Last night there was this sound bite on the news concerning back issues young children complain about because of two major reasons. They carry backpacks to school that are too heavy and they have to sit down for extended periods of time in their classrooms. You remember, don’t you, that comfortable position of sitting on a wooden chair with your head bent over, near constantly nose-dived in a book. The result, eight year olds with back problems.
To deal with that, a program is launched that teaches our youngsters the basics of “back hygiene”. What basically happens, is that in a number of elementary schools chiropractors, ergotherapists and of course sports teachers have two three minute sessions a week in which the kids move their backs in a sensible way.
A few kids were interviewed as well as a couple of teachers and principals. The kids' comments were about the fact that they have back problems and that what causes these problems. The teachers and principals talked enthusiastically about the program. I found that rather curious, because what I saw was person A talking about causes only person B had control over, and person B talking about how person A should deal with the effects of that which he chose not to deal with.
Else said, backpacks are too heavy (recent studies state that about 80% of backpacks are to heavy for the fragile, growing backs of our children. An issue that has been around since as long as I an remember), children have to sit still in uncomfortable positions too long and what do we do? We choose not to deal with the causes, just cover up the effects and somehow turn that in a positive news item.
One principal said it would be best if the kids did these exercises a few times a day, but that would interfere with the program too much and might cause the sort of chaos that isn’t really desirable.
Yes, imagine that! Kids being allowed to get up for three minutes and move a little. Imagine that such chaos would be allowed to infect our classrooms not once, but twice a day. Oh dear, we can’t have that, now can we?
Let alone that we’d do the unthinkable, like lowering the weight of backpacks and incorporating weird things like letting children get up from their chairs as a deliberate means of interacting and integrating knowledge. The sheer thought of it must send shivers down quite a few people’s spines.
Instead, let’s not question the ways in which we do things. Let’s keep everything the way it is. And if a kid breaks his back, he should be grateful for our relentless efforts that allow him to move three minutes twice a week.
And if that still isn’t enough movement for an 8-year old, let’s get him on medication. If he needs even more manoeuvrability than that, he must have ADHD.
Yes indeed, should you not have figured it out yet, news items like these p%$$ me off. Why? There’s no accomplishment in graciously allowing an 8-year old three minutes of movement twice a week. There’s no proof of excellence when stating that children moving about in a classroom equals undesirable chaos. There is however tons of research, actual experience and plain good old fashioned common sense that prove beyond the shadow of a doubt that putting long term strain on young growing bodies have devastating effects on health. There’s an equal amount of proof that children that move, are in fact better thinkers! Grades go up, feeling of well being goes up, with the chance of ending up with a more accomplished and happier student, and eventually adult, as a result.
Initiatives like these don’t deserve a pat on the back, they ask for a kick just bellow. Or is that too harsh a reaction when someone comes up with a three minute armswinging session to tackle a back breaking issue that has been around for at least three decades now?
Time to grow a spine and deal with causes, not just effects, which of course goes way beyond the boundaries of children’s backs and classroom settings. Unless of course we aim to educate our children to cover the effects of their own denied responsibilities, rather than to deal with things. That is after all the example we are setting here (and spend airtime on) celebrating it, right? If that is our goal…please, continue.
similas 12 August 2011
Hello, my group is just establishing our first website, searching and working out what is needed. This blog stuck out right away. I'm fired up about this, and adore the design of your site. Are you able to let me know what "theme" it is?
pick 4 lottery
http://www.xn--5dbedsb6czavp.com/
actioner 15 August 2011
To finally think, feel and know that I was worth it, as a person, to grant myself the smile I had craved for for so long. Yes indeed, that takes overwriting quite a lot of negativity. It was a 5 star jump out of my comfort zone.Abendkleider
Abend kleider
Brautkleider
Ballkleider
kleider online
Promkleider
Brautjungfer
Yoga Clothing
Luxury Yoga Bags
UK yoga store
yoga apparel
yoga mats
Timberland Boots UK 9 September 2011
Autumn fashion is boom, with designers likeTimberland Boots UKrelease fabulous new style still has some we all time favorite style it will become a great autumn.
