Friday, October 12, 2007; Posted: 11:58 p.m. (CDT)
They are being taught how to move their bodies. Hundreds of students at six Putnam City Elementary schools are learning through a program called "Dancewise."
Brianna Fuestes, a Wiley Post Elementary student, says, "We did rhythm, diamond and our names using our bodies."
As we all know, obesity among children is a serious issue. In the United States, it's growing at an alarming rate. But programs such as Dancewise can help. In fact, experts recommend children have at least an hour of physical activity a day.
Amy Nevius, a Wiley Post Elementary Teacher, says, "They've been learning about how their bodies move. They've been learning about energy and space."
Dancewise helps to build strength, balance, coordination and flexibility. It also promotes self-discovery among students and is supposed to build self-esteem.
These students seem to enjoy what they're learning. It's just another creative way to teach them some important skills.
Dancewise is a five week program. The cost of the program was covered by a grant from the Oklahoma State Arts Council.
