Kid

Home – Kids ‘R’ Kids

Continuing forward with caring, learning, and inspiring!

NOW REGISTERING

Find A Location

Children’s Safety First. That’s The kids ‘R’ Kids Way.

Safety and care for every child

FIND A LOCATION

Preparing your child with an advanced educational foundation

SMART CHOICE. SMARTER CHILD.

SCHEDULE A TOUR

When comparing daycare centers and childcare facilities, it is easy to see the many differences in our approach, curricula, and dedication. By maintaining the highest standards and making continuous improvements, Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies positively impact the vast number of families and children whom we serve. 

Kids ‘R’ Kids – why go anywhere else? 

Tour Intro Kids ‘R’ Kids Tour Our School

VIDEO: Take a tour of our Academies

Tour our campuses

Learn more about the Kids ‘R’ Kids Experience with a video tour or by connecting with a local school near you.

TOUR A LOCAL SCHOOL

FIND A LOCATION NEAR YOU

Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies impact over 35,000 children a day in over 170 Franchised Academies across the country. We are passionate about children and dedicated to making sure they receive the most innovative educational experience possible. Each school is individually owned and operated. Our owners are on-site and take a very active role in the management of their school. We invite you to visit a school convenient to you.

CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

Our Accredited Programs

Kids ‘R’ Kids offers a wide variety of early care and education programs that combine age-appropriate, educational activities with a safe and caring atmosphere to prepare children for that next step in life and learning.

OUR EXCLUSIVE CURRICULUM

Our exclusive line of curriculum is designed specifically for every developmental stage of education with theme-based units, specific learning activities and teacher-friendly lesson plans. Even the youngest learner benefits and advances from the most innovative curriculum available.

Top 10 Reasons Kids ‘R’ Kids Tour Our School

VIDEO: Top 10 Reasons to choose Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies

TOP 10 REASONS

Discover the many reasons why we are the Smart Choice for a Smarter Child.

Tour a location near you, meet the teachers and see for yourself why Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies are top-rated schools, providing academic excellence and an accelerated foundation for infants, toddlers, preschool, pre-kindergarten and school age children.

FIND A SCHOOL NEAR YOU

The Kids ‘R’ Kids Story

Over 50 Years in Early Learning & Childcare

It All Began with a Vision…

The Story of Our Founders: Pat & Janice Vinson

The Vinson’s role in the childcare business began in 1961 when Pat Vinson and his mother, June, renovated their home into a day nursery for children and named it Kiddie City. A truly innovative concept at the time, the idea of group care wasn’t as popular in the 1960s as it is today. However, fueled by a love of children and a desire to help working families, Pat built an extraordinary and successful business out of faith, hard work and determination.

Kiddie City Opens

A few months after Kiddie City opened its doors, a young lady named Janice Whatley met Pat through a mutual friend and soon began working at the nursery.

Pat would pick Janice up at her high school and drive her to work every day, where she helped in the after school room. Eventually, the two fell in love and married in the winter of 1963.

The first Kids ‘R’ Kids opens in 1985

Pat and Janice continued operating a successful preschool, and eventually expanded their business to include a private kindergarten where their two children, David and Darlene, attended.

After 24 years of operating Kiddie City, the couple decided to build a school from the ground up. They sold their business in Decatur, Georgia to build their new business closer to the city. The first Kids ‘R’ Kids opened its doors in 1985.

Kids ‘R’ Kids became the first childcare company to franchise

With a growing need for quality care and the overwhelming success from their first preschool, another Kids ‘R’ Kids was opened 14 months later, and a third location opened its doors two years after that.

Business was booming, and it was also becoming complicated to be on-site in three different locations. Therefore, the idea of franchising came into practice for this young company. Kids ‘R’ Kids International, Incorporated was then formed, and Pat and Janice Vinson sold their first franchise in 1988.

Kids ‘R’ Kids has since blossomed into a world-wide corporation helping small business owners bring a first class preschool to their communities around the nation and around the world with multiple locations in China.

leading the way in early childcare education

Over 170 Kids ‘R’ Kids Locations in the U.S. and rapidly expanding in China.

“Hug First, then Teach”

Our Founding Philosophy

Our most cherished principle, “HUG FIRST, THEN TEACH” defines our outlook on impacting a child’s well-being beyond the classroom.

Because happy children are better prepared for school achievement, healthy relationships, and success in life, they should be loved unconditionally and taught with kindness.

By focusing on all parts of development including character, intellect, creativity, and physical growth, we use the whole-child approach to ensure each child’s success.

We do this through the loving care of our expert teachers, a unique and powerful partnership between your family and our school, and plenty of hugs!

Locate a School Near You

Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy Website Promo

At Kids ‘R’ Kids, we love what we do, and it shows!

Our VIsion

To pioneer and develop learning that encourages generations to cherish and impact their world.

OUR MISSION

Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies strives for every child in our care to feel safe, loved, and inspired. We are committed to providing a solid educational foundation, well-trained teachers, and a secure environment where children can flourish intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically.

By fostering strong connections between families, our schools and communities, we pledge to challenge and prepare all children for a positive impact in every step of their lives.

Visit A School Near You

Traveling with children: Georgia of Lermontov and the Argonauts

Magic ship “Argo”

One of the main difficulties of the Georgian trip was related to toponyms. Most children could show Sweden or Great Britain, Canada or Australia on the map without any problems. Find Georgia, not to mention its cities – Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi – before the trip they did not know how. The very sound of these and other Georgian names was alien and incomprehensible to them. Therefore, I decided to start with Colchis – as the ancient Greeks called the coastal part of present-day Georgia; they told about Colchis in the myth of the Argonauts. Part of the trip we lived in a village on the Colchis plain, and so we started with a map of Europe and Georgia, outlining the Argo route.

Everything else “clung” to Colchis: three seas through which the Argonauts sailed (Aegean, Marble and Black), the Faser River (Georgians believe that this is Rioni), Mount Khvamli, to which Prometheus was chained. We found most of the “traces” of the Argonauts in Batumi: the cable car in this city is called “Argo”, and the children did not immediately understand why it was so named. The main square of Batumi is decorated with a monument to Medea, and on its pedestal there are bas-reliefs with the main scenes from the myth of the Argonauts.

For reading aloud, I chose Vera Smirnova’s retelling. I liked the accents that the author of the book placed: her main character was not Jason, not Medea, but … a ship. Therefore, at the lesson, I read the first and last chapters to the children: those where the ship is just being born – and those where it dies along with its former captain, Jason. “Argo” in this book is not just a transport. This is an animated character who faithfully serves people and their gods. One of the children noticed that Argo was like a dog in his devotion.

While I was reading, the children were drawing, sculpting, and cutting Argo. Everyone got their own ship, but no one copied from the book. Everyone fantasized with pleasure, but followed the text description quite accurately.

We arranged a discussion a few days later, when the book was read in full. And as my ten-year-old son Plato admitted, this is the first ancient myth that made him really think. After all, it is not at all like a fairy tale, it does not have a happy ending. Who is the hero of this myth, is it possible to consider him Jason – a thief, a deceiver, a traitor? How to relate to Medea, who avenged her husband’s betrayal by killing her children? Why does the purpose of this journey seem so meaningless – after all, no one needs the Golden Fleece? There were many questions and thoughts, and I am sure that Plato will remember the history of the Argonauts more than once in various life situations.

The Knight in the Panther’s Skin and his Letters

Near our house in St. Petersburg is Rustaveli Street, on which there is a monument to the poet. In Tbilisi, we also lived near Rustaveli Avenue and saw several monuments associated with it. Almost all Georgian cities have streets, squares, theaters named after the author of The Knight in the Panther’s Skin. Therefore, it seemed to me necessary to tell the children about the famous Georgian epic, the foundation of national culture. Only here is the problem: this legend of the XII century is incomprehensible and uninteresting to modern children and adolescents (and many adults, too, to be honest). Therefore, I found a compromise option: I showed the children numerous Georgian editions of this book, in different formats, different years, with different illustrations, our Georgian presenter briefly retold the main content – and we started studying the Georgian alphabet, with which Rustaveli’s poem was written down. And this activity was incredibly captivating for the guys.

In fact, the basics of linguistics are a very entertaining and interesting thing for thinking children. After all, looking at the letters of an unfamiliar alphabet is very similar to deciphering codes and secret signs. Well, for example: what letters are repeated in the title of the book? If we know that “Vephistkaosani” (“tiger-skinned”) is written here, can we determine what sounds these letters correspond to? The children saw with great pleasure that, unlike Russian and English, in the Georgian language each letter corresponds to one sound. We realized that you can write without capital letters. We were surprised to learn about the unusual family of Kartvelian languages ​​and that Georgian has almost no relatives. Everyone copied all the letters of the Georgian alphabet, cut them out and created their name in Georgian. And the printed and signed illustrations for The Vityaz became a good memory of this book and the language in which it was written.

Qvevri, ketsi and chonguri

In Georgia, as in many post-Soviet countries, national culture has become one of the foundations of identity. Therefore, traveling around the country, we constantly met with ethnographic material – and not in museums, but in the most ordinary houses where we lived, or in cafes where we dined. Antique household utensils were the subject of everyday use. We participated in Georgian feasts with songs and dances, admired the views of wineries, watched the production of bread and cheese. And the best way to understand the folk culture of Georgia seemed to me Georgian fairy tales. I chose a publication with drawings by Tamara Karbelashvili, which, in my opinion, stylistically very accurately convey the meaning and beauty of this culture.

Boys of school age participated in the trip, and they had already formed a rather dismissive attitude towards fairy tales. I had to not scare them away, but, on the contrary, to captivate them. Therefore, I chose mainly picaresque tales – you can laugh at them and break your head: “Khutkunchula”, “Nazarkekia”, “The Tsar and the Peasant’s Daughter”. In many fairy tales, Georgian mountain evil spirits act – devas (relatives of the Scandinavian trolls) and gvelveshapi, children got to know these monsters with great interest. All sorts of household items are often mentioned there: tone – an oven for baking bread, ketsi – clay pans, kveveri – jugs for wine, which are buried in the ground. In the fairy tale “Chongurist” the children saw similarities with the Greek myth of Orpheus and, by an amazing coincidence, on the same day they were lucky to hear Georgian songs accompanied by chonguri – a national plucked instrument with four strings. And in order to better remember all these unusual names, we arranged a small quest right in the house where we lived – the guys were looking for items from fairy tales and recalled fairy tales.

About the beauty of words, mountains and deeds

One of the strongest impressions for our whole family was Georgian feasts – long, hot, tasty, with obligatory ornate toasts, which are pronounced in a strictly prescribed order. Even my youngest son, a year and a half old, learned to clink glasses with milk and now does it at every meal.

An unexpected “literary” rhyme for such a feast was the stories from Fazil Iskander’s collection “Chik’s Childhood”, which describes a cheerful and cloudless childhood in an Abkhazian village in the mid-twentieth century. We read these stories aloud in a village near Kutaisi and marveled at the similarity of the book with reality: the pear grows in the yard just the same, and the neighbors make the same noise, and cows, pigs, chickens constantly appear next to the villagers. But most of all we were struck by the very style of Iskander. The children noticed: it seems that this man was sitting at the same table with us today and between the toasts he was talking and talking about his childhood. With digressions, comments, returns, repetitions … How alive – you will listen!

At the end of the trip, I left the most “delicious”. I really wanted the children to first see and take in the mountains, fogs, rivers, forests of the Caucasus, Georgian monasteries and ancient temples, so that they get to know the people living there. And only then “impose” poetic lines on their impressions of reality. We had a long road to the airport, and it was on the bus that I read to the children of Lermontov, having previously told about how Russian officers ended up in Georgia in the 19th century and why in our literature three texts are called “Prisoner of the Caucasus”.

“Blue mountains of the Caucasus, I greet you! – I read and asked the children to determine the color of the mountains, past which our bus was driving. “You carried me on your wild ridges, dressed me with clouds, you accustomed me to the sky, and since then I have been dreaming of you and the sky…”

Caucasus? Why does Lermontov compare them with thrones in churches?

The poem “Mtsyri”, read aloud not in a school class, but on a serpentine that winds along the Kura (actually, the Georgians call this river Mtkvari), made a strong impression on those who are over 10 years old. Twelve-year-old Sabina, who never let go of her smartphone, even drew this portrait of the protagonist while listening to this poem:0007

She admired this character and his actions. Discussing the battle of Mtsyri with the leopard, we remembered the knight from Rustaveli’s poem – Lermontov was clearly inspired by ancient Georgian legends. They also remembered the numerous monasteries that they visited during the trip – including Jvari, which stands on a rock at the confluence of the Aragva and the Kura. It was a wonderful setting for the story told by Lermontov.

“Don’t stop, let’s read on!” – the children asked when we interrupted the reading of ancient myths or Iskander’s stories, because it was time to have dinner and go to bed. “Let’s come back here,” they suggested when we said goodbye to Georgia with Lermontov’s lines. And it seems to me that such “inspiration” for reading and learning are the main results of our trip.

