Fern Michonski / Fern’s Music
Pre-School Music Education Expert: The Children’s Advocate for Love and Kindness, Inspiring Creativity and Joy.
August 1, 2012—The Olympics!
Folks around the globe are watching the Olympics being held in London, England. Watching these amazing athletes in excellent health, performing feats nothing short of incredible, is inspiring. My hope is that more than medals and memories come from the Olympics. The biggest gold medal our children can take home from these games is inspiration. Inspiration to move! To run, jump, play and develop a lifestyle that helps their physical bodies be healthy and strong.
In an article by The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), it states “more and more young children are being diagnosed with early symptoms of heart disease, ranging from obesity to dangerous levels of cholesterol and blood pressure. The cause, in many cases, may be traced to an increasingly sedentary lifestyle.” According to NAESP, “Research has proven that physically active children have fewer healthy problems than sedentary youngsters, do better in physical performance tests, and are more alert at school. They also have a stronger self-image and greater self-confidence. Therefore, it makes good sense to encourage physical activity when your children are young.”
I responded to this issue by creating “Kids! Dance With Fern!”, a high-energy dance tape for young children. This rollicking, creative collection is a kaleidoscope of musical styles that will keep kids on their feet boogying!—Parents are encouraged to join the fun too!
While we are watching the Olympic Games with our children, let’s foster this inspiration and get the Olympic torch burning within their souls. Encourage them to dream, get active in sports, to dance, to run and to get outside to explore the beautiful world we live in, through the reality of their own lives, not just through the television set. As we have seen the past couple of days through our Olympic athletes, great achievement has a beginning. It has to start somewhere, and the best time to get moving is during the preschool years.
Here’s to all our current Olympians—Congratulations! You have my deepest respect. Here’s to all our future Olympians—our current preschoolers—get moving, start dreaming and start dancing towards the stars! Here’s the “Shimmy Shake”, a little song that will get kids rockin’, twisting and boppin’ towards their dreams.
