Miss Strack's Preschool Newsletter

December Parent Newsletter Miss Strack’s Preschool Class

Families and Fitness Make Great Partners Greetings Parents and Families. This month we are learning about

the importance of fitness, and I wanted to share some great information and resources with your family. Numerous research studies have show us that “Physical activity is fundamental to the early development of each child and affects many aspects of a child's health.”

No time for one more thing at home? Check out these short videos that can create family fun and memories while teaching the importance of fitness. Families who exercise together build healthy habits.

Our Classroom: Because

of inclement winter weather, we are using yoga as our indoor fitness activity. This provide lots of fun and giggles, and the chance to get out energy that might other-wise be used. (I think you already know what I mean by this!) This simple routine helps to “promote physical fitness, motor skills, strength, attention to task, mindfulness and stress reduction in children.” I have also seen the children find friendship with others in a natural way through class exercise times.

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DECEMBER 4, 2021

National Association for the Education of Young Children Standards: “NAEYC has set 10 standards for early childhood programs that can help families make the right choice when they are looking for a child care center, preschool, or kindergarten.” We use these throughout the year, but our theme of FITNESS this month focuses specifically on:

Standard 1: Relationships - in the classroom

Standard 4: Assessment of Child Progress - Physical improves cognitive.

Standard 5: Health - Fitness makes for a healthy body and mind.

Standard 7: Families - Families who exercise together make memories and build healthy habits

FUELED BODY = HEALTHY MIND A SIMPLE HEALTHY SNACK YOU CAN MAKE TOGETHER IN NO TIME! Do it together for added fun! And these are guaranteed easy to pop in a bag, box or purse. And even the

7 BRAIN FOODS FOR KIDS BY WEBMD.COM 1.

EGGS - SCRAMBLED & WRAPPED IN A TORTILLA

2. GREEK YOGURT - ADD A FEW DARK CHOCOLATE CHIPS OR CEREAL 3. GREENS - ADD TO SMOOTHIES, LASAGNA OR OMELETS 4. FISH - FISH TACOS, FISH STICKS, TUNA SANDWICH 5. NUTS & SEEDS - PEANUT OR SUNFLOWER BUTTERS, ALMONDS 6. OATMEAL - ADD CINNAMON, ALMOND MILK 7. APPLES & PLUMS - SLICE APPLIES, ADD PEANUT BUTTER. LEAVE PLUMS IN BOWL FOR SNACKS.

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FITNESS, FUN, AND FACTS Parents may wonder if exercise in the home is necessary or important since children are naturally active and may have physical school activities. According to research and studies by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, there is a strong correlation between physical activity and cognitive development. An article entitled, Effects of Physical Activity on Motor Skills and Cognitive Development in Early Childhood tells us, “Contemporary health organizations propose that higher levels of physical activity in school-aged children are associated with important shortand long-term health benefits in physical, emotional, social, and cognitive domains across the life span. It is also suggested that one's motor skills may influence cognitive development given that motor and cognitive skills have several common underlying processes, including sequencing, monitoring, and planning.” (Zeng, 2017, December 13.)

Watching children on the playground and seeing the benefit of movement also shows that exercise in families and in schools also has a positive impact on relationships. Children who exercise together also become playmates. Families who exercise together build memories and create healthy families. Fitness in children is so much more than physical body development. Although many list exercise as a way to improve a child’s health, it can also be argued that modeling early examples of fitness can give children a head start on creating habits of regular scheduled time to include exercise as an important part of a daily routine and keep it as a worthy goal.

Sometimes families just don’t know where to start in building a goal of exercise as a family routine. I would say “Start anywhere!” What does your family like to do? Dance, bowl, basketball? And if you are already a part of a yoga class, consider a family session. This form of stretching can lead to dance and loads of laughter and fun as each family member tries to become more limber and strengthened. The idea is to have fun and also create routines that will continue for a lifetime. One feasibility study states that, “Yoga may be an effective method to promote physical fitness, motor skills, strength, and attention to task, mindfulness and stress reduction in children.” (O’Neil, M. E. (n.d.,) One of the studies showed that pre-schoolers in the study group “improved on two of the five gross motor tests.” If your child has a physical or other disability, take a look at these Tips for Inclusion Sports. And please, do not hesitate to contact me so that we can work

together to make modifica7ons and insure that your child is included in all our programs.

For families, the fun comes before and after, as selfies and videos are made; new accomplishments are celebrated; and first time tries are part of a family laughter-fest.

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REMEMBER THIS:

is Nemours Children's Health one of the premier pediatric centers of our nation, and they report these guidelines for preschool physical activity:

*. at least 30 minutes of structured (adult-led) physical activity

*. at least 60 minutes of unstructured (active free play) physical activity

*. not be inactive for more than 1 hour at a time except when sleeping.

LET’S GET TOGETHER Parent-child meetings are one of my favorite times. I want to hear about how your family is doing, about any challenges and blessings in your lives. Tell me how I can help your child to achieve goals and enjoy life. Every one of us was created uniquely with special gifts and learning abilities waiting to be discovered. You can join me the 3rd Thursday of any month from 4 to 7 PM for 30 minutes by sending an email to me at missystrack@outlook.com or schedule on the app. I will certainly do my best to accommodate your schedule.

PARE NT -TEA CHER CON FERE SIGN NCE UP

“None of us, including me, ever do great things.

But we can all do small things, with great love and together we can something wonderful.” Mother Teresa FAMILY DEVOTION: Christmas teaches us not to fear: “But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.” (Luke 1:30 NIV) When we expect blessings and favor in our family and our lives, then we will not fear the “might happens” that try to make us worry.

God loves each of us so much that He sent Jesus to be born in a manger. We can be sure of this love as we trust Him every day to provide our needs and to fill us with joy. You can be sure that whatever the day brings, the Lord is there with you, walking beside, leading before, and protec7ng behind.

Merry Christmas to all!

Miss Missy Strack

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