It is impossible not to mention one more unexpected literary impression. In the village of Baghdati, the Mayakovsky Museum is still open, opened in 1940 in the house where the poet was born. It seems that since then its exposition has not changed (which caused me, as a philologist and museum employee, a real shock, such a “Soviet reserve” is very rare to find today). But oddly enough, it was these pro-Soviet wall stands with portraits of Lenin, Stalin and large reproductions of Mayakovsky’s drawings and poems that interested my sons very much. As a result, they independently, lagging behind the guide, read almost all of his poems, asked many complex and interesting questions, and provided me with an excellent opportunity to talk about the tragedy of the Soviet poet.

Anna Rapoport
Photo by the author

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ are read from the cycle “traveling with children”:
“Germany from old fairy tales”
“Belgium Tintin”
“Paris Havroshi and Kamo” 9008 Moomins
Andersen’s Denmark
Epic Russia
Pokov’s Estonia
Yasnaya Polyana – Polenovo – Tula
Ural Bazhova
Astrid Lindgren’s Sweden

Will Georgia be able to find parents for all orphans?

• Nina Akhmeteli
• bbcrussian. com, Tbilisi

December 28, 2010

Sign up for our “Context” newsletter: it will help you understand the events.

Image caption,

Georgia hopes to find families for all orphanage children

The Georgian government hopes that by 2013 there won’t be a single large orphanage in Georgia, and that all children will grow up, if not in families, then in a close environment. and family-like.

Irina Bekuridze, head of the orphanage, located on Nutsubidze Street in Tbilisi, escorts me to one of the rooms. Here, in group number four, there are about ten pupils. Our appearance immediately diverts the attention of the kids from the toys scattered on the floor.

Black-eyed three-year-old Maki is especially interested in the camera, on which she clumsily tries to put on the cover. In the microphone, which I bring to her, Maka says one word – “grandfather”, which means mother in Georgian. She smiles and looks straight into her eyes, which somehow becomes a little embarrassing.

“You look at them – ordinary children, they play, laugh, cry … But in fact, every child has some kind of tragic story, – says Irina Bekuridze. – And they seem to have everything here – food, clothes, care, but they are deprived of the most important thing.”

Here, in an orphanage for children under the age of six, about 150 children deprived of parental care live. About a third of them are children with disabilities or severe health problems.

Every year in Georgia, up to 12-14 newborns are found on the street, in doorways, and sometimes in garbage cans, says Bekuridze. Sometimes you can’t save them.

Many of those who were rescued end up here, in the orphanage on Nutsubidze Street – the largest institution for children deprived of parental care in infancy.

However, the Georgian government hopes that there will be no such orphanages by 2013, and that every child will live, if not in his own family, then at least in a family environment.

” Social ” orphans

Maka, as we are told here, is “new”. About three weeks ago, the patrol police brought her from the station, where she begged.

Skip Podcast and continue reading.

Podcast

What was that?

We quickly, simply and clearly explain what happened, why it’s important and what’s next.

episodes

The end of the story Podcast

At first sight of the teachers, the girl, out of habit, stretched out her hand and asked for alms. Maki’s mother is in prison, and her grandmother does not have the necessary documents to guard her granddaughter, so Maki will probably have to wait for her mother’s release.

There are few orphans in orphanages in Georgia: according to studies, more than 80% of children deprived of parental care have at least one parent.

“The main reason why parents leave their children in Georgia is still poverty,” says Maya Mgeliashvili, technical adviser to social workers at the international organization EveryChild in Georgia. “Many parents cannot meet the basic needs of their children and are in crisis situations. So they make such an “easy” decision – to leave the child in an orphanage. ”

According to experts, such a decision can seriously affect the development of the child. Natia Partskhaladze, UNICEF’s Child Protection Consultant, says time spent in an orphanage from birth to age three has a particularly negative impact on a child’s development.

According to her, to a certain extent, the Soviet past also influences the parental decision, when sending a child to an orphanage was an acceptable step for society.

“Many studies have shown that growing up in such an (orphanage) environment directly affects the development of the child’s brain. This severe consequence is difficult to correct in the future,” says Partskhaladze. “Those parents who decide to leave the child in the orphanage simply do not know about how negatively it can affect the development of the child.

From an orphanage to a family

Deinstitutionalization process – i.e. the maximum reduction in the number of children in collective state institutions of social care – in Georgia began more than 10 years ago. The results, according to the authorities, are quite successful.

Today, just over 1,000 children live in state institutions in Georgia, which are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Protection, which is five times less than before the start of the reform.

According to Eka Saneblidze, Deputy Head of the Social Programs Department of the Social Services Agency under the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Protection, the priority is to return the child to his biological family.

Image caption,

It is practically impossible for foreigners to adopt a healthy child from Georgia

“We study the families of children who are in our structures today, and if it is possible to return the child to the family, we help the family with various programs,” says Saneblidze .

This year, about a dozen orphanages were studied, in which there were more than 500 children. About 30% of these children were able to return to the families of their biological parents, says Saneblidze.

One of the components of deinstitutionalization is work with those families in which there is a high risk of abandoning children or the possibility of a decision to send a child to an orphanage. Such families are given vouchers for baby food for children under two years of age, and they are also helped to find places for children in so-called day centers, where children can stay after school until the evening. There are more than 20 such centers in Tbilisi now.

“However, the current programs are not enough, and much remains to be done in this direction in order to develop a full-fledged system that would help children from such families avoid orphanages,” says Mgeliashvili. “This includes the development of many services that do not exist yet in Georgia. This is intensive work with families, solving the problems of their employment, housing, and so on.”

If for a number of reasons it is impossible to return the child to the biological family, he or she can be adopted or temporarily placed in foster families.

Another revolutionary innovation of the reform is family-type homes, which, according to the plans of the government, will replace the traditional large orphanages in Georgia.

There are about eight children in such houses, and the teachers work in pairs – one of them is a woman, the second is a man: in order to make life in such a house as much like a family as possible.

Now, according to Saneblidze, 17 such houses have been opened, where about 120 pupils live. The government hopes to open 72 such homes within two years, which, according to preliminary estimates, is enough for Georgia to forget about traditional orphanages.

“ Unnecessary ”

No one has come to Nino for three years, that is, all her life. She was abandoned right at the maternity hospital. Most likely, the reason for this is difficult diagnoses: Nino has paraparesis, epilepsy and cerebral palsy. The girl practically does not move and is constantly under the influence of drugs.

Nearby is the crib of fair-haired Marie. She sways nervously and almost always cries. She has microcephaly. True, she was a little more fortunate: her father sometimes visits her. Mother never comes, and she decided to leave Marie “for the benefit of her other children.”

About one third of the children on Nutsubidze are children with disabilities or health problems. In Georgia, such people are often refused right in the maternity hospital. If the child is not the first, then often it is carefully hidden from other brothers and sisters.

Although there are long waiting lists for adoption in Georgia, no one wants to adopt children with disabilities, says Saneblidze.

According to Bekuridze, there was only one such case in her practice. They adopted a little boy with a congenital deformity of the face: cleft lip and cleft palate. True, and then – after plastic surgery. The reluctance to adopt such children is most often explained by economic problems, however, most likely, the attitude of society towards such children also plays an important role here.

“In our society, I think there is some kind of stigma towards children with disabilities. This is probably the reason why such children are left thinking that they are a problem for the family and other children in the family” – Bekuridze says.

A long way home

Children with disabilities sometimes end up in foster families, but the only hope for such children to find a permanent family is foreign citizens, who have almost zero chances of legal adoption or adoption of a healthy child in Georgia.

True, such cases, as it turned out, are also few. Over the past two years, there have been only two cases of adoption of children by foreign citizens, says Saneblidze, however, in the future, thanks to recent changes in Georgian legislation, the process of adoption by foreign citizens will be more active.

Previously, the legislation provided for adoption by foreign citizens only after 18 months after the child received the appropriate status. If during this time the child would not be adopted, then the applications of foreign citizens were considered. Now this period has been reduced to eight months.

Today, according to Saneblidze, 19 children have already passed this eight-month period and are subject to adoption or adoption by foreign citizens.

“This is the best way out for these children, since in their homeland they are practically doomed to life in orphanages and boarding houses for people with disabilities,” says Saneblidze.

Healthy children are not offered to foreigners

“A little nut with beautiful eyes, wrapped in pink blankets,” 54-year-old Kathy describes her first impression of her foster daughter, now nine years old.

“She’s a great kid. She’s very smart and has a lot of individualism. Like most Georgian kids I know, she’s stubborn,” says Cathy.

Kathy, who chose not to give her last name, is now helping those in the United States adopt children from Georgia. She herself is the mother of two daughters. One of them was adopted in Russia, the second – nine years ago in Georgia. Both girls, according to Katie, are healthy.

However, today it is impossible to adopt or adopt an absolutely healthy child from Georgia, Kathy agrees.

“Not many adoption agencies are willing to help with adoptions in Georgia, because there are very few children in Georgia who can be adopted, as many children have parents,” Kathy explains. “But every adopted child is a victory for us, because that this is often the only chance for a child to have a family.”

Most adoptive parents who seek help prefer to adopt children with physical disabilities because they can be overcome in the future, unlike mental health problems, Cathy says.

Often, adoption by foreign citizens means the beginning of not only a new, but often even a healthy life for such children, says Bekuridze. Thus, a four-year-old pupil of the orphanage on Nutsubidze, adopted two years ago by American citizens, is today an absolutely normal child.

“He had a cleft lip and cleft palate in a very severe form. Specialists in Georgia did not undertake the operation. The operation was already done in the United States, where the child was taken by his adoptive parents,” says Bekuridze. “Up to the age of 16, several more operations will be needed but the first one was very successful. We got pictures of a cute and funny baby.

8 Things You Didn’t Know about Groundhog Day

Frank BienewaldGetty Images

Without the groundhog, February 2 would be just another day on the calendar, but the great Punxsutawney Phil is also our harbinger of warmer weather to come. Will he see his shadow? Will he not? Why do we care so much? Besides predicting the weather, there are some other quirky facts surrounding this kooky holiday that you need to know.

1

The Germans started the whole Groundhog Day thing.

ullstein bildGetty Images

Yes, the see-his-shadow-or-not concept stems from Germany and the holiday, Candlemas. Early European Christians believed that if the sun came out on Candlemas (also February 2), winter would last for another six weeks.

2

The groundhog really can predict the end of winter.

REDA&COGetty Images

Just not with his shadow. Because groundhogs hibernate every winter, the fact that he’d bother to leave his hideaway is a natural sign of spring to come! The furry critter is also easy to find — groundhogs live in the majority of central and eastern U.S., plaguing gardeners everywhere.

3

Punxsutawney Phil is just a nickname.

Brett CarlsenGetty Images

Punxsutawney Phil has a ridiculously long official name. His full moniker is “Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Sage of Sages, Prognosticator of Prognosticators, and Weather Prophet Extraordinary.” Yikes!

4

The original Groundhog Day involved eating groundhogs.

PeopleImagesGetty Images

After sightseers celebrated Punxsutawney Phil’s weather prediction in 1886, they all headed over to Gobbler’s Knob to dine on a feast made up of various groundhog dishes and the equally-delicious-sounding groundhog punch. Gross.

5

Punxsutawney Phil isn’t the only weather predictor.

Frank BienewaldGetty Images

A few states use their own groundhogs to celebrate the holiday rather than relying on Phil. Other weather oracles include General Beau Lee of Atlanta, Georgia, Sir Walter Wally from Raleigh, North Carolina, and Birmingham Bill from Birmingham, Alabama.

6

“Groundhog Day” the movie put Punxsutawney Phil on the map.

Getty Images

After the release of the 1993 film starring Bill Murray, attendance to the big event in Punxsutawney exploded, drawing crowds of up to 30,000 people.

7

Flipping a coin is more accurate than Phil.

Chev WilkinsonGetty Images

The National Climatic Data Center compared U. S. national temperatures from 1988 to 2012 to determine the accuracy of Phil’s predictions, and he’s only been proven correct 39% of the time — significantly worse than chance.

8

Punxsutawney Phil may know the secret to everlasting life.

Brett CarlsenGetty Images

Loyal fans swear that there is only one Phil and that he’s been making weather predictions since 1886. But since groundhogs only live up to six years, we’re not so sure about that one.

Groundhog Day Facts

Home > Facts > Holidays Facts > Groundhog Day Facts

Groundhog Day Facts Groundhog Day began as a Pennsylvanian German celebration in the1800s in Pennsylvania. Its origins date back to ancient European weather lore, when a sacred bear or badger was the weather predictor instead of the groundhog. Groundhog Day falls on February 2nd each year. Today, Groundhog Day is celebrated with a groundhog prediction, festivities, food and speeches. According to Groundhog Day folklore, if the groundhog emerges from his burrow and sees his shadow (sunny morning), winter will last another six weeks. If the groundhog does not see his shadow (cloudy morning), then spring will arrive early.

