Inactivity and overweight of children:
When we talk about inactivity and overweight, it’s already about young children. “Of course, it’s worrying, because we know how much overweight is related to the instance of chronic disease. When it starts so early in life, it increases the risk, unfortunately, that overweight or overweight are also present later, “says Fannie Dagenais, nutritionist.
Children do not get enough physical activity. As an indication, children aged 3 to 4 should perform 3 hours of physical activity per day, regardless of intensity. For children 5 years old, at least 1 hour of moderate or high physical activity per day.
Some children already spend a considerable number of hours in front of the screens. Television plunges our brain and our body into a passivity close to the hypnotic state. The information we watch comes directly into our subconscious.
Screens have a negative influence on children, who are not yet mature enough to filter the images they see and are unable to cope with. This is to limit the number of hours spent in front of screens, they are not babysitters;).
The problem is that the screens become addictive for children and the time spent in front of the screens goes well with the physical activity because they reduce the time available to the children to play, to spend etc.
They are also more likely to develop attention disorders, behavioral problems and sleep disorders. The risk of overweight is also higher and also increases the risk of school failure by two-thirds.
Some courses of action that can be done at home or at school:
www.gonoodle.com , an American site that many teachers now use in the United States to make their classes more dynamic!
www.hoptoys.fr , a French site that offers equipment, furniture adapted to children with special educational needs as well as those who need to strengthen their vestibular system and much more!
www.ecolebouge.ch , a Swiss site that aims to promote the movement, both at school and outside.
The pauses in movement allow to introduce a rhythm which favors the learning.
As an indication, the concentration time in children is:
– 15 minutes for 5-7 years old.
– 20 minutes for 7-10 year olds.
– 25 minutes for 10-12 years old.
– 30 minutes for 12-16 year olds.
With regard to these times of attention, it is a question of introducing exercises which make it possible to refocus (eg nose-to-nose movement). Teach them to juggle with 2 balls for them to practice.
The physical activity induces, starting from a threshold of load of env. 15 W (walking), an increase in brain irrigation of about 30%.
School in motion helps students’ self-confidence. They feel that they are important players and take some responsibility in the life of the school. The goal is to promote daily physical activity.
But how to integrate the movement so that it does not overload the teacher or the parents?
– Establish at least 20 minutes of physical activity per day.
– For at least one quarter
– In addition to compulsory physical education lessons.
Exercises under the guidance of the teacher or sports coaches.
It is also wise to provide jump ropes in the yard because it allows them to strengthen their bones or offer them footbags at recess.
School can help people lead healthy lives, but it can not do anything about unhealthy living conditions! Sport is not a substitute religion!
Introduce during the playtime of the movement through activities where the child is in motion because learning is better when the child learns by moving, he better assimilates knowledge. The nervous system thus benefits from the activity when we move.
There is a difference between the chronological age and the neurological age of the child. It will be necessary to help the child to mature with the help of the movement.
The posture and the muscular tone are also important: Some children are vaulted and they do not have a sufficient muscular construction.
If they do not have enough balance, it will be harder for them to sit easily. Some of the attention to sitting will be taken and the child will pay less attention to the course. Similarly, if they do not have enough tone, they will have more difficulty sitting quietly in a chair. This will require a big effort that their brains will have to manage, and they will therefore be less attentive, says Françoise Stabler, educational consultant in Geneva.
To maintain attention, it is also important to keep children moving and moving them.
It is also beneficial to reinforce the following points in children so that they can be more attentive:
- their muscle tone
- their posture
- holding their heads
- their support for the vision
- their reinforcement of the vestibular system