Active Summer Play

Brains and Bodies Work Together

Most early childhood educators recognize and understand that our brains and bodies work together for optimal learning.  Teachers at every level are aware that kids can lose up to two months worth of learning over the summer.  This makes it hard to play catch-up when the first school-bell rings in the fall. See how to keep your kids far from the "summer slide" here.

How Parents Can Help

Summer provides a great opportunity for parents to help prevent that two month learning loss that occurs during the long school break.  The way to do it, though, might not be the way many parents might think.  Flashcards and workbooks aren't necessarily the best way to do it.  Keeping your kids moving, might. 

Summer Fun Keeps Dendrites Growing!

When your child is engaged in active play, more than her muscles are getting a workout.  Areas of the brain are activated that are crucial to learning.  I once saw a saying that goes, "Sit and get does not grow dendrites!"  Movement is absolutely essential to learning. 

Movement Activities that are More than Fun!

The list is endless when it comes to the kinds of active play to keep your kids' bodies and minds engaged over the summer.

Tag

4-Square

Hopscotch

Climbing

Duck Duck, Goose

Red Rover

Simon Says


A Moving Child is a Learning Child

You absolutely will NOT want to miss the blog, Moving Smart by Gill Connell. The blog has many movement ideas for early childhood learning.  See more about Gill's book, A Moving Child is a Learning Child.

Go HERE to learn more!

For more information about the importance of movement during early childhood, 

you can also check out SparkPE.