Finland’s education success (video)

 

Less is more – free from politicians

 Children don’t start proper school until age seven.  By that time they are itching to start classes.  (Note: They are more developmentally ready to learn reading having a more mature visual system that can focus and track.  I wish NBC News would have reported that last night as they featured the world’s most successful educational system.) Watch this video showing the relaxed school atmosphere.  

Take your shoes off and watch how learning is more like a team game… without winners and losers.  Trust is important – students head off unaccompanied during their PE cross-country skiing.  Listen to the music, and enjoy a moment in Finland.  Better yet, move to the music and feel the joy!

Healthier Students are Better Learners

A Missing Link in School Reforms
To Close the Achievement Gap

Charles Basch from the Teachers College, Columbia University offers a comprehensive essay on effective School Health programs. Topics including vision, asthma, teen pregnancy, aggression and violence, physical activity, breakfast, and inattention and hyperactivity are addressed. Thanks to Charles for offering this Research Initiative of the Campaign for Educational Equity.

Bottom line – “Healthier Students are Better Learners!”

Physical Activity Campaigns

Recommended ways to promote

physical activities and physical fitness

Task Force on