Amazing Athletes: Staying Active for Kids

What is Amazing Athletes?
We coach the basic fundamentals of nine major ball sports. We use the sports as a way to teach them key developmental skills such as coordination, gross and fine motor skills, speed and agility, and we help build their confidence. One of the goals is to teach the children in our classes the basic fundamentals of the sports so that they have a better idea of how to play them. We teach the sports in a non-competitive, safe environment so the child is free to learn without the fear of failure or ridicule. I always tell parents that it’s more than just learning sports, though. We are teaching the kids valuable skills that will help not only on the playing field, but in the classroom as well.

Why is it important to keep children active?
We all know that obesity is on the rise, especially among children. There are numerous studies showing that children who are active at an early age focus better in school, have higher test scores, stay out of trouble, and stay active long into adulthood. The only way to fight the obesity epidemic is one person at a time. We are trying to do our part to help.

What are some things that parents can do at home to keep their kids active?
There are numerous things you can do at home to stay active with your kids, and a lot of them don’t even cost very much money or are free! You can set a workout schedule with your kids to do every morning: 25 jumping jacks, 25 push-ups and 25 crunches, for example. You can go for a walk every evening after dinner. You can go for a bike ride. You can go to the zoo or a museum. The possibilities are endless. The key is to stay moving. (Maybe reference the list of things to do at the end of this document?)

At what age should I get my child involved in competitive sports?
I hear this all the time. I see it all the time. There really isn’t a set age of when it’s the right time. Each child is different. Some may have a natural inclination toward a certain sport at 3 years old, some may not blossom until they’re teenagers. What I usually tell parents is that if their child is having fun, let them play the sport. It’s very hard to tell what sport a child will excel in when they’re 3, 4, 5 years old. Sports should be fun, if your child is truly enjoying the sport then let them play. If not, don’t force them.

My child is not very “athletic,” is Amazing Athletes right for him/her?
This is another one I get all the time. The answer is yes. Amazing Athletes uses sports as a way to teach so many things. Every child will get something out of our classes. The ones who are athletically gifted will be able to hone their skills. The ones who are not will be able to learn about some sports that they might not have gotten a chance to otherwise. And everyone will be able to build their confidence, learn about teamwork, improve their coordination, and most importantly have fun while being active!

Amazing Athletes of Eastern Oklahoma
Classes are held all over Green Country at various public schools, daycares, preschools and private schools
918-407-3472
www.amazingathletes.com/easternOK
We also have a facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Amazing-Athletes-of-Eastern-Oklahoma/153114291366912