Groundhog Day Facts

Groundhog Day: the most interesting about the holiday

Groundhog Day: the most interesting about the holiday

• mix” data-ping-position=”1″ data-featured-url=”https://kudago.com/msk/list/kontsertyi-v-barah-moskvyi/” data-item-url=”https://kudago.com/msk/list/kontsertyi-v-barah-moskvyi/” data-featured-path=”/msk/best/”>

  

  2

   7182

• mix” data-ping-position=”2″ data-featured-url=”https://kudago.com/msk/place/fotomesto-high-port-354/” data-item-url=”https://kudago.com/msk/place/fotomesto-high-port-354/” data-featured-path=”/msk/best/”>

  

  218

   64096

• mix” data-ping-position=”3″ data-featured-url=”https://online.kudago.com/list/rasshiryaya-granitsyi-poznavatelnyie/” data-item-url=”https://online.kudago.com/list/rasshiryaya-granitsyi-poznavatelnyie/” data-featured-path=”/msk/best/”>

  

  3

  3771

• mix” data-ping-position=”3″ data-featured-url=”http://wonder-circus.ru/?utm_source=fedin&utm_medium=kudago&utm_campaign=illuzii” data-item-url=”https://kudago.com/msk/event/fokusniki-illyuzionisty-razvlecheniya-bolshoe-shou-illyuzij/” data-featured-path=”/msk/best/”>

  

  247

   48484

Photo:

theverge.com

Photo:

raznogo.com

Photo:

kukharski. net

Photo:

pixanews.com

Photo:

edition.cnn.com

Photo:

http://news.nationalgeographic.com

Unusual concerts in the Peter and Paul Cathedral. 12+

Jazz, medieval and classical music on the organ.

See schedule

1. How does a groundhog predict the weather?

In fact, the groundhog has no weather forecasting experience at all. Waking up from hibernation, he prepares to go out into the big world and shows great caution in doing so. So big that he is afraid even of his own shadow. That is why in sunny weather it does not protrude from the hole. For an excited crowd – a bad sign. After all, in this case, the winter will drag on for another month. Another thing is if the rodent leaves its shelter (as it does on a cloudy day), which means that spring is just around the corner.

2. How did Groundhog Day come about?

On February 2, according to the Gregorian calendar, Europeans celebrated the Presentation of the Lord. Groundhog Day is related to this ancient Christian tradition. She followed along with the settlers to the New World. It was believed that the sunny weather at the Presentation of the Lord did not bode well – another winter would come after winter. The groundhog-predictor agrees with this belief. In sunny weather, he does not show his nose out of the hole, frightened by his own shadow. And its absence is perceived as a warning about the continuation of cold weather.

3. The most famous groundhog

Weather forecasting marmots live in different places. They even have their own names. But the most famous among them, as well as the very first official groundhog meteorologist, is Phil from Punxsutawney (Pennsylvania). Locals claim that this marmot lives for more than a hundred years. His home is a hole, located three kilometers from the city. The rodent even became a movie star thanks to the hit film Groundhog Day. In Phil’s homeland, you can see 32 two-meter figurines with his image. In addition, the groundhog was personally acquainted with President Reagan, starred in the popular Oprah Winfrey show and in the Live program, and his prediction in 2001 was broadcast live on the JumboTron in Times Square.

4. Day of the hedgehog

It turns out that the holiday has an analogue – the ancient Roman Hedgehog Day. It was also celebrated on February 2, and the essence of the celebration remained the same. The only difference was the hero of the holiday. Instead of a marmot, a hedgehog gave a forecast regarding the approach of spring. It all came down to the same ritual with the exit from the mink. If the hedgehog saw his shadow, then he preferred to stay in the shelter. The settlers who arrived in North America did not forget this tradition, but hedgehogs were not found in the new place, and the groundhog had to report on the approach of spring.

5.

How is Groundhog Day celebrated?

The main celebrations take place in the already mentioned town of Punxsutawney. In 1886, a local newspaper editor opened the Groundhog Club, and the news reached journalists in neighboring states. Americans, always famous for their enterprise, turned the holiday into an attraction for tourists. Up to 50,000 people come to the city to see Phil the Groundhog and witness his meteorological activities. In addition, almost all local residents take part in the holiday. Even the mayor himself is present at Groundhog Day. The celebration goes like this. Early in the morning people begin to gather on Turkey Hill. In the forefront, of course, are members of the Groundhog Club in full dress. To make it more convenient to conduct an interview with a groundhog, a special stump was installed for him. The head of the club pulls the sleepy little animal out of his apartment and, tilting his ear to the marmot, “listens” to the predictions. The secretary writes down all the predictions from the words of the chairman, and then announces them to the people. After the official part, it’s time for fun. No wonder the owners of local restaurants love this holiday so much.

6. How accurate is the groundhog weather forecast?

The local population is rooting for their pet Phil. Not surprisingly, according to official data, groundhog predictions always come true. However, unofficial statistics are very different. Following it, a rodent can only be trusted in 39% of cases.

7.

Groundhog Phil’s secret of youth

Fans of the holiday believe that Punxsutawney Phil is forever young, and his life is extended by the “elixir of groundhog youth”. Thanks to this miraculous drink, the animal gets an additional seven years each time. The elixir is given to him during the summer at the Groundhog Picnic, which takes place every year at Gobbler’s Knob Farm. Unfortunately, the potion only works on groundhogs. Its magical effect does not apply to a person, which is a pity.

8. In Canada, the onset of spring was predicted by a fur hat.

The legend about the origin of Groundhog Day in Canada says that the holiday appeared here quite by accident. One of the inhabitants of the small town of Wiarton, Ontario, wanted to gather a large company and made original invitations. He thought that such an unusual occasion as Groundhog Day should be of interest to everyone. An employee of the popular Toronto Star newspaper became aware of the upcoming holiday. The reporter decided to prepare a material about the holiday. But when he arrived in Wearton, he learned that there was no Groundhog Day planned here. However, the journalist did not return empty-handed. The organizer of the celebration did not come up with anything better than to play the famous ritual. To do this, he buried his wife’s fur hat in the snow, asking the curious to stay away so as not to frighten away the animal. Then he carefully took out his hat and “listened” to the forecast. A year later, tourists heard about the holiday, and they again showed a scene with a hat. Everyone was satisfied. The real groundhog – albino Willy – began to take part in the holiday only thirty years later.

If you find a typo or error, select the text fragment containing it and press Ctrl + ↵

Select mailing list:

By clicking on the “Subscribe” button, you agree to the transfer and processing of the provided
personal information in accordance with the terms of the Privacy Policy.

February 2 – “Groundhog Day”

Groundhog Day is celebrated annually on February 2nd. It’s a cute holiday and a wonderful tradition in the US and Canada. On this day, it is supposed to watch the groundhog crawling out of its hole. By his behavior, one can judge the proximity of the onset of spring. If the day is cloudy, the groundhog does not see his shadow and calmly leaves the hole, which means that winter will end soon and spring will be early. If the day is sunny, the groundhog sees his shadow and hides back into the hole – there will be another six weeks of winter.

At the annual ceremony, the most famous soothsayer groundhog came out of his hole, saw his shadow and was afraid of it. And this, in accordance with the popular belief, means the late arrival of spring – winter, according to the groundhog, this year 2014 will last at least one and a half months.

Festivals dedicated to local meteorological marmots are held in several cities of the USA and Canada on this day. The most famous meteorological groundhogs are:
– Phil of Punxutony is a groundhog living on Turkey Hill in the town of Punxutony, Pennsylvania – the very first official groundhog meteorologist. The festival has been held since 1887. It was this town that became known in the world after the film “Groundhog Day”.
– Willie of Wearton is the most famous Canadian groundhog meteorologist from the village of Wearton in Ontario, in whose honor an annual festival is held.
– Chuck is the official New York weather groundhog. He lives in a zoo on Staten Island. Every year on February 2 at 7:30 he gives his forecast. The mayor of the city is present at this ceremony.

The tradition came from antiquity. In ancient Rome, February 2 was the Day of the hedgehog. The meteorological forecast for that day was based on the behavior of an awakened hedgehog, which saw or did not see its shadow. The peoples of Western Europe kept this tradition in later periods. In northern Germany, the badger was awakening at this time. There he served as a spring-winter barometer. Early American references to Groundhog Day date back to the folklore of settlers from Germany known as the Pennsylvania Dutch, who brought their traditions to America in the 18th century. In the new conditions, the “work” of the meteorologist passed to the groundhog. Thus, from the groundhog belief, a tradition was born that was developed by members of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club.

Groundhog Day was first officially celebrated on February 2, 1886. Groundhog was ceremonially given the name “Phil of Punxutone – Clairvoyant of Clairvoyants, Wise Man of Wise Men, Soothsayer of Soothsayers, and Eminent Weather Seer”. And Phil’s hometown, the city of Punksutoni itself, was called the “Weather Capital of the World”. The legendary Gobbler’s Knob Climb, where Phil was pulled from his mink, has become an annual ceremony. Every year, in the early morning of February 2, a group of gentlemen dressed in top hats and tuxedos come to Turkey Hill. These are members of the Groundhog Club of Punxsutony. One of them is endowed with special powers: he is entrusted to perform the main ritual – to pull Phil the groundhog out of his house and listen to Phil whisper his weather forecast for the next 6 weeks into his ear. This forecast is then loudly announced to the multitude of people who have specially come to Punxutoni to witness this exciting event.

The Punksutoni Groundhog Day ceremony was canceled only once, in 1942. Less than two months after the Japanese air strike on Pearl Harbor, such a show was considered inappropriate, especially since Germany was an ally of Japan.

However, as statistics show, marmots are stingy with optimistic forecasts. In the 125 years that there is a tradition in the United States to disturb the animal named Phil every year, he saw his own shadow in four out of five cases. And this seriously upsets many Americans, who quickly get tired of winter and miss the spring days. But then the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration hurries to calm the upset Americans. According to his analysis, in recent years, Phil “has shown no weather forecasting ability on most occasions.”

After the 1993 hit film Groundhog Day, starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowall, was released, Punxutoni’s popularity skyrocketed, and over the years the holiday has gained momentum.

20 Fun Summer Camp Activities / Games For Kids

Like adults, kids also need to have a break from their hectic study routine. Well, summer holidays bring relaxation, but won’t your kids feel bored by just staying at home twenty-four seven? Yes! You get it right. Summer camp always comes to the rescue. There are various fun activities for kids, from which they learn a lot and enjoy at the same time. There are no strict rules and regulations and kids relish to their fullest.

Summer Fun Activities For Kids:

Keeping the kids entertained all summer long is not an easy task. You would be needing a long list of summer camp activities. Be it outdoor or indoor such as, arranging talent shows to mini Olympics to storytelling, etc. Great camping activities for kids will offer new things to the kids and they will continue to go to summer camps.

Fun Activities For Kids At Home:

Obviously, while staying at home, parents can encourage the kids to have a memorable time in their lives. There is a list of fun activities to do with kids at home, such as:

• make a family garden with the favorite plants of each family member.
• Play dress-up games by wearing the parent’s clothes.
• Making friendship bands and gifting them to friends when the holidays are over.
• Having an indoor picnic.
• Arrange a family music night.
• ‘The floor is lava’

And the list goes on. These different activities for kids keep them healthy mentally and physically and freshen them up. And there are plenty of summer activities for preschoolers also such as storytelling, DIY waterslide, giant bubbles, etc. But in the end, a good family holiday is all that matters.

Summer Games For Kids:

A list of summer camp games has been listed below these include water games for camp, field games, indoor and outdoor games, etc.

1. Field day:

Field day is being loved among kids of all age groups. Here, they can do all kind of outdoor activities and enjoy to their fullest. You can set up group activities in various places, for instance, beanbag toss, three-legged race, race with eggs on spoons in mouth, etc. Make use of your imagination and come up with ideas of fun activities for children to make them dirty, wet, and exhausted!

If you are looking for an activity that requires less specialized equipment, then you should try Cup-for-Cup. You will only need cups, a bucket, and water. Make each group stand in a queue, the first kid in the line fills his cup from a bucket of water. Next, he will lift the cup over his head and transfer it backward, trying to pour as much water as possible into the cup of the kid behind him. This continues till the last kid in line pours the water in an empty bucket. Each group has to repeat the process until they reach the fill line, otherwise, they won’t be able to move to the next activity.

2. Cabin Carnival:

Give kids the opportunity to breakthrough a cool carnival game that they can create by using the things they find in cabins or outside in the area. Then in the afternoon, make kids move from cabin to cabin and play carnival games which they have made.

You can also help them by providing basic supplies, for instance, balloons, face paint, beanbags, empty bottles and cups, rubber ducks, etc. And instead of giving trophies, you can give each cabin a stamp which the campers can collect on completing each activity.

3. Friendship Bracelets:

Making hand-made stuff always excites the kids. This is a popular activity and is done by kids. This requires making innovative stuff literally out of nothing but just imagination. The camp establishments can provide kids with the necessary items and they will have a wonderful time of their lives while making these.

You can also arrange friendly competitions among the kids, this will lay a little stress on their minds and they will create something astonishing. Such indoor camping ideas will keep kids busy and happy even on a rainy day.

4. Bicycle Games:

It is said to be one of the best activities for kids in a summer camp. If you have bicycles in your camp, then definitely make use of them and allow the kids to ride them. A friendly match always has room and you never know that it might inspire a kid to become a cyclist in the future. Give a mini treat or a stamp to the winner and encourage others to participate in the next match!

5. Talent Show:

Every kid has a talent and giving them a platform to show off their endowments is a great way to boost their confidence.

