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ACTIVE BODIES, HEALTHY MINDS Jodi LeBourdais, LinK Program Coordinator
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t PLAYKamloops we understand that learning to move our bodies is just as important as learning our ABC’s and 1-2-3’s! That’s why we’re excited to be working with Literacy in Kamloops to bring this message to more families. Learning to move our bodies confidently in a variety of ways and in different environments gives us the tools and desire to be an active participant in our own lives. This process is called physical literacy – it’s building skills,
creating confidence and fostering motivation. The goal is to provide fun, safe, accessible and inviting opportunities to explore movement. Physical literacy opens the doors to opportunities in sport, fitness and recreation, but more importantly it fosters a desire for creating lifelong habits of active living. And this provides ammunition for our physical health while also improving our mental well-being. The list of mental health benefits from regularly moving our body is long and affects every age and stage. The Canadian Psychological Association notes that regular
physical activity reduces day-to-day stress, boosts academic performance in children, youth and young adults, lowers the risk of neurodegenerative diseases (dementia) and cognitive decline, boosts self-esteem and helps to prevent depression and anxiety (November 2016). Promoting physical literacy and active living doesn’t have to be complicated and doesn’t require a lot of material. It can look like adding a walk to your after-dinner routine, dancing while cleaning, or learning a new activity, like disc golf, with a friend. Small changes add up over time.
KINDERGARTEN READY! attending Kindergarten. Crystal Murgatroyd, She was nervous about Family Outreach Coordinator, YMCA BC not knowing any
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f Charlotte is asked if she’s excited about starting Kindergarten in September, she will tell you a resounding YES! Her eyes light up, her smile brightens, and her confident energy fills the room. This five-year-old is ready for Kindergarten! It didn’t start off this way. Charlotte was initially nervous about
friends, not knowing the teachers, and being in the school building. Kindergarten on the Loose with Mother Goose changed all of that! Through the Kindergarten on the Loose with Mother Goose Program, Charlotte was introduced to the school environment over a period of six weeks. She met new friends, some
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admin VIP’s, and toured the school building – all while having fun singing, rhyming and listening to oral stories. Each session of Kindergarten on the Loose with Mother Goose was exciting! “Kindergarten is not so scary anymore!” For Charlotte, Kindergarten has turned into a safe, familiar and fun place to play, laugh and learn. Registering your child for Kindergarten ensures you have access to all
School District S.P.A.R.K programming. This includes Kindergarten orientations, welcome packages, and participation in the Kindergarten on the Loose with Mother Goose groups at select schools. Registration for Kindergarten opens at the end of January for Schools of Choice, and early February for all Neighborhood Schools, for the following September.
Charlotte Murgatroyd