Energy freshly burned, kids set to get back to the books

Six youngsters sit around a table. Paper trimmings cover the table like snowflakes. This is the Bata Shoe Museum and these kids are enrolled in their March break madness camp.

During a week free from reading, writing and arithmetic some parents look to organized programs such as this one to keep the kids busy.

Retired child psychologist, Myrna Carlin, thinks that injecting organized activities can not only benefit the child.

“Children in elementary school should always have boundaries and schedules to aid them in adapting for the future,” she said.

She added that a week may not seem like a long time, but in the life of a young child, a week free from the rules of school can greatly alter a young child’s routine.

“In (the younger) age group, children need to have a schedule to maintained focused,” Carlin said.

While high school students can use this time to relax, younger children, Carlin said, need to maintain a routine.

Diana Wolfson teaches Grades one through five and knows first-hand that young children returning from  March break can find it difficult getting back to the books .

“I have had several students, especially in the younger grades, that really struggle with paying attention in the early mornings and sitting still. When you combine that age group, fatigue and a sunny day…we see a lot of tears and sleepy faces,” Wolfson said.

Wolfson said that March break allows children to burn off some energy. In addition, she agrees that children may not always love having scheduled free time over March break, but it seems to help upon their return to the classroom.

Filed by Jenna Conter

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Posted: Mar 22 2009 8:51 am
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Filed under: Arts & Life News