Arranging stage and some seats for the audience to sit is all you need to do. Give the kids time to plan their play and rehearse well, you can arrange the show in the evening after dinner so the kids would get plenty of time. To make it more interesting, you can supply some props to the kids which they can use in their act. But if you are worried about the kids who are shy and wouldn’t participate then ask some counselors to arrange a group act for the whole cabin.

6. Woodshop:

Kids love to work with wood and are always eager to learn to handle woodworking tools. Of course, it’s not safe to work with complex tools, but under adult supervision, kids can start with simple projects and as they learn to use tools properly and safely they can shift to complex projects like hanging planters, birdhouses, etc. but in case you don’t have a woodshop in your camp then you can use popsicle sticks to make projects such as bookmarks, picture frames, marble mazes, etc.

7. Tie ‘n’ dye:

Tie-dying is an activity that can never get old. Kids can tie-dye their shirts in stripes, dots, circles, and much more. Allow the kids to design their tie-dyed shirts and instruct them for curing and drying the tie-dyed shirts. Arrange a tie-dye day so that all the kids can dress in their shirts.

You can also provide campers with coffee filters. They can use colorful markers to make different shapes and then have the tie & dye effect by soaking water on the filters. Using clothespins, you can turn these projects into pretty butterflies.

8. Storytelling:

It’s a fun activity which involves the kids writing their story ideas on paper and then fold them up and put them in a box. You can make groups by separating the kids according to cabins or allow them to choose their partners so that they can work together to pay the story prompt they have picked. You can provide them with props to make them be creative and allowing them to explore their theatrical side.

Another way to do this storytelling activity is by writing collaborative stories. Let each kid write two sentences on a piece of paper. Then ask them to fold the first sentence and let only the second sentence be seen and pass the paper to the next kid who can only read the second sentence. As the paper gets circulated, each kid can only write two new sentences according to the one they see. In the end, let the kids read the stories aloud to see how these changed along the course.

9. Water balloon dodge ball:

The Dodge ball game with water balloons is very exciting! It’s a cool activity for hot summer days when kids want to freshen up and cool off. You can assign groups with different colored balloons and count which team has the most hits. The teams which have gotten to the top two will have the final match and the winning team gets the icecream.

10. Gardening:

Kids like to play in the dirt, so you can use that yearning to make a garden. Take fast-growing seeds, such as green beans, and allow the kids everyday to work on their patch in the garden.

They will learn the importance of food and how difficult it is to grow and process so that they won’t waste it. You can make it even more memorable by letting the kids cook the food they have grown and serve it to other campers.

11. Camp newspaper:

Start a camp newspaper, divide the sections among different kids. Let them brainstorm the section they like such as news articles, sports, editorials, stories, etc. Allow them to add extra activities in the newspaper, be it the daily crosswords or riddles.

If you don’t have a printer at your camp or you don’t want to waste paper then you can start a camp news station instead. Let the kids volunteer to be reporters or anchors and allow them to read headlines or stories aloud. Another way to run this news station is that the kids can interview each other or the staff so that they know more about the people they see daily.

12. Campfires:

Camp without a campfire? Nah! It would be incomplete. During campfires, campers sing camp songs, share ghost stories, and make s’mores.

There are various campfire games too which the kids can play by sitting cozily around the fire. Chinese whisper is one such game – kids whisper a sentence from kid to kid and see whether the sentence moves around the fire without getting changed. The last kid in the circle says it loudly and the first one tells whether it’s correct or not. Another game is two truths and a lie, in this game a kid shares events of his life, and other kids have to decide which one is a lie.

13. Junkyard Wars:

Allow the kids to build an appliance using only the items you have provided them with. It depends on the time available and the age of the kids. The more you want them to involve, the more they will learn.

You can teach the kids to use the tools safely and once they learn, you can arrange a friendly competition among them to make a catapult from ropes, cloth, and scrap lumber. Make teams and let them compete to see whose catapult can throw the water balloon furthest away. For the kids who are younger or in an indoor environment, let the kids build a cage for eggs. Let each team drop the cage from different heights and see which cage protects the egg.

14. Word Game:

The outdoor word game is fun and educational for kids. You can set up a game with huge letters, which can be moved easily. Kids can spell out various words. This will provide kids with the opportunity to invest their time in learning something new which can be used in schools too.

15. Minute to win it:

This game teaches the importance of time and how to properly utilize it. There are numerous one-minute activities for kids such as cup stacks, unwrap the candies, cookie faces, etc. There is one game in which the kids have to balance a prop on a stick. The camper who manages to keep the prop on the stick for a minute will win the challenge. Kids enjoy such challenges and they should be a part of the camp activities.

16. Mini Olympics:

Organize a mini Olympics for the kids at the summer camp, it will excite them to a level unimaginable. Include the games such as running, cycling, relay race, etc. these activities will keep the kids occupied and increase the immunity and battle power. Ask the kids to vote for their favorite games to be added to the Olympics. Give the winner a mini treat and encourage others to participate and win the next match.

17. Tug of war:

Of course, it won’t be the intense version as done by adults. In the kids’ tug of war, a thin rope is used instead of a thick one that can’t harm the children. Some kids always want to go physical and like doing physical activities and so it is best for them. It provides a safe distance between the kids and allows the kids to show off their strength and strategy.

18. Crayon rubbing art:

Kids love to paint with colorful crayons and make wonderful textures and designs. They place objects at different points and make attractive designs. Some children are so creative that they teach us many tips and tricks of art and craft. Crayon painting lets the kids relax and paint according to their imagination without competing with each other. But adult supervision is required because there are few kids to like to taste and eat anything given in their hands.

19. Field trips:

Going on a field trip away from the camp is exciting and fun for the kids, as well as educational. These include visiting fire stations or museums or libraries etc. You can also arrange a trip to water parks, bowling, etc.

Ask the kids to plan their dream destination, where would they go? How And what’s the reason to choose that specific destination? Let them share their plan with their peers.

20. Volcanoes:

Kids love to create volcanoes especially when they are erupting. It teaches them science in an exciting way and at the same time they get all muddy. The materials you would be needing are a water bottle, baking soda, vinegar, and mud. You can add red food color to make it look like real lava coming out of the volcano.

Five Free & Affordable Summer Camp Activities for Kids

Five Free & Affordable Summer Camp Activities for Kids

The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled.

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser.

For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

Toggle Nav

# Type at least 3 character to search # Hit enter to search

Menu

Account

Settings

Choose Region

Head Rush USHead Rush UKHead Rush Europe

• English
• French
• German

TRUBLUE

Here at Head Rush Technologies, we work closely with summer camps all over the world. Over the years, we have seen many innovative, fun, and exciting ideas implemented by these camps to provide adventure goers with hours of joy and excitement. With summer 2016 quickly approaching, we have compiled a list of our five favorite summer camp activities for kids that won’t break the bank, but will be sure to add value to your camp.

Slack that Line

Ever dream of premiering your high walking abilities in front of thousands of gawking spectators at the opening night of the Ringling Brothers Circus? Me too! Now you can help inspire campers to start their own circus with friends by encouraging them to test out this hot new sport. Slack lining combines balance, coordination, courage, and determination by challenging athletes to walk from one side of a rope to the other. Anyone can test their abilities and try this simple activity, though a helping hand may be necessary to make it across the first few times. Confident that your balancing abilities are already top notch? Then push yourself to the next level by easing the tension on the cranks to bust out a few sweet jumps and epic flips!

Hike with Your Bare Feet

Trying to find that perfect way to help make your campers one with nature? Earthing, or “grounding” as some have come to call it, has been known to bring practitioners closer to the earth, literally. Be sure to watch your campers’ steps, though, because those pine cones can be pointy! Research has shown that people who enjoy as little as 20 minutes a day with direct contact to the earth experience numerous beneficial health perks, including but not limited to: more restful sleep, lowering stress levels, and reducing chronic pain. So encourage those campers to throw off their foot cages and wiggle those toes in the mud.

Climb the Wall Crawler

Nature is chalk full of obstacles. Many obstacles are meant to be physically overcome through sheer man-power and strength of will. Introduce campers to the sport of rock climbing, where they combine both mental and physical skills. Whether climbing on an artificial wall indoors or a natural one outside, campers will be presented with a puzzle that they must solve with both their mind and body. By utilizing different techniques such as footwork, core strength and powerful grips, campers will learn to combine mental and physical strengths to accomplish their goals. Gaining the ability to wall crawl might not allow you to sling webs and fight crime, but it will boost your campers’ ability to tackle obstacles both in the classroom and on the field.

Monkey Up that Tree

As a child, I always wanted to climb trees. As an adult, I still do! Trees are a natural draw for those looking to explore and reach new heights. If your camp doesn’t have that perfect ladder tree, the Arboreal Tree Climbing System from Head Rush Technologies is the way to add challenge and excitement to your camp. The modular tree climbing system is affordable and easy to install on all tree types, making any tree a fun activity. Including a TRUBLUE Auto Belay allows for exciting, yet safe, heights. Gone shall be the days of shouting at children, “Stay out of that tree!” and welcome shall be the days of exclaiming “Go climb that tree!”

Take Out the Blog

Originally, “blobs” were giant inflatable bladders used as Naval fuel tanks towed behind ships to refuel them as necessary (gasoline and oil float on water). Over time, Naval sailors recognized boredom and sought to combat it. They quickly identified an ally in the war on monotony and recruited these fuel bags, launching fellow seamen out into the abyss. These “blobs” made their way to the recreational industry for the first time at a summer camp in Texas. Modern day blobs include a brave flyer sitting on the end of a semi-inflated airbag who is launched into the water by their camp-mates. The catapulted daredevils perform cartwheels, back-flips, cannonballs, front flips, corkscrews, and side flips. Of course smaller launches can be orchestrated for those new to the thrill of the blob.

Still need more activities for your summer camp? Keep reading and check out this article with 6 more summer camp ideas.

You Might Also Like

Copyright © 2022 Head Rush Technologies

how to introduce programming to children 8-15 years old – IT for children on vc.ru

title”:”\u041a\u0430\u043a \u0443\u043c\u0435\u043d\u044c\u0448\u0438\u0442\u044c \u0440\u0435\u043a\u043b\u0430\u043c\u043d\u043b\u043\u043\ \u0434\u0436\u0435\u0442 \u0438 \u043f\u043e\u043b\u0443\u0447\u0430\u0442\u044c \u0446\u0435\u043b\u0435\u0432\u044b\u0435 \u0437\u0430\u044f\u0432\u043a \u0438″,”buttonText”:””,”imageUuid”:””,”isPaidAndBannersEnabled”:false}

Features of the summer urban IT camp: why it is worth going there and what the children will learn during the shift.

117
views

The summer holidays have come, and the urgent question arose before the parents: what to do with the children – so much so that it is interesting and useful.

A rare student spends his free time on books and studying: more often the choice is made in favor of a stuffy room with the Internet and a TV, or walking with friends along the streets of a city that is not always safe.

But summer is just the right time to unleash the potential of the child, develop his creative abilities and let him learn new things about himself and the world.

The Pixel programming school, which organizes a day camp for children in Domodedovo this summer, is also thinking about this.

Camp in Domodedovo: what are the advantages

The main difference between a city camp and a country camp is that children spend only daytime there, returning home every evening.

Advantages of this format:

• Comfort . The option is suitable for those who have never left home for a long time and are not used to parting with their relatives. Fresh air, communication with peers, organized entertainment under the supervision of teachers – and home evenings with the family. Day camp at Domodedovo is a painless way to make children more independent while avoiding stress. By the way, this also works in reverse. The day camp will be a rehearsal of the “real” for those parents who are not yet ready to part with their children for a week.

• Security . The child is close to home, and his time in the camp is easier to control.

• Economy . An additional bonus of a children’s camp in Domodedovo is that this format is cheaper than sending a child to a country camp. At the same time, you can not worry about the children while at work.

What to do in a computer camp: from “Tanchiki” to your own website

Profile camp – entertainment and benefits in one bottle. Who knows, maybe this summer will become the starting point for a student in IT.

3D modeling lesson in T-FLEX

However, a pronounced interest in computers and a dream of becoming a programmer are not at all necessary. Everyone will find the direction that they like, even if they have never dealt with programming before. Develop a game, design and program a robot, design a 3D model – all this will be taught during your stay at a summer camp in Domodedovo.

The student chooses one of the four programs, each includes three interesting directions. For example, these:

• Programming Basics . Younger students will learn the basics of programming in Scratch and Kodu Game Lab, while teenagers will learn how to write code and design algorithms in Python and Java. Direction for future programmers: such a start will allow you to move on to more complex tasks very soon.

• Game development . In the classroom, you can combine business with pleasure: in addition to Scratch and Kodu Game Lab, the guys also learn how to create games in Roblox, Unity, in Python and JavaScript. Classics like “Tanks”, mobile and browser games or even your own 3D world – the choice for the taste of a game lover.

• 3D modeling in T-FLEX . Young artists will be taught how to draw in 3D using a keyboard and mouse. The direction will especially appeal to those guys who like to draw or are interested in modeling. Children will also get acquainted with the work of a 3D printer and will be able to print their own product on it.

• Robotics . Exploring the Lego WeDo 2.0 programming environment, kids will have to design and build different robots, from a dolphin to a racing car. Students will also get acquainted with the production process, see the work of real machines and assemble a conveyor, milling machine or even an electric hammer. Classes develop fine motor skills and spatial thinking – suitable for young designers, dreamers and dreamers.

