As our little learners return to school, either in a classroom or at home, it is important to keep their bodies moving! Research has shown that physical movement:
🧠 improves our ability to focus
🧠 helps consolidate learning
🧠 boosts productivity
🧠 reduces feelings of being overwhelmed
This academic year, we encourage all students to engage in brief movement breaks every 60-90 minutes! This may look like:
🧘🏻♀️ Stretching or performing yoga poses
🏃🏼 Going for a short walk (even around the classroom or your home)
🤸🏼♂️ Completing 10 jumping jacks
💃🏼 Having a dance party
Your student will come back feeling rejuvenated and ready to approach their work with more energy and a fresh perspective!
Please share with us how you and your family keep moving while completing school or other work!
How to boost productivity when working at home
A question many people have been asking themselves is “How can I be the most productive when working at home?”
Here are a few tips to increase your learning/working from home productivity:
🔹Reducing desk clutter and distractions is a great way to keep your mind focused on the task at hand
⏰ Set a weekly schedule
✅ Make goals for the day
🚫 Turn off other electronics
🏃 Always take movement break (stay tuned for tips!)
🕖As they say, you have to look the part to play the part! Even if your kids are learning virtually, stick to a schedule. Everyone should get up at a consistent time and get dressed in order to feel ready to tackle the school day.
You got this! 💪
At Home Learning Station
With an increase in virtual learning, there is a greater demand to set up an effective home learning station! Here are a few things to keep in mind when creating the perfect study space for your kids.
Although it is tempting to watch that last school module on the couch, please encourage good habits by asking your kids to do their work at an ergonomically sound workstation:
Have your child sit on a chair where they can maintain good posture. Their knees should be bent approximately 90 degrees and their feet should be flat on the floor. For younger learners, this may require a stool or box to rest their feet on.
When working with a computer, keep the screen at eye level. This may require using as stand to raise the computer monitor.
Adjust screen brightness, ideally to keep it around the same brightness as the work environment.
It is also important to keep in mind that more online learning means more screen time. We encourage you to be mindful of eye strain by encouraging breaks and reducing playtime involving screens. Consistent blinking and changing eye focus by looking around the room periodically can help relax the eyes and keep them moist. The 20/20/20 rule is a great way to help with this (have your child look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes!).
Questions about your home learning station? Please let us know in the comment section!
How to select the best shoes
Whether you’re leaning from home or in the classroom, there will be lots of running, jumping, and playing come September! Kids need shoes that are ready for just that!Please read below for a few hints to help with shoe shopping!
Even if you think that you already know your child’s size, try the next size up or down and check that they have an index finger width of space from their longest toe to the end of the shoe. Also consider the width of the shoe, a child’s heel should stay in place and not wiggle out of the shoe.
Pro tip- Remove the insole from the shoe, and have your child stand on the insole to get a better idea of how their foot fits in the shoe.
Every child needs a shoe that is ready to move with them. Choose a shoe that is light enough to be comfortable for the whole day, perhaps with cushioning for extra comfort, and sufficient traction to reduce falls. With reduced falls in mind, cross the Heelys off the list…the built-in wheels can lead to injuries and alter how your child walks.
What about the battle between Velcro and laces? If your child is not ready to begin tying their shoes and you want a fast and easy option, velcro shoes may be the right choice. Please avoid slip-on shoes that will likely lack proper foot support.
If your child uses orthotics or a foot brace, remember to bring these items along to the store! As stated in an earlier post, “overpronation is not just flat feet”. While all babies are born with flat feet, if your child is showing signs of overpronation, a combination of physiotherapy and orthotics could be beneficial for your child. If the feet are simply flatter, a shoe with a rigid heel can help stabilize this more flexible foot type. For a foot with a high arch, a flexible shoe with shock absorption can be a good option.
Happy shopping! If you have any questions about footwear, please do not hesitate to ask in the comment section!
The Perfect Backpack
As a new school year quickly approaches, whether you choose online or in-person learning, a new backpack can help get your little learner excited to start the new year!
When choosing a schoolbag with your child this year, consider backpack ergonomics.
Ergonomics is a fancy word that describes interactions between people and the equipment in their work environment in order to promote worker safety and efficiency, while minimizing injury. Ergonomic backpacks can translate into less back pain and better posture.
We came up with “DW’S Tips” to help you choose an ergonomically sound backpack this year!
D-Design
Look for ergonomic features! 2 wide, padded shoulder straps, waist and chest straps, and back padding can increase comfort and promote good posture. Compartments can also help redistribute weight more evenly.
W-Weight
No more than 10-15% of the child’s body weight, and definitely no more than 25lbs! With online work becoming more common, lugging around extra textbooks can be avoided. It is important to note that when packing heavy items, they should be placed against the back and towards the bottom of the backpack.
S-Size
Choose a backpack that fits your child’s essential items but avoids excess space, as this tends to lead to overpacking. It should not be wider than the torso or hang far below the waist!