COACH, Chesterfield County’s Coalition for Active Children, will be offering three “I Am Moving, I Am Learning” workshops in 2012. These workshops teach early-childhood educators (those working in preschools or in other early-childhood programs) ways that they can incorporate movement and healthier nutrition in their children’s daily routines.
Participants will learn how to tap into their inner child, creating meaningful play that incorporates movement and nutrition concepts. They will explore the science of body-brain interaction, and experience activities that will not only enhance physical development, motor skills and nutrition, but positively impact the academic achievement of the children they teach. Simple techniques are taught that can improve a child’s health and learning potential.

The workshop dates are:

• Saturday, Jan. 28, 8 a.m.-noon at Virginia State University
• Saturday, May 19, 8 a.m.-noon (location TBA in the Midlothian area)
• Saturday, Sept. 29, 8 a.m.-noon at Chester YMCA

“I Am Moving, I Am Learning” is an educational approach that incorporates movement as an integral part of a healthy learning routine. It was created by Dr. Linda Carson of West Virginia University. She used the mind-body connection to address issues concerning childhood obesity and how to increase academic potential. The curriculum is designed to build and stimulate neural connections for children aged 3-8. When children are moving, their brains are ready to learn.

The purpose is to bring about three changes:

• Increase children’s daily levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity
• Improve the quality of the structured-movement activities that are taught by adults
• Provide education about healthful nutrition choices for children

The registration fee is $25 per person. Call Carla Todd at 804-524-5966 to register for the Jan. 28 session.

Trainings are a collaborative effort between the Virginia Cooperative Extension, WIC and COACH.