about being healthy. This involves the entire student body of children ranging from 4 – 11 years old.

Eventually, my goal is to provide knowledge and practical skills of exercise to the teachers within the schools one day at a time. This is ambitious, but this knowledge can positively impact their students, the parents and the community to shed light on exercise as medicine. Children are being diagnosed with ADD, ADHD and some can’t even ADD now of days. This is one way to stimulate their minds through active learning, getting them involved in counting through exercises and having fun.

“Young people need to understand what makes up a balanced diet, the importance of variety and moderation, and how necessary it is to incorporate much more physical activity into their daily routine.”

Steve Simon, M.D. – WebMD

At 3-5 years-old, children aren’t ready for competition or organized sports. They have a limited understanding of teamwork, strategy or rules. Even though each child has different potential, individualized activities are more appropriate in this particular setting.

• Encourage your 3-5-year-old to climb, hang, walk, run, jump, hop, skip, gallop, slide, leap, pull, push, pedal, bat, kick, throw, strike (with paddles/rackets), and swing.
• Use games like ‘Hokey-Pokey’ and ‘Simon Says’ to teach left and right.
• Play ‘Follow the Leader’ to foster balance and coordination.

At 6-8 years-olds, kids still aren’t ready for competition, but they are ready to start practicing teamwork in a non-competitive environment. They can:

• Play group games with small teams of 2-3 children. For example: Instead of trying basketball, take turns seeing how many balls each team can get in the basket.
• Learn how to swim, ice skate, rollerblade, or ride a bicycle.
• Dance or do gymnastics.
• Play catch with different kinds of balls, varying the distance, height and speed of the tosses.

At 9-11 years old, most children are ready to try almost any activity, though weight training should wait until puberty.

• Many 9-11-year-olds begin to focus on specific athletic interests. Your child might prefer individual sports to team sports, or outdoor adventures like hiking or biking over indoor activities like dance.
• It’s important to respect the interests of your child and support him. Encourage sportsmanship, and make sure your kids are working with qualified coaches in supportive environments.

Now that you know the kinds of activities your children are ready for, try to make time in your life to get out there and be active with them. Use community resources like schools, clubs, and city recreation departments to find out where you can get your kids started.

1. 

   Robert Kennedy III says:

   April 22, 2009 at 5:52 pm

   Thanks Shawn. My daughter goes to Crossroads and its great to know that there are people like yourself that are concerned about their physical wellbeing as well as their spiritual and educational. Thanks again!