From the Smarty Education Corner and Providence Day School: Stay active this summer

Hello Smarties! One of our core values at Providence Day is the belief that the success of our students depends on a partnership with our parents. We are always finding ways to strengthen that partnership, and this year, we found it in the gym – literally!

Moms and dads were invited to campus to participate in PE classes with their kids – running, jumping, and climbing obstacle courses together. Not sure who had more fun! What a great reminder that being active together is a great way to strengthen our bodies and our families.

By Kristie Oglesby, PE & Health Department Chair, 2015 Lower School Teacher of the Year, Providence Day School

It’s summer time! The kids are ready to play with their friends and stay out until the streetlights come on!! Oh wait, that was my childhood. Today, summer looks very different than it did when we were kids.

According to a recent article in USA Today, summer is a prime time for kids to put on weight and spend an average of three hours a day in front of a screen . We can — and should — change these statistics and enjoy quality time with our kids in the process.

Before venturing out for activity, make sure you are fully prepared. The heat in NC can be brutal. Try to avoid peak hours, wear light colored clothes, and double-check that you have hats, sunscreen, plenty of water, protective equipment, a first aid kit, and snacks.

As a PE teacher and mom to two boys, I am always looking for fun stuff to do in our classes and with my kids…especially in the summer!

Here are a few ideas that you can try out.

Out & About

The activities below are offered at the US National Whitewater Center, or you can find these in other areas of Charlotte too.
– Kayak
– Paddle Board
– Bike Trails
– Zip Lining
– Ropes Courses

Other activities around town:
– Geocaching
– Find a trail and take a bike ride or roller blade
– Take your kids back in time and go Roller Skating
– Play a round of Frisbee golf
– Train for a 5K as a family—run for a charity and teach your kids about giving back
– Hit a bucket of balls at the driving range…or take the kids golfing (there are several Par 3 courses for beginners)
– Go for a Day Hike
– Slackline — Find two strong trees and you are ready for some fun!

Backyard Fun

– Go for a walk—you can make this a fun after-dinner activity or a challenge for your family. Pick a destination and map it out after each walk. How long will it take you to get there?
– Water Balloons. Need I say more?!?!
– Slip and Slide—I use a tarp and a hose. It’s bigger and sturdier!
– Spike Ball & Corn Hole
– Flashlight Tag in the evening
– Water gun tag — dollar store is a great place to pick these up!
– Have a weekly family sports night…or make it a neighborhood activity (basketball, whiffleball, kickball, football, etc.)
– Family Challenges—how long can you Pogo Stick, hula-hoop, jump rope?
– Create an obstacle or speed and agility course!

Chores for Fitness & Teach Responsibility

– Wash the car
– Gardening
– Yard work
– Paint
– Clean the house—turn up the music and have a dance party!

The health benefits of regular physical activity (at least 30 minutes a day) include:
– Weight management
– Lowers your risk of certain health conditions & diseases
– Improves your mood
– Boosts your energy
– Promotes better sleep habits

There are many advantages of being active with your family. The health benefits alone are substantial, but spending quality time as a family while teaching your kids great habits at a young age are just as important.

Plus, kids love seeing their parents in a different light…playful and fun!

Providence Day School
5800 Sardis Road
Charlotte, NC 28270
(704) 887-6000
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twitter: @ProvidenceDay