303 Kid-Approved Exercises and Active Games - (Smartfun Activity Books) by Kimberly Wechsler (Paperback)

About the Book

With game consoles and the Internet, children are playing as much as they always have--but now, they sit still while doing it. Kids spend as much time watching TV, using computers, and playing video games as they spend in school each week. One in every three kids in America is considered overweight or obese, and the number one concern that parents bring up to pediatricians is keeping kids fit. Half of all children are not physically active enough for the development of a healthy cardiovascular system.
"303 Kid-Approved Exercises and Active Games " helps 6-8 year old kids get off their chairs with fun and age-appropriate exercises. Exercise for children must be fun. These exercises have been used for personal training sessions, kids fitness classes, kids fitness camps, birthday parties and in schools; they have all been "Kid-Approved!."
Kimberley Wechsler, a specialist in Kid's Fitness, took into account the fundamental attributes of being a child while developing these exercises. Children have specific physiologic differences that make them unique. They grow, mature, and develop skills at different ages, so what may be skill appropriate for one child could be harmful for another child. These exercises reflect the emotional, social, physical level of this age group.
At this age, children feel confident with the basic skill of fitness and are now ready to be challenged to more complex moves. They are now at the skill level in which physical challenges like balance, muscle building, hand-eye, hand-foot coordination, increasing challenges for their fine and gross motor skills, and functional training can be more added. They are growing in their intellectual and emotional processes as well, which now allows this age group to follow and understand simple rules of a sport. They are also introduced to the concept of friendly competition and sports fitness.
Children also enjoy using their imagination and fantasy, so exercises require the use of their imagination. There are games and fitness challenges that require kids to take an active role in learning new skills, and there are introductions to new sports. Kids still enjoy outside participation so families, friends, educators and counselors can participate in all of the 303 activities.
Kids at this age can't seem to sit still--their minds are always thinking and their bodies are always moving. Children have short attention spans, so most of the activities can be played within a 15 minute period of time and many choices are offered throughout the book. "303 Kid-Approved Exercises and Active Games" supports children's energy and directs it in a positive way; the activities take advantage of a child's natural tendency to be active with unstructured or free play.
"303 Kid-Approved Exercises and Active Games" develops intellectual, emotional, and social skills for children, all the while promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.

Book Synopsis

We all know kids can't sit still-so let's tap into that energy for health and fitness

Elementary-school kids are always thinking and moving. They naturally find new, creative ways to use their growing bodies and wold rather dance or skip form Point A to Point B instead of just walking. Kids this age need variety and like games and exercises that are both fun and challenging. The more they get a kick out of fitness now, the more likely they will continue to be active and healthy throughout their lives.

These fitness activities develop:

• Balance
• Coordination
• Friendly competition
• Muscle strength
• Sports skills
• Teamwork

Hundreds of ways to turn kids on to fitness

With so many kid-approved exercises in one place, getting started couldn't be easier. Each exercise and active games comes with helpful icons showing group size, whether props are needed, how much space is needed and whether physical contact is involved. Exercises and games are grouped by type, including mind-and-body exercises, stretching and flexibility exercises, cardiovascular exercises, exercises for developing muscle strength, sports-related activities and more.

303 Kid-Approved Exercises and Active Games provides parents, teachers and counselors with activities especially designed for children ages 6 to 8 as well as information on how best to teach them. Wechsler explains the importance of recognizing that each child develops at his or her own pace and how to use what the group has in common to get the most out of each session. A section at the beginning of the book talks about planning ahead, putting safety first and adapting to weather and the environment.

Teachers and parents may find they're having just as much fun as the kids.

Review Quotes

"I'm a clinical psychologist working primarily with kiddos. I've purchased the school aged exercise/active game book and I think they are both amazing. I've found that the activities in these books come in handy particularly when running support groups/therapy groups. I can't wait for the opportunity to use these in my next group."
— Sade Carswell, Net Galley Reviewer

About the Author

Kimberly Wechsler has a Bachelor of Science from Texas Christian University. After having two sons she became a health and fitness trainer. In the past 20 years she received nine certifications in fitness instruction and personal training, has been a dance instructor, fitness instructor specializing in kid's fitness, personal trainer, a physical education teacher, a health coach, master aquatics trainer, muscle conditioning and flexibility coach, Pilates instructor and student of Integrative Nutrition.
She has lectured at numerous fitness seminars, taught cooking classes, hosted a television show, been a national presenter at health and fitness conferences, developed five successful summer fitness camps for kids in Massachusetts, volunteered as a coach for The Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and served on the Governor's Council and Presidents' Council of Youth Fitness.
In 2011 she founded a non-profit organization, Replay4Kids and since 2009 is the CEO of Fitness Productions LLC, a company that designs and searches for quality products that will guide and support families to a healthier, more balanced life in natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth and creative expression. To learn more visit www.loveyourworkout.com
She makes her home in Frisco, Texas.