Moving our Bodies

Children (and adults) need to move their bodies, especially in the winter months when they are cooped up inside for longer than they would like to be. Physical exercise is crucial to healthy growth, in addition to helping our intellectual side through stimulating creativity and increasing concentration. Get a glimpse into one of VdM's Lower Elementary PE classes below. Coach Leo doesn't mess around! In addition to the physical exercise these children get during their daily recess, Mr. Leo provides structured exercise, like running laps, playing sports, and doing calisthenics, like the lunges across the field seen above and below!PE is also a place for learning and practicing good sportsmanship. Every PE class is full of cheering and encouraging words. Here, the boys cheered on the girls as they lunged across the field. When the next group went, the previous group cheered them on! The sense of community is heightened during these little acts of kindness.Plus, there is plenty of laughter. Leap-frogging human beings are funny.The one-legged hops across the field were harder than they looked. I know for a fact that more than one of these children woke up the next morning extra sore!Thank you, Coach Leo, for getting these kids moving!For more on why you should get outside in the winter weather, be sure to read this! And why kids need recess, here.