July-August Issue

Page 40

Let’s Move in School “..takes aim at the growing epidemic of obesity among the nation’s school age population.”

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aunched in February of 2010 and headed by First Lady Michelle Obama, “Let’s Move in School” takes aim at the growing epidemic of obesity among the nation’s school age population. The Surgeon General recommends that children and youth spend one hour (60 minutes) per day in moderate physical activity, yet P.E. classes nationwide are frequently the victims of budget cutting and the push for higher academic test scores. Studies show that approximately 1/3 of children and teens are overweight or obese, and only 36% of high school students meet the recommended level for physical activity. Dance is not limited to P.E. classes. While basic dance steps may be taught in P.E. classes, dance can also provide meaningful experiences and active learning across the curriculum, including World Language, Social Studies, Music, Literature, Art, even Math and Science. In addition, extra-curricular or after-school dance clubs can provide much needed physical activity. Clubs provide students an opportunity to learn or improve their skills, and contribute to the development of critical thinking, problem solving and

40 DanceSport


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