Physical exercise is key to a healthy body. It works the circulatory system, muscles and improves hand-to-eye coordination. It also plays a major role in regulating blood sugar and stabilizing emotional mood swings.
And as Latinos, it is terribly important for us to get our niños active. None of this sitting on la sofá business. ¡Ándale, Mi'jo, pa'fuera!
So how does this relate to summer learning? Keeping track of scores, time, etc. is a great way to practice numbers, addition, subtraction, telling time, patterns and more.
But the best part is that the physical activity provides an outlet for excess energía and helps young minds to calmly focus on other types of learning. Kids can sit still long enough to read a book if they have already spent the morning working their body.
I really like swimming because I can see that it gives my kids a total body workout and leaves them exhausted but happy. We may need an extra nap in the afternoon, but the calming effect it has is worth more than a thousand words.
Check out your local YMCA for youth programs, or seriously consider private lessons if you don’t have one nearby.
Want to add some cultura? Thrill your child by signing her up for folklorico dance lessons at your local culture center. Dancing is a fun and less competetive sport that gets your feet moving and your heart pumping.
Con mucho cariño…