Coach 22 September 2011
lii
Thank you give us this good article! It is necessary to seller in particular air max. Certain cheap Coach Outlet overseas need a month for delivery coach outlet online. Therefore, if you want to purchase this cheap coach purses as a gift, you must be very clear, or you might miss the anniversary of your friend. Coach Factory outlet can be very comfortable and warm, reaching over nike dunk sb and a few considerations that are not expensive Prada Outlet. In addition to the plate of the car, it also ya a coach Puma Shoes, which is very popular and practical Supra Shoes. These Coach Bags was designed by Coach Outlet Online. The simple design offers these bags with classic coach outlet online. A robust exterior color difference inside is lined Coach Outlet Store. Never go with intent to endanger, try to go in coach factory outlet, even if they are on the hard discount in coach factory outlet online. Just run after the nike air yeezy is the best shoes. And you must also learn return louis vuitton outlet because the burden of international Coach Factory Outlet is very expensive.
Name 29 September 2011
go for cute and classic with a perky pink cheap uggs
pair of shoes matched with a sweet fuzzy sweater. cheap uggs for sale
You cannot go wrong with this Australian footwear that looks cheap uggs
as great as it feels! ugg us
Your fantastic sheepskin boots or UGG Boots Kids
shoes can be worn year round, as the trend ugg boots uk
caught on in the swelter summers of Los Angeles ugg boots sale
when the hottest stars were spied tromping around town uggs london
in these fuzzy wonders. uggs uk
Especially great for cooler climates, these ugg clearance
sexy boots and shoes will keep your tootsies warm ugg australia uk
regardless of what Old Man Winter can throw your uggs sale
Once the spring thaw comes, do not back up ugg boots uk sale
your great boots, as they can make the transition ugg boots on sale
with your new wardrobe and look great with flirty uk ugg sale
You will find these Aussie wonders are
kept in the front of your closet and your
feet will not be able to get enough!
Name 29 September 2011
go for cute and classic with a perky pink cheap uggs
pair of shoes matched with a sweet fuzzy sweater. cheap uggs for sale
You cannot go wrong with this Australian footwear that looks cheap uggs
as great as it feels! ugg us
Your fantastic sheepskin boots or UGG Boots Kids
shoes can be worn year round, as the trend ugg boots uk
caught on in the swelter summers of Los Angeles ugg boots sale
when the hottest stars were spied tromping around town uggs london
in these fuzzy wonders. uggs uk
Especially great for cooler climates, these ugg clearance
sexy boots and shoes will keep your tootsies warm ugg australia uk
regardless of what Old Man Winter can throw your uggs sale
Once the spring thaw comes, do not back up ugg boots uk sale
your great boots, as they can make the transition ugg boots on sale
with your new wardrobe and look great with flirty uk ugg sale
You will find these Aussie wonders are
kept in the front of your closet and your
feet will not be able to get enough!
cheap oakley sunglasses 7 October 2011
These projects not only aims to promote meaningful purchase, for our customers, but these will also help us to improve its ability to store in to adapt to change. Anyway, these wholesale sunglasses accessories Oakley sunglasses absolute function and help us clients, it will be beneficial to our business. But in the end, we should provide our customers get their means the value of money, this is made by our reinforced more affordable, quality wholesale
cheap oakley sunglasses accessories
sunglasses 14 October 2011
oakley sunglasses style that will always be around! CTS has expanded its line of the wayfarer cheap oakley sunglasses to include these new checker printed ones.If you are looking for a large selection of wholesalediscount oakley sunglasses then you at the right place! They directly import all of the cheap oakleys with very low prices.
chanel 2.55 classic wallet 22 October 2011
Replica chanel handbag are very cost efficient but high quality manufacturers take great care to ensure that the replica they create is durable. It has a snap closure, made of coated canvas, fabric leather and metal for not only good looks but a long life. It is important to remember that when a cheap chanel handbag may cost several thousand dollars, a "discount" may still be quite an expensive price. The style, design, quality and fabric of Chanel bags will make the most stylish and trendy bag for you.Women can find varied chic designs and attractive color of the chanel replica handbags at economical prices on Chanel outlet shopping online. Chanel handbags are one of the most popular designer buy Chanel bags 2011 lines in the world, with a long line of tradition and rubber stamped quality. Therefore, it can be said that by buying Replica chanel handbag for sale cheap one can become the proud owner of quality yet designer bags.
ugg boots outlet 29 October 2011
Important note : the Australian UGG is not a brand name, but a large number of snow boots brand name ugg boots outlet. In the above to the Australian UGG official sell shoes is the Jumbo UGG brand, of course it is Australia's UGG ugg outlet this large class. In Australia there are many other UGG brand, named the way may be XXX UGG UGG XXXugg sale, may also be. While Jumbo UGG is one of many Australian traditional UGG brand in the largest manufacturers,
Quality is the best ugg boots sale.
Post new comment