• Creating a personal blog . Younger students will create a landing page on the Tilda platform, and older guys will create a multi-page website in HTML and CSS or Python. The first subscribers are just around the corner, because on the last day, the students will present the result to their shift friends and parents.

You can find out more and choose a program on the camp website.

Creating a 3D game in Roblox Studio using the Lua 9 programming language0003

How the summer camp for children works in Domodedovo

The camp is located within the city, at the address. Kolomiytsa, d. 8, k. 1 – in the language center “Language Link”.

Shifts are organized by age: the younger group is from 8 to 11 years old, the older one is from 10 to 15. Groups are small, 12 people each. So the teacher will devote enough time to each child, and he will find many new friends.

The shift lasts 5 working days, from Monday to Friday – just the time when parents are usually at work. You can spend in the camp as one shift, or several. Shift programs vary, so it won’t be boring.

At the end of the shift, all participants receive certificates

In many ways, the urban camp in Domodedovo is not too different from the suburban camp: communication, outdoor recreation, entertainment and, of course, acquaintance with the field of programming. The daily routine is dynamic and involves the alternation of activities:

• Physical . The morning begins with gathering and morning exercises: wake up, cheer up and get a portion of inspiration for the day. It is important not to forget that ideas come along with air currents, so after lunch the guys will also have a walk.

The guys play laser tag in camp

• Mental . Recharged with energy – it’s time to start classes. We program a robot, create a game, take over the world with the help of a blog – it depends on the chosen program. Young modern teachers are ready to prompt and direct where it is needed.

• Play . An obligatory item of the daily routine is board games: it’s fun and educational. Think like a strategist, show yourself like an actor, develop imaginative thinking, learn to feel people: checkers, Crocodile, Jenga, Mafia and other exciting and useful entertainment help to pump skills.

• Energy . Science is science, and a full three meals a day according to the schedule: snack, lunch and afternoon snack. With hard mental work, it is important to be in good shape and energize in time to solve exciting problems.

In the evenings everyone goes home to return the next day: with new strength, ideas and inspiration.

Children’s Day Camp in Domodedovo from Pixel School is a great option to diversify a child’s summer routine, adding to them a lot of impressions and delight of discoveries.

choosing a day camp in Moscow and the Moscow region – Pixel Programming School on vc.ru

We tell you how to choose a summer school for children and teenagers: selection algorithm.

469
views

The benefits of a summer camp for children are numerous, from spending time away from school desks to gaining useful knowledge and experience. And also make new friends.

Summer camp for children is a kind of rehearsal for adulthood, when a child learns to make his own decisions and is responsible for them.

According to a number of studies, out-of-town children’s camps contribute to the development of emotional intelligence, self-confidence, independence, leadership and other qualities that are difficult to develop in a familiar home environment.

At summer camp, children build their self-esteem and develop risk-taking and conflict resolution skills as they learn to make their own decisions without the help of their parents.

Children’s camp is a “blank slate”, allowing the child to try on different behaviors and self-identities. Children are equally good at developing social communication skills with other people. And this is an important component of socialization and further integration of the child into society.

An educational camp as a summer day camp format for children will additionally help the child gain new knowledge and skills. So, in a day camp, children can immerse themselves in learning a new area for them, for example, start learning programming or robotics, theater skills or English.

Together let’s create a small checklist for choosing a day camp for children in the Moscow region and Moscow.

1. Decide on the direction of the camp for child

Robotics class at tech camp

This could be a language camp, a sports camp or a theater camp. And also a camp dedicated to programming and robotics. The selection depends on whether the child will deepen his knowledge and improve his skills in a familiar business or try to do something new, find a hobby or decide on a future profession.

We wrote more about the directions of the summer camp for children in a number of articles:

2. Choose an address with a convenient location

Day camp for children implies that the child will spend time there from morning to evening, and then return home. Therefore, the location of the city camp and ways to get to it are important. Will you drive the child to the camp in the morning and pick him up after work, or will he have to get on his own?

Choose a camp closer to home. Many camps have a network of branches in different cities where shifts take place, find the one closest to you. For example, the city camp of the Pixel programming school takes place in three locations in Moscow at once, as well as in small towns of the Moscow region (Podolsk, Domodedovo).

3. Check the information about the organization that runs camp

Sample programs at summer camp

Most often, educational children’s camps are held by schools, training centers or specialized sections.

Depending on the chosen direction, view the camp programs: what thematic classes will be held and with what frequency, as well as what kind of personnel the organization offers.

The educational course should be developed by methodologists and taught by employees who have received training in this area.

4. Read the parents’ reviews about camp

Trite, but not all parents pay attention to reviews. Here you should definitely read reviews about the camp and about the organization that conducts it.

If you are sending your child to camp for the first time, you may want to meet other parents who have already sent their children to this camp. Find out about counselors, communication with managers, the convenience of the camp, food (if a child spends several hours on a shift, he should be fed at least 2-3 times), etc.

5. Always listen to the child’s opinion

Programming camps for children and teenagers

Also trite, but not all parents put the interests of the child in the first place when choosing a thematic section, circle or camp.

15 Fun And Simple Stretching Exercises For Kids

Try these flexibility-enhancing exercises with your child and make your workout enjoyable.

Research-backed

MomJunction believes in providing reliable, research-backed information to you. As per our strong editorial policy requirements, we base our health articles on references (citations) taken from authority sites, international journals, and research studies. However, if you find any incongruencies, feel free to write to us.

Image: Shutterstock

Making exercise a habit can help children stay active. Therefore, we bring you a list of easy stretching exercises for children to keep them engaged in something positive and productive. Stretching can help calm the mind and enhance concentration. Moreover, it also increases flexibility in the body.

Read on to know more about stretching, including its benefits and different types for children to try.

Benefits Of Stretching For Children

According to the University of California, Davis, stretching helps in calming the mind, refreshing blood flow, managing stress, and increasing energy levels. Some more reasons why children need to practice daily stretching exercises are (1) (2):

• Helps children improve their joint stability and mobility.
• Prevents injuries in calf, quadriceps, and hamstring and helps in lengthening muscles.
• Reduces muscle tension, delays muscle fatigue, and improves muscular coordination.
• In these times, when everyone is spending more time indoors, children may be sitting at tables or on the floor in one position for a prolonged time, as they do various indoor activities. Here it becomes even more important to exercise as well as stretch muscles.

Simple Stretching Exercises For Children

Here are some stretching exercises you may teach your children and encourage them to practice regularly.

1. Child’s pose

This posture helps the child to do a full stretch. It can reduce stress and help the kid relax (3).

1. Kneel down with knees spread apart and toes touching each other.
2. Bend forward to place the forehead on the mat or floor. Stretch the arms forward with the palms extended in front of the head.
3. Move the lower half of the body such that the buttocks touch the heels.
4. Inhale and exhale slowly in this pose and hold it for about 30 seconds. (make sure the floor is not dusty).

2. Bow pose

One of the significant benefits of bow posture stretching is to improve spine flexibility. Practicing this exercise regularly would help in reducing strain in the neck, back, and also release muscle tension. Also, it enhances the blood flow and strengthens the upper body (4).

1.  Lie on the belly with the head towards one side and the hands alongside the body.
2. Turn the head to touch the floor with the chin. Exhale, fold the knees, and grab the right ankle with the right hand and left ankle with the left hand.
3. Inhale, slowly lift the chest and raise the knees while continuing to hold the ankles with hands.
4. Exhale and slowly lower chest and feet. Return to the original position in step one.

3. Cobra pose

Cobra pose helps in relieving backache, improving hunger, and reducing abdominal fat. It can also help in strengthening the stomach and spine (5).

1. Lie down on the belly with face down, elbows bent and hands placed next to the face.
2. Gently push the hands to the floor and lift the body upwards. Gradually straighten the elbows and raise the head while doing so.
3. Put the weight on the palms and raise the upper body.
4. The child can hold this position for 10 seconds and come back to the initial position (6).

4. Seated toe touch

This stretching exercise is good for the hamstring and the lower back. It releases hamstring tension, flexes the spine, and improves the motion of hips (7).

1. Sit on the floor with legs straight forward and feet next to one another.
2. Slowly bend forward and touch the toes with hands. Hold the position for 10-30 seconds and return to the original position.
3. Beginners can also perform this exercise while sitting in a chair and legs slightly bent.

5.Downward-facing dog

This stretching exercise for kids strengthens calf muscles and hamstrings. It even helps in calming the brain, energizing the body, and improving digestion (7).

1. Rest on all fours, facing downwards.
2. Gradually push the weight backward with the hips moving backward too. The hips should remain pushed up in the air.
3. The legs remain straight. Keep pushing to the rear until the body forms an inverted V-shape.
4. Hold the position for 10-30 seconds before slowly returning to step one.

6. Cat-cow stretch

Practicing the cat-cow stretch regularly helps in bringing mobility in the shoulders, spine, neck, and pelvis. It also helps in strengthening the spine (8).

1. Begin by getting into the table-top position where the child is on all fours and head facing straight. Keep the back straight.
2. The arms should be right under the shoulder. Gradually inhale and flex the back downward, as if the back is sagging. The head remains straight and keep looking forward. This is the cow position.
3. Gradually exhale, squeeze the back to form an arch,rounding towards the ceiling, and squeeze belly inward. The head also moves simultaneously downwards. This is the cat position.
4. Alternate and repeat the cat-cow postures five times or more depending on the child’s preference.

7. Overhead arm stretch

Image: Shutterstock

This simple stretching exercise is good for shoulders, arms, spine, and the overall body. It can be practiced anywhere.

1. Stand straight with feet at a normal distance from one another.
2. Slowly raise the hands over the head. Open the palms and stretch out the fingers.
3. The arms should be in line with the ears. Stretch the arms out as much possible while the shoulder blades stay in a relaxed state.
4. Hold this position for about five seconds.
5. Then lower the hands and relax.

8. Crossbody shoulder stretch

Image: Shutterstock

This simple exercise comes under static stretches and helps in improving flexibility. When practiced regularly, it even reduces the risk of injury (9).

1. Stand straight with feet at a normal distance from one another.
2. Raise the right arm and move it towards the left.
3. With the left hand, push the right elbow to make the right arm stretch.
4. Hold this position for a few seconds. Repeat the same steps with the other arm.

9. Tricep stretch

It helps in stretching the upper arm and shoulder. This exercise can be done either by sitting or standing in one position (10).

1. Sit or stand in an upright position.
2. Raise the left hand and then bend to touch the center of the upper back (below the neck).
3. Use the right hand to support or push the left elbow.
4. Repeat by changing arms.

10. Knee lunge

Image: Shutterstock

This stretching exercise is good for the lower body. It helps in strengthening calves, hamstrings, quadriceps, back muscles, and abdominals (11).

1. Tell your child to stand straight with hands on the waist. The back should be straight in line with the hip.
2. Take one step forward. Make sure the knee is in line with the ankle (perpendicular position or 90 degrees of the leg).
3. The knee should not go over the toes.
4. Squat down with the other leg, which should be in a stretched position (knee of the other leg should be just over the ground).
5. This position should be held for a few seconds.
6. Repeat the same by changing the legs.
   Another variation of a knee lunge is side lunge. Instead of placing a step forward, the step should be on the right and left side.

11. Butterfly stretch

Image: Shutterstock

This is a sitting stretch exercise that is good to stretch inner thighs and helps in strengthening back and maintaining balance
(12).

1. Sit down with folded legs.
2. Bring the feet together such that the soles touch one another.
3. Let the knees stretch apart while the soles continue to stay in contact. The back should remain straight and slightly lifted.
4. Swing the knees up and down, like flapping wings of a butterfly.
5. Keep moving the legs for 10-30 seconds and return to the original position.

12. Straddle stretch

Image: Shutterstock

Straddle stretch is an active flexibility exercise that is good for hamstrings, quads, and opening hips. There are two types of straddle stretch – seat straddle lotus and side seat straddle (13).

Seated straddle lotus

1. Sit down with the soles of the feet together. The knees stay folded and pressed towards the ground.
2. Bend forward while placing forearms on the knees.
3. Hold the position for 20-30 seconds before returning to the original position.

Side seat straddle

1. Sit with legs spread apart in the front.
2. Hold the right shin with two hands and lean forward.
3. Hold this position for a few seconds and come back to the original position.
4. Repeat the same with your left leg.

13. Quadricep stretch

Image: Shutterstock

Muscles such as quadriceps, hip flexors, calf, and hamstrings may become tight. To avoid the risk of injury, standing quadricep stretch would be a good option (14).

1. Stand straight with a chair or a wall at the front.
2. Gently fold the leg at the knee to raise the foot backward. Use the hand to hold the foot and stretch backward.
3. Hold the position for a few seconds and repeat with the other leg.

14. Standing calf stretch

Image: iStock

Calf stretch helps in improving flexibility, decreasing soreness, and preventing injury. It is an effective exercise for the calf muscles. The exercise can be particularly good for active children (15).

