Physical Activity Gets School Kids Moving Before Class
Every morning at my kids school I see kids doing some form of activity before classes begin. Some days it’s the hula hoop. Other days it’s jump rope. It seems like whatever the physical activity is on that particular day the kids love it. With music pumping and bodies moving these kid’s bodies are warming up their muscles and their brains.
I remember when I was in China adopting our first child I got up early one morning to photograph fishermen coming into port with their night catch. As I walked through a sea of men in darkness through ankle deep water carrying fish from their boats to willing customers I couldn’t help but notice how physically strong these men were. As dawn approached I decided to walk along the river and as far as my eyes could see, I saw a gathering of people. A strange sight so early in the morning I thought. As I ventured toward this crowd what I saw were groups of people all exercising. Some danced, others did Tai Chi, while others were engaged in badminton. These people really knew the importance of physical activity before the start of their work day and it look like there were hundreds of them doing it.
Here in America I do not see that sort of ritual. We have gyms and fitness facilities to keep us reminded that we need exercise. The Chinese do it differently than us and I must admit they seem to enjoy the time spent exercising more. Maybe these school kids will stay active throughout their youth and beyond. It’s a good habit to get addicted to.