Focusing on Fitness in the New Year

Kicking off the new year, students in YouthQuest are focusing on health and wellness as they participate in their own version of “American Ninja Warrior.”

“Over the course of the month, students will learn about physical fitness and healthy behaviors– a core element in YouthQuest” says Nefertari Jones, Program Director of YouthQuest. “To test what they learned, students will then compete in their own ‘American Ninja Warrior’-style obstacle courses.”

Activities throughout the month include:

• Learning about the five senses and using each sense to identify different items
• Playing the role of germs and discovering ways the immune system can stop them from spreading
• Learning about the bones in the body by putting together a skeleton puzzle

To help extend learning at home, parents can do the following:

• Keep your student interested in physical fitness by doing their favorite fitness activity with them.
• Have your student explain to you what they learned about the body. Ask questions about their bones, the immune system or the cardiovascular system.
• Talk about the importance of sleep and make sure your student gets the sleep they need. Sleep is important to stay healthy and fit, and gives students the energy they need to participate fully at YouthQuest.

YouthQuest is made possible through the generous support of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and 21st Century Community Learning Centers.

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