1. Stand in front of a wall that is three feet away.
2. Place the hands on the wall for support.
3. The right foot moves forward while the left foot stretches backward. Keep the hands on the wall
4. Stretch leg such that the calf muscle is adequately stretched.
5. Hold the position for a few seconds and repeat with the other leg.

15. Hamstring stretch

Image: Shutterstock

This stretching exercise helps in keeping the hamstring muscle flexible and even prevents injury (16).

1. Sit on the floor and stretch the legs forward.
2. The right leg needs to be straight, and the left foot should be folded in such a way that it meets the right inner thigh.
3. Bend forward and touch the right knee. Hold the position for a few seconds.
4. Come back to the initial position and switch the legs to repeat the same.

Safety Measures To Follow While Stretching

Wrong postures or overstretching may harm children. Therefore, parents should teach certain safety tips to children to avoid any injuries (17).

1. Warm-up for 10 to 15 minutes before exercising or stretching.
2. Stretching should be done before any sports or strenuous physical activities such as gyming, cycling, running, or playing outdoor games. It is good to do after the activities too.
3. Stretching should not be done once in a while. Children should be encouraged to practice stretching regularly to maintain balance and improve strength and flexibility.
4. Breathing (inhale and exhale) should be normal when practicing stretching. It is essential not to hold the breath in any case.
5. Every stretch needs to be held for about 10 to 30 seconds. There should be no bouncing during the stretch.
6. Overstretching is not recommended as it may cause pain.
7. Stretching should be done evenly on both sides.
8. If any stretch causes consistent pain, there may be an injury in that muscle, and you need to consult your doctor.
9. If the child has any medical condition, then talk to the doctor before starting any exercise.

1. At what age do kids stop being flexible?

Children tend to lose their flexibility or become less flexible around the age of puberty since their bones start to grow rapidly. Therefore, it is important that they stay involved in stretching and other physical activities (18).

2. How can I explain stretching to my child?

You may start by explaining the benefits of stretching and its importance through visual representations such as plucking an apple from the tree or extending the hand to retrieve something from under the couch.

3. Is it normal for a child not to be flexible?

Children are generally more flexible than adults. However, some children with a fast growth spurt may show less flexibility than others. This is more commonly seen in boys when they reach puberty since girls may regain some of their flexibility due to the rise in estrogen (19).

Stretching exercises for children help them stay active and increase flexibility. They may also help them calm down, improve blood flow, reduce stress, and be energetic. Stretching can reduce muscle tension and lengthen muscles, preventing various muscle injuries. Child’s pose, bow pose, seated toe touch, cobra pose, downward-facing dog, cat-cow stretch, overhead arm stretch, and crossbody shoulder stretch are some simple stretching exercises for children. It is essential to warm up before stretching and avoid overstretching since it may cause pain.

References:

MomJunction’s articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

1. Dr. D. Katz; ABC For Fitness Teacher Manual (2008)
2. Why Stretching is Extremely Important; The Regents of the University of California
3. Stretch for Your Best; Allina Health
4. About Yoga; University of Pittsburgh
5. Benefits of Yoga Poses; Illinois Wesleyan University
6. Healthy Living: Yoga for Kids; University of Arkansas
7. Yoga Part II; The Pennsylvania State University (2018)
8. Yoga Tips; University of Washington
9. Shoulder RTC Simple Stretching and Strengthening; Nicklaus Children’s Hospital
10. 11 Stretches for Athletes; Children’s Hospital Colorado
11. The Undervalued Lunge; National Strength and Conditioning Association
12. Guide To Early Childhood Physical Activity: Motor Skills And Movement Concepts For Children Birth To Five; Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services
13. Workouts to Help Prevent Sports Injuries; Stanford Children’s Health
14. Stretching; Nationwide Children’s
15. Take Time to Stretch; Duke University
16. The importance of stretching; Harvard Health Publishing
17. 10 tips for safe stretching; Victoria State Government
18. Flexibility; University of Nevada
19. Body composition and flexibility; Healthy Children

The following two tabs change content below.

• Reviewer
• Author

Sanjana did her graduation in Pharmacy from Andhra University and post graduation in management from GITAM Institute of Management. It was during her first job, she recognized her skills in writing and began working as a freelance writer. Later, she completely moved into content writing and began working as a full-time content writer. Sanjana’s articles in MomJunction cover topics related to… more

Dr. Nirmala Dharap has 32 years of experience working as a pediatrician in various hospitals and clinics. Currently, she runs her private practice, Dharap Children’s Clinic, in Pune. Her areas of specialization include bronchial asthma, growth and development, and newborn jaundice, among others. Dr. Dharap has been a member of Indian Association of Pediatrics and Indian Medical Association (IMA).

• Miralax For Kids: Safety Concerns,..

• Miralax For Kids: Safety Concerns,..

• Melanoma In Children: Symptoms,..

• Melanoma In Children: Symptoms,..

• Heat Rashes In Children: How To Treat..

• Heat Rashes In Children: How To Treat..

• Prozac For Kids: Uses, Safety, Side..

• Prozac For Kids: Uses, Safety, Side..

• Dry Skin In Children: Causes, Symptoms..

• Dry Skin In Children: Causes, Symptoms..

• Antihistamine For Kids: Uses, Safety,..

• Antihistamine For Kids: Uses, Safety,..

• Narcissism In Children: What Are The..

• Narcissism In Children: What Are The..

• Fifth Disease In Children: Causes,..

• Fifth Disease In Children: Causes,..

• 8 Types Of Kidney Disease In Children,. .

• 8 Types Of Kidney Disease In Children,..

Kid’s Stretching Exercises | Easy Stretches for Kids

Lesson Overview

This lesson helps children understand that stretching their muscles is a part of a healthy lifestyle at all ages. This activity will teach several easy stretches for kids to do together.

Introduction

Provide kids with information on the positive benefits and importance of stretching:

• Stretching is important at any age
• Stretching:
  • helps move joints through a full range of motion, by keeping ligaments (attach muscle to muscle) and tendons (attach muscle to bone) flexible
  • prevents injury
  • improves athletic performance
  • encourages a healthful lifestyle
  • helps ease sore or tight muscles
  • promotes better posture
  • avoids stiffness and speeds recovery of muscles after running or playing sports
  • encourages blood to circulate to the muscles and joints throughout the body
  • reduces stress

Before the beginning of these stretching exercises for kids, inform participants of the proper way to prepare:

• The President’s Council for Physical Fitness and Sports states, “warmed-up tissues are less likely to be injured. ”
• Stretching before warming up increases the risk for pulled muscles and doesn’t promote increased flexibility, so it’s best to wait until the end of physical activity, or at least warm-up, by walking or jogging and gradually increasing heart rate, for five to 10 minutes before stretching. Warming up helps to deliver more blood to the muscle and helps the muscle become warm and able to stretch easier.
• Warm-up phase should not cause you to feel tired. Tell the kids to stretch for the feeling of a gentle pull, not a painful feeling. Advise them to stretch after exercising.

Activity: Stretching

On yoga mats or other dry, soft, flat areas, such as in the grass, lead the way in the following easy stretches for kids. Note the parts of the body that each pose stretches.

Toe Touch

A toe touch stretch is a basic stretch for kids, an easy one for most to perform. This stretch targets largely the muscles of the legs, especially the calves and hamstrings. From a standing position, the kids will bend over at the waist and reach for their toes with feet together. If the kids can’t quite reach their toes, they can stretch just as far as is comfortable. From a sitting position, each kid sits with legs outstretched and together. They then bend forward, reaching for the toes or as far as is comfortable. In both stretches for kids, they should hold the stretch for 15 seconds and then release.

Neck Half Circles

This stretch for children starts by touching the right ear to the right shoulder. The kids then roll their heads around, chin to chest, in a half-circle to the left shoulder, and then back again, chin to chest. Slow movements in this stretch for kids are important to protect the neck muscles from injury.

Shoulder Circles

Begin this kids’ stretching exercise by having them shrug their shoulders and rotate them forward and down in a circle. Switch directions after five or six turns by shrugging the shoulders and then moving backward in a circle.

Arm Circles

Arm circles can be used to stretch the muscles supporting the elbow and shoulder joint where the arm attaches to the shoulder. The child holds their arms out to the side, creating a horizontal line with their arms. The child then draws circles with their hands, starting with small circles and slowly growing to large circles, then back to smaller circles. Start first by drawing circles clockwise, and then switch to counter-clockwise. Keep the movements slow, and prevent the child from just flailing his arms around.

Side Bends

Have each child stand up straight with arms to the outside of each thigh. Slowly move the fingers down toward the outside of one knee, while bending at the waist. Alternate sides, do 10 side bends on each side.

Reach for the Stars

Just like the title of this stretch for kids, have the kids reach up as high as they can while standing on their tiptoes. This stretch can even be done while lying down on a mat. The goal is to reach their hands and feet away from each other.

Child’s Pose

The child’s pose is a stretch for kids, taken from yoga. It can be used outside of yoga as part of your child’s stretching routine for more of a full-body stretch. To perform the child’s pose, the child gets on their knees with feet together. The child then sits on their heels and bends their body forward until the forehead touches the ground. Bring the arms around to each side of the body, resting with their palms facing towards the sky. Hold the pose for 30 seconds, and then return back to an upright kneeling position.

Conclusion

After these stretching exercises for kids, ask them to recall the reasons for stretching offered in the Lesson Introduction above. Hand out the Healthy Families Newsletter in English or Spanish, so that families can continue stretching together at home. Find more health lessons for kids from Health Powered Kids to help children and families live their happiest and healthiest lives.

Additional Instructor Resources

• Fitness.gov
• Super Stretch 

3
shares

16 Fun and Simple Stretching Exercises for Kids

Regardless of age, everyone needs to stretch. To start a healthy stretching habit from a young age, try incorporating these 16 fun and simple stretching exercises for kids into your next family exercise session.

When you are first teaching stretching exercises to children, start with short holds, from 1-5 seconds and repeat each stretch a few times. As they mature and are actively looking to gain flexibility, guide them into holding a stretch for up to 30 seconds at a time, with a few repetitions within a stretching session. This will help to prevent injury and begin to teach them proper stretching methods.

To help the kids stay focused, try listening to music or to have a few people stretching at the same time, so it becomes less of a chore and more of a fun, social activity. This helps to keep stretching entertaining for kids of all ages.

Simple Stretching Exercises for Kids

Child’s Pose

This yoga pose is so aptly named, no wonder kids love it! To do it, start by kneeling on the ground with your legs together. From there, bend over and allow your torso to rest on your knees and your forehead to rest on the ground. Your arms can either be extended above your head on the ground in front of you or to lie beside you in this resting pose.

Cobra

Lie down on your stomach. Keeping your elbows slightly bent and by your side, arch your back and look up to the roof. This stretches out your back and opens your chest.

Lie down, crossing your leg straight over your body.

Start lying with your back flat on the ground, and arms extended out to the side in a ‘t’ shape. From there, bring one of your legs across your hips to the opposite side of your body, keeping both legs straight. This is a great low back, hip, and leg stretch for adults and kids alike!

Circle your arms.

Stand up tall and circle your arms, working on your shoulder, chest, and back muscles. There are many variations of this stretch- you can circle your arms forward or backward, one at a time or together, or even rotating them in opposite directions at the same time. For bonus fun, you can have your child imagine that their arms are helicopter blades, and they are flying over the city.

Touch your toes.

This flexibility exercise for kids is simple and effective. Toe touches allow them to feel the muscles of their hip flexors and back, while demonstrating why flexibility is important. Simply stand with your feet shoulder width apart and bend forward, seeing if they can touch the floor.

Smell your armpits.

Move your nose forward as if you are smelling your armpit. This is a great stretch to get a little silly with but teaches your children how to safely stretch and move their neck.

Swing your leg side-to-side.

While you can do this active stretch without any support, it is most effective when you balance yourself with a wall or chair. Plant one foot firmly into the ground and swing the other from side-to-side. This encourages blood flow through your leg and can help relieve tight hip muscles.

Diamond sit

Sit on the ground and bring the bottoms of your feet together in a diamond shape. From here, lean over, keeping your back straight, and press on your knees with your elbows. This opens your hip muscles up in a different way and it encourages young children to practice their shapes.

Cat stretch

Get on all fours and gently begin to arch your back up towards the ceiling, curling your chin to your chest into a cat pose. Hold it for a few seconds before reversing the stretch and pushing your chest towards the floor, lifting your head back into cow’s pose.

Lie on your back, bending your knees over to the side.

While this is similar to a previous stretch, this one is different in that you keep both legs together and bent as you allow them to drop to one side. One of our founder’s kids (aged 14) says that this is one of her favourite stretches of all time!

Look at your belly.

When you tuck your chin to your chest, not only do you get a great neck stretch, but it also works on your upper back muscles, too! Hold this static stretch for a few seconds until the muscles begin to release, bring your head back to normal, and repeat a few more times. The opposite to this stretch is to look directly up to the roof, which moves your neck muscles in a different way to loosen tension.

Circle your wrists.

Standing or sitting, take a few moments to circle your wrists clockwise and counterclockwise. This helps to relieve tension in your wrists and keep them agile for whatever activity you want to do next, whether that’s throwing a ball around or drawing indoors.

Cross your arm over your chest.

Pull your arm across your chest, applying mild pressure with your opposite hand to increase the stretch. For a neat experiment with your kids, compare how different this stretch feels as compared to circling your arms around.

