Want to give your child a fun opportunity to learn healthy life skills this spring?
Enrollment is now open for award-winning childrens programs offered through the Motor Development Center in the West Virginia University School of Physical Education.
Spring classes are Jan. 25-April 19. Parents are encouraged to register their children before the first day of class for each session. A registration form is available athttp://www.bechoosy.org.
Classes involve land- or water-based activities for infants, babies, toddlers, preschool and school-age children, and are designed to promote active learning and healthy living. Activities provide socialization opportunities and playful learning in a safe, developmentally appropriate environment, said Michelle Jeffrey, program coordinator.
This is a great opportunity for children of all ages to have fun this spring while learning healthy life skills,Jeffrey said.We encourage parents to sign their children up today due to class-size limitations.
Children can participate in various motor stimulation classes, Camp Choosy (part of the Choosy Kids Club initiative) or Splash and Play pool activities organized by the Motor Development Center.
A new class this year, Parents Place Time, is designed for parents and kids ages 9 months to 5 years. This 45-minute class allows children to enjoy playing with others while increasing body movement and muscle coordination, with the goal of beginning a lifelong habit of healthy activity. Children experience unstructured gym playtime to interact with others while gaining social skills.
This class provides a great way for parents to spend time with children while socializing with other adults in the class, Jeffrey said. Classes meet Fridays from 5-5:45 p.m. Jan. 25-April 18 in the Elizabeth Moore Hall gym on the Downtown Campus.
Another new class, Young Walkers, is geared for ages 12 to 24 months and offers early toddlers a chance to enjoy climbing, ball handling, songs, sign language, obstacles and socialization in a stimulating, always-changing play area.
Classes meet on Tuesdays from 10-10:45 a.m. Jan. 29-April 23 or on Saturdays from 10-10:45 a.m. Jan. 26-April 19 in Elizabeth Moore Hall.
Another recently added class is Women for Dance Dance Revolution (DDR). The class is for women of all ages and abilities who would like to play the interactive video game in a relaxed social atmosphere.
DDR lets participants move their feet and dance to music in sync with arrows on a video screen. Think of it as karaoke for your feet. Research has shown the game to have health benefits.
The class will provide a basic introduction to DDR while also providing game play for those who are already exercising with it. Other electronic games that promote physical activity will also be introduced. The class is designed to offer participants new information and exercise ideas. It will meet from 6-6:45 p.m. on Tuesdays, Jan. 29-April 23, in Room 132 of the WVU Coliseum.
In addition, children can participate in Choosy Kids Club, which encourages children 5-11 to develop active lifestyles and healthy choices. Participants work one-on-one with a personal trainer in strength and aerobic conditioning, nutrition and health information, active games, inline skating, scooters, songs, jump ropes and other favorite games.
Each child receives a journal/scrapbook detailing his or her progress. Choosy classes meet from 5:15-6:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, Jan 28-April 22, in the WVU Shell Building.
Other classes offered are Infant Skills (3-6 months); Baby Skills (6 months to almost walking); Toddler Skills (24-36 months); Kinder Skills (ages 3-5); Baby Splash (6 months to 2 years); Toddler Splash (2-3); Kinder Splash (3-5); Choosy Swim (4-6 and 7-11) and Family Splash (6 months to 5 years).
Discounts are available for siblings, multiple weeks and if children bring a buddy.
For registration information and a full schedule of classes, visithttp://www.bechoosy.org, or contact Jeffrey at 304-293-3295 ext. 5252 or michelle.jeffrey@mail.wvu.edu .