Heels together, toes pointing outwards.

Pull your heels together with your toes pointing outwards, while leaving the bottoms of your feet flat on the floor. For a contrasting stretch, do the opposite motion and pull your toes together while flaring your ankles outwards.

Reach your arm up as high as possible.

Stand up tall and extend your arm up as far as it can go, then repeat on the other side. To enhance this arm exercise for kids, have them imagine that they are a dinosaur or giraffe which allows them to actively play while they stretch!

Lie on your back and bring your knees to your nose while keeping your legs straight.

While the traditional form of this stretch is to sit in an ‘L-shape’ and bend forward to touch your toes, lying on your back and allowing your legs to fall towards you is a fun variation. This allows gravity to deepen the stretch and it affords kids the chance to play around and be silly while having fun with their stretching exercises.

Stretching exercises for young kids

When kids are very young, they can be very impressionable and open to trying new things. While your little one might be open to copying your movements, you might have to incorporate a bit of imagination into your stretching session.

Try having your child “moo” while doing the cow pose to encourage playing while exercising. Outside of the traditional stretching poses, ask your child to move like a giraffe, a playful puppy, or a dragon. Using their imagination will encourage them to move their bodies in different ways, using exercises that work, which will help them to grow healthy and strong.

Teaching stretching exercises to older kids

As kids grow up, some don’t want to “play pretend”, as they want to be seen as a big kid. If your child is in this stage, approach stretching with an energy that matches theirs, and take the time to explain a bit about each stretch.

Most kids love learning, and this is a great chance to explain about physical activity, the basic muscle groups of the body, and why they should stretch. Keep explanations to their level, though, to keep them engaged and enjoying the art of stretching with you.

You can also mix in other fun exercises for kids in between stretching, such as crab walks, using a jump rope, or doing jumping jacks, to demonstrate that exercise and building healthy habits can be an enjoyable activity they can do all of their lives!

If you would like to discover more stretches for kids (and yourself!), download the WeStretch app for free today! The fundamental routine is completely free, with hundreds of stretches that will help you to stretch every inch of your body!

Any links included are for reference, additional information, or entertainment value only, without monetary compensation. Contact us on social media or at team@westretch. ca.

This article is not intended to act as or replace medical advice. Please talk to your health care practitioner if you have any concerns.

Written by Kayla Willsey

Updated November 18, 2021

Stretching exercises for children | Video lesson:

Stretching exercises for children are an integral part of a child’s physical development.
Completeness of the initial basic complex must be determined and compiled by a certified specialist based on:

• data from a complete medical examination,
• age,
• level of physical fitness.

Further adjustment is made by a personal trainer with simultaneous control measurements by a medical worker.

Aims and objectives of children’s stretching

Stretching exercises are a set of measures aimed at:

• Increasing the elasticity of smooth muscles.
• Strengthening ligaments, tendons and joints.
• Redistribution and harmonization of intramuscular tone.
• Reduced tonic tension.
• Increased range of motion.

Achieving the above goals will significantly increase the efficiency of the training process, improve and strengthen the body.

Classification of stretching for children

According to the method and nature of the impact, exercises are divided into four main groups.

• Static. Gradual stretching of one or more muscles in slow motion.
• Dynamic. Stretching a specific muscle group at an accelerated pace.
• Ballistic. Swinging movements performed with high amplitude and extreme range.
• Proprioceptive. Stimulation of neuromuscular activity by alternating relaxation and contraction. Designed to work out antagonist muscles.

Methodology

Before stretching, warm up the muscles with a light warm-up in the form of running, squats, jumping rope, swinging arms and legs. The duration of the warm-up is determined individually, according to the age and physical data of the child, but no more than 15-20 minutes.

Each stretching exercise is carried out in 4 stages:

1. starting position,
2. stretching,
3. exit from stretching,
4. interval pause.

During execution, the pulse should be even, well-filled, breathing should be calm. The movement begins with inspiration. While stretching, exhale slowly. The main indicator of positive dynamics is the absence of pain during and after classes.

Age characteristics

There are no age restrictions for children’s stretching. Moreover, the sooner the child begins regular classes, the more benefits they will bring.

The exception is specialized exercises designed for sports and choreography. Stretching of a professional type is carried out only under the supervision of an experienced trainer.

3-4 years old

How to stretch a child of primary preschool age? Up to 4 years of age, it is desirable to conduct classes in a playful way – this will form and consolidate the interest necessary for systematic training.

The warm-up phase begins with jumping rope. Among other things, the jump rope is a great tool for developing coordination of movements. This is followed by 8-10 (no more) squats. It is recommended to finish the warm-up by bending forward on straight legs.

• “Butterfly flies” – an exercise for eversion and stretching of the hip joints. Sitting, pull your legs to the pelvis and connect the feet. Make smooth “waves” with arms and bent legs 5-6 times.

• “Butterfly sits on a leaf” – in the same starting position, gently press your hands on your knees, pressing them to the floor.

• “Butterfly sleeps” – without changing the position of the legs, stretch your arms forward and press the body to the floor. You can help the child by slightly pressing the knees to the floor. If the backrest has a wheel, try gently pressing down on it to align it.

• Frog. Lie on your stomach, turn your head to the side and put it on your arms bent at the elbows. Pull up the legs, bending them at the knees, as high as possible. Fix the pose for 10-20 seconds.

• Swing. Lying on your stomach, bend your legs. Tightly clasp the ankles with your palms and slowly raising the legs (pull to the head), gently bend over (5-10 seconds).

5-6 years old

In children aged 5 and 6, the articular apparatus, subject to regular training, is already fully formed, the required level of elasticity has been achieved. Therefore, the complex includes more complex stretching, including longitudinal and transverse twine.

• Triceps and biceps workout. Stand up straight. Bringing the right hand over the shoulder, reach the area between the shoulder blades, while pressing the elbow of the right hand with the other hand. Repeat 5-6 times, changing hands.
• Pectoral muscles. Take your hands back and connect to the castle. Slightly arching, raise the joined hands to the maximum possible point.
• Stretching the muscles of the back and lower back. Get on your knees. Sit down, pressing the heels to the pelvis. Stretching your arms forward, bend over, trying to reach the maximum point of tension.
• Working out the hip muscles. Attach an elastic bandage or gymnastic elastic band to the feet. Lie on your back. Raise your legs with a tape to a right angle.
• Quadriceps. In a standing position, bend your leg. Holding the foot with your hand, pull up to the limit.
• Calf muscles. Sock stand. Fixation in the rise 10 sec.
• Feet. Sitting, back straight. Pull your feet towards you.
  The basic complex also includes complicated exercises such as “butterfly”, “frog”, “swing”, etc.

7-8 years old

The age of 7 and 8 years is characterized by an increase in the mobility of the bone joints of the skeleton. The articular apparatus is formed, the ligaments have acquired the necessary degree of elasticity. Starting from this period, the training plan includes exercises for all four groups of stretches from static to proprioceptive.

Twine

Graduality and consistency are the main conditions for effective training. At home, it is better to start with the development of the technique of longitudinal twine.

1. In a sitting position, stretch your legs forward and spread apart. Keeping your back straight, lean forward deeply. Grasping the upper part of the foot with your hands, fix in a pose for 10 seconds. Straighten up.
2. Stand up, spread your legs more than shoulder width apart and do some springy actions. The body is straight.
3. Feet wider than shoulders, toes pointing out. Leaning forward, rest your hands on the floor. Fixation in a pose – 10 sec.

Attention! Classes are held only after the warm-up! The nature of the movements, the number and degree of difficulty vary depending on the age and level of physical fitness of the child.

Self-study

Undoubted benefits of stretching for children are also given to those who are not involved in regular sports or choreography. Benefits of performing simple exercises for beginners at home:

• Injury prevention.
• Improving the coordination of movements.
• Prevention and/or treatment of scoliosis.
• Strengthening of the musculoskeletal system.
• Adjustment of the genitourinary system.
• Improving the functions of the digestive system.
• Development of the respiratory system.

Classes at home are best timed to the time of morning exercises – so it will be easier for the child to instill this useful skill. Beginners are advised to start with the simplest exercises in the form of tilts, swings and sips. Over time, the complexity and intensity can be increased.

50 Full Body Stretches

When you stretch after a workout, the muscles are already warmed up and no additional warm-up is required. If you decide to arrange a separate stretching lesson, first do a few exercises:

1. Joint warm-up: twist the joints, bend and turn the body.
2. 5-7 minutes cardio: running or jumping jacks, climbing, running in place with high knees, jumping rope.

After you’ve warmed up a bit, you can start stretching.

How and how much to stretch

With these exercises you can arrange an independent stretching session and stretch all the muscles of the body well. However, it will take about 60–90 minutes. For a quick stretch, choose one or two exercises for each muscle group involved in the workout.

To stretch your muscles well, hold each position for 30 seconds to two minutes. You can remain still or gently bounce. Sudden movements are fraught with injury, so leave them for another sport.

We will give exercises for stretching from top to bottom: neck, shoulders and arms, chest and back, abs, buttocks, thighs, shins.

Neck stretching exercises

1. Tilt the head back and sideways

Photo: Lifehacker

Tilt your head back, pulling the front of your neck. From this position, tilt your head to the left. For greater effect, place your left hand on the right side of your head, but do not press hard.

Repeat on the other side.

2. Tilt the head forward and sideways

Photo: Lifehacker

Place your right hand on the left side of your head. Tilt your head forward and to the side, increase the pressure with your hand.

Repeat on the other side.

3. Stretching the back of the neck

Photo: Lifehacker

Place one hand on the back of the head and the other on the chin. Lower your head, making a double chin. At the same time, the neck remains straight, the back of the head tends upward. You should feel tension at the back of your neck, especially at the base of your skull.

Shoulder stretch exercises

1. Stretching the front of the shoulders

Photo: Lifehacker

Put your hands behind your back, grasp the wrist with the other with one hand. Bend your elbows and lift your wrists higher. Push your chest forward and feel the stretch in the front of your shoulders.

2. Stretching the middle part of the shoulders

Photo: Lifehacker

Grasp the opposite elbow with your hand, press the shoulder towards you and pull it down. Repeat with the other hand.

3. Stretching the back of the shoulders

Photo: Lifehacker

Grasp the right arm with the left above the elbow, press it to the body and straighten it, lower the right shoulder down. With your left hand, pull your right hand up, lifting it with your elbow. Feel the tension in the back of your shoulders.

Repeat with other hand.

4. Triceps Stretch

Photo: Lifehacker

Go to the wall, lift your left elbow up, put your forearm behind your back. Lower your left shoulder blade down. To check that it has really dropped and will not rise during the stretch, place your right hand below your left armpit.

Repeat on the other side.

5. Biceps Stretch

Photo: Lifehacker

Grab a door handle, counter or other support, turn your back to it. Turn your arm with your elbow up and move the body slightly forward.

Repeat with other arm.

6. Triceps and Shoulders Stretch

Photo: Lifehacker

This pose allows you to simultaneously stretch the triceps of one arm and the front of the shoulder of the other. Bring one hand behind your back from above so that the elbow looks up, and the second from below – the elbow looks at the floor. Try to connect your wrists behind your back at the level of your shoulder blades.

Change hands.

7. Wrist extensor stretch

Photo: Lifehacker

Sit on your knees, put your hands in front of you so that the backs of the hands touch the floor and the fingers are pointing towards each other. Gently shift your weight onto your hands, stretching your forearms. To enhance the effect, try clenching your fists.

Chest stretching exercises

1. Stretching the chest in the doorway

Photo: Lifehacker

Go to the doorway, lean on the jambs with your elbows and push your chest forward, stretching the pectoral muscles.

2. Chest stretch against the wall

Photo: Lifehacker

Put your hand on the wall, lower your shoulder and turn around in the opposite direction. Repeat with the other hand.

Back Stretching Exercises

1. Back Stretch at the Stand

Photo: Lifehacker

Stand next to a rack, exercise machine or other support, turn your left shoulder towards it. Grab a stance high above your head with your right hand, tilt your pelvis to the right and down, stretching the entire right side of your body.

Repeat on the other side.

2. Lumbar stretch

Photo: Lifehacker

Sit on the floor, move your right leg forward, left leg back. Bend your knees at a 90 degree angle or slightly more. Place your right hand on the floor, raise your left hand above your head. Pull the left leg down and back, tilt the body forward and twist towards the right leg.

Change legs.

3. Stretching the extensor muscles of the back

Photo: Lifehacker

Sit on the floor, bend your knees and place your feet on the floor. Grab your shins with your hands from the inside, put your wrists on your feet. Lean forward with a round back as low as possible.

4. Child’s Pose

Photo: Lifehacker

Sit on the floor with your buttocks touching your heels. Bend forward, lie on your knees with your stomach and stretch out your arms.

Learn more 🧘‍♀️

• The child’s pose will help relieve tension in the back and neck. Try

5. Downward Dog Pose

Photo: Lifehacker

Get on all fours, then tilt your pelvis back and up so that your body looks like an angle. The arms and back should be extended in one line, the knees can be bent, and the heels should be torn off the floor. The main thing is that the back remains straight, without rounding in the lower back.

6. Hanging traction

Photo: Lifehacker

Grab a low horizontal bar and hang freely, relaxing your body. Feet must remain on the ground. Relax them, slightly bend your knees.

7. Inverted back stretch

Photo: Lifehacker

Lie on the floor on your back, arms along the body, legs straight. Raise your legs and then throw them over your head. Hands rest with elbows on the floor, hands support the lower back. Do not lean on the neck, the fulcrum is the shoulders.

Abdominal stretching exercises

1. Camel Pose

Photo: Lifehacker

Get on your knees, push your chest up, stretching your spine, and then lean back with your hands on your heels. Try to bend in the chest. Do not throw your head back, look up.

2. Upward facing dog pose

Photo: Lifehacker

Lie on the floor on your stomach, put your hands under your shoulders. Push yourself up, the pelvis rises, the legs remain on the floor. Lower your shoulders, bend in the thoracic region.

3. Standing backbend

Photo: Lifehacker

Stand up straight with your feet together. Raise your arms and join your palms above your head. Bend in the thoracic region and tilt the body back. Tighten your buttocks to eliminate a strong deflection in the lower back.

4. Side bend

Photo: Lifehacker

Stand up straight, raise your arms above your head, interlock your fingers and turn your palms up. Stretch up and lean first to one side and then to the other side.

5. Lying spinal twist

Photo: Lifehacker

Lie on the floor on your back, spread your arms out to the sides, palms down. Move your pelvis to the left, lift your left leg, bending it at the knee, bring it behind your right leg and try to put your knee on the floor. Turn your head to the left and relax.

Repeat on the other side.

Buttocks stretch

1. Lying stretch

Photo: Lifehacker

Lie on the floor on your back, raise your legs bent at the knees. Place the ankle of the left foot on the knee of the right. Press your right knee against your left to deepen the stretch. Repeat with the other leg.

2. Stretching on all fours

Photo: Lifehacker

Get on all fours, place your right ankle on your left knee. Push your pelvis back to deepen the stretch. Repeat with the other leg.

3. Sitting Stretch

Photo: Lifehacker

Sit on the floor, stretch your legs forward, straighten your back. Bend one leg at the knee, grasp the shin with your hands and press it to your chest. The lower leg should be parallel to the floor, the forearms lie on top and press it to the chest, one brush covers the other.

Repeat with the other leg.

4. Dove Pose

Photo: Lifehacker

Sit on the floor, bend one leg at the knee at a right angle and move it forward, take the other back and straighten it. You can lean forward and place your forearms on the floor.

If you find it difficult to do this pose on the floor, try placing your foot on a raised platform.

Photo: Lifehacker

Exercises for stretching the front of the thigh

1. Lying quadriceps stretch

Photo: Lifehacker

Lie on the floor on your stomach, lift one leg and place your hand on your ankle. Pull the leg to the buttock, trying not to tear the thigh off the floor. Repeat with the other leg.

2. Quadriceps stretch on one knee

Photo: Lifehacker

Stand on one knee, grab the toe of the leg behind you and pull the heel to the buttock. Tighten your gluteal muscles: this will deepen the stretch. Repeat with the other leg.

3. Hip flexor stretch

Photo: Lifehacker

Stand on one knee, bend both legs at an angle 90 degrees. The back is straight. Tighten your gluteal muscles and move your pelvis slightly forward. You should feel tension in the front of the thigh of the back leg and in the groin.

Change legs.

4. Deep lunge

Photo: Lifehacker

Take a deep lunge forward. Place your fingers on the floor on either side of your foot. Lower the knee of the straightened leg to the floor. Try to go lower and do not turn your pelvis to the side.

Change legs.

Back Thigh Stretching Exercises

1. Stretching the back of the thigh with an expander

Photo: Lifehacker

Lie on the floor, leave one straight leg on the floor, lift the other. Throw an expander, rope or rope around your foot and pull your leg towards you. Change legs.

2. Standing stretch

Photo: Lifehacker

Stand up straight, take a step forward. Tilt your torso almost parallel to the floor. If you leave the leg straight, the upper part of the back of the thigh is more stretched, if you slightly bend the leg at the knee, the lower part is stretched.

Repeat with the other leg.

3. Tilt to the legs

Photo: Lifehacker

Sit on the floor, stretch your straight legs forward. Bend over to your feet and place your hands on either side of your feet or slightly further away. To deepen the stretch, you can straighten your back for a few seconds and then bend over again.

4. Tilt to one leg

Photo: Lifehacker

Sit on the floor, stretch one leg forward, bend the other at the knee and place the foot next to the pelvis. Bend over to a straight leg, grasp the foot with your hands and pull the toe towards you. Try not to round your back.

Repeat with the other leg.

5. Standing Bend

Photo: Lifehacker

Spread your legs wider, toes pointed forward. Lower your body down, keeping your back straight, until you place your palms on the floor.

6. Longitudinal split

Move into a longitudinal split with the iliac crests pointing forward. Place your palms on the floor and keep your body weight on your hands. Try not to turn your hips and shoulders to the side.

Inner Thigh Stretching Exercises

1. Deep Squat

Photo: Lifehacker

Stand next to a rack or machine that you can hold on to. Feet shoulder-width apart, toes and knees turned outward. Lower yourself into a deep squat, keeping your back straight.

2. Butterfly against the wall

Photo: Lifehacker

Sit on the floor with a straight back, put your feet in front of you with your feet to each other. Try to lower your knees to the floor, but do not put pressure on them with your hands. Keep your back straight.

Save 🧘🏻‍♂️

• How to do the butterfly pose to improve stretch and protect your back

3.

Frog

Photo: Lifehacker

Lie on the floor on your stomach, spread your knees to the sides and bend your legs at a right angle. Try to put the pelvis on the floor.

4. Frog with a straight leg

Photo: Lifehacker

Lie on the floor on your stomach, spread your knees to the sides so that your thighs are parallel to the floor. Bend one leg at the knee, straighten the other. Try to put the pelvis on the floor. Repeat with the other leg.

5. Fold forward

Photo: Lifehacker

Sit on the floor, spread your straight legs wider, and then lean forward. Try to lie on your stomach on the floor, do not bend your knees.

6. Transverse split

Photo: vova130555 / Depositphotos

Move apart in the transverse split. Don’t push your pelvis back too far, ideally it should be in line with your knees and feet. Place your palms on the floor, and if stretching allows, your forearms. Pull your pelvis down towards the floor.

7. Stretch next to the wall

Photo: Lifehacker

Lie on the floor close to the wall. The body must be perpendicular to it. Spread your legs and let them slowly lower under your weight. Stay in this position for 5-10 minutes.

Outer Thigh Stretches

1. Hip Abduction

Photo: Lifehacker

Stand next to a wall with your right side turned towards it. Cross your right leg behind your left and squat down. The left leg is bent, the right leg remains straight and moves further and further to the left. The straight body hangs over the left leg.

Repeat on the other side.

2. Standing stretch

Photo: Lifehacker

Place your left leg behind your right one in front and lean to the left. You can put one hand on your belt, put your hands over your head or in front of you. The more the body leans, the better the muscles are stretched.

Exercises for stretching the lower legs

1. Stretching against the wall

Photo: Lifehacker

Press the toe of your right foot against the wall, take your left foot a step and a half back. The feet are firmly pressed to the floor, the left leg is straight. Try to reach the wall with your right knee, while the muscles of the left leg will be stretched.

Change legs.

2. Stretching against the wall on the heel

Photo: Lifehacker

Stand close to the wall. Put your right toe on the wall, take your left foot a step and a half back. Bend your left leg at the knee, increasing the stretch. Change legs and repeat.

3. Calf Stretch

Photo: Lifehacker

Sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you. Place the foot of one leg on the thigh of the other. Grasp the foot with the opposite hand and pull the sock.

Change legs.

Read also 💪😉

• 8 best exercises for weight loss
• 30 exercises for a hard cardio workout that will leave you exhausted
• 3 Perfect Workout Programs for Girls in the Gym
• Unique Workout Program Developed by Scientists for SEALs USA
• 10-Minute Morning Exercise to Replace Coffee

Stretching classes for children – 9 rooms

Stretching is just something that is very cool to do in childhood. At this age, the body still has that flexibility that naturally helps to stretch and sit on the twine. They say about it – “natural flexibility”. Yes, each child has his own starting data, but look at the picture as a whole – for adults, stretching is given by more work and effort.

In addition, if at a young age to work out high-quality stretching, then in the future it will have a good effect on the body and health. General well-being and ease of movement – “come from childhood.”

We accept children from the age of 5 to the stretching group. This time is the perfect middle ground to start. This article explains why. We also talk about the benefits, features of classes and what is important for parents to know.

Why is muscle stretching useful?

Children are missing one exercise to get enough activity. After school – tons of homework, which must be done either in a notebook or at a computer. As a result, you have to sit a lot, the spine gets used to the “crooked” position, clamps appear, the legs and pelvis become numb. Some people may have scoliosis.

Stretching is good for the body:

• help to gain flexibility and agility
• remove the clamps – the feeling of stiffness disappears
• stretch and straighten the spine – scoliosis can be avoided
• give a beautiful posture – useful for both boys and girls
• improve health – blood circulates better and reaches the internal organs
• active work of the joints is the key to the prevention of arthritis and arthrosis in the future

There are benefits for the mind too. Stretching for children is based on static light stretching. During the whole process, children are taught to monitor the degree of tension. It helps concentration and develops attention.

Before classes start, or what parents need to know.

If a child has a curvature of the spine, it is best to consult a doctor first. Some types of scoliosis can be corrected or corrected by stretching. And in some cases, the doctor will give advice and recommendations – perhaps some exercises should be avoided in the classroom. Or do it with extreme caution.

In this case, be sure to talk to the coach about it. So he will know about the elements that the child does not need to perform, and he will also be able to control that he does not start doing them together with the rest of the group.

There may be another case – you are not sure that the child himself has a good stretch by nature. Then also warn the trainer about this so that he will think over the most comfortable exercises for him.

So classes will be held in pleasure and in absolute safety. The coach ALWAYS monitors this, but when you pay attention to this issue, it guarantees successful training.

At what age can you start stretching?

Stretching lessons for children are different from those for adults. This is due to the development and readiness of the body for certain loads.

• Up to 4 years.

Lessons for kids are better done in the form of a game in order to captivate them with an interesting task. Exercises should be easy and painless – the fear of pain will discourage all desire to engage in the future. Under the guidance of a coach, the kid stretches himself, according to his abilities. His muscles, joints and ligaments are still being formed, so during this period you can not use additional weight for stretching.

• From 4 to 7 years old.

Stretching for children becomes more intense, the coach can use his strength to self-stretching. Safely stretches the child, feels his abilities and potential. The student talks about his feelings, and the coach listens and chooses the appropriate load.

• After 7 years.

The most “effective” age for classes. The body is shaped so more advanced stretching techniques can be added.

Features of classes.

When stretching, the load goes to the foundations of the body – joints, ligaments and muscles. Therefore, it is very important to think not only about how cool the result will be, but also about safety during classes. Flexibility without injuries is the main task of the teacher. The session must begin with a warm-up workout. They allocate 10 minutes for this. Running, jumping, swinging legs and arms, squats and even dance moves are suitable.

The body is warmed up and the stretching begins. It is important to remember that stretching is not only twine, but the flexibility of all muscles. Therefore, they will not immediately pull the twine. Gradually and carefully, the trainer will show stretching exercises for all muscles. They will move from top to bottom – from the neck to the feet.

This is how joints and ligaments prepare for splits. The coach will look at the abilities of the students and help someone with the splits, and for someone he will postpone this “quest” for the next time. Everything is as comfortable as possible for the child and under strict control.

Need to choose between dancing and stretching?

Dilemma? Give the child to dancing or stretching? Hold the menu, the dance school in Moscow “9 halls” offers just such “food for thought”:

• Stretch.

A flexible body and plastic muscles are good for health and well-being. But not to use such preparation for something else is a missed opportunity. In any case, all physical activities or dances are best completed with stretching. After classes, the child will know and use the necessary exercises for a “hitch”.

• Dancing.

Learn different styles and schemes, develop the skill of improvisation. Dancing is uplifting and good for speed and power.

• Combo.

Children’s dance classes can be combined with stretching for better muscle development. Strength comes from dancing, flexibility from stretching. It will also help to increase the amplitude of some elements. And in jazz-modern styles, choreography on the pylon and classical choreography, you simply cannot do without it. The spectacle of these areas gives grace and flexibility. And what gives it? Good stretch.

We invite children to stretching classes!

We really love it when guys develop with interest and with health benefits. Teachers create an atmosphere of trust, support and joy in the classroom. And the children light them, and our entire team, with fun and activity. Let’s grow together, grow together!

Select branch*
Select Myasnitskaya

Age category*
SelectFor childrenFor adultsFor older generation

Lesson type*
Select Group LessonPrivate Lesson

Your last name*

Name*

Telephone*

Email*

Select Date

Your name

Your last name

Your phone number

Your email

Select branch*
Select Myasnitskaya

Age category*
SelectFor childrenFor adultsFor older generation

Your last name*

Name*

Telephone*

Email*

Thanks for choosing us!

Application processing time from 10:00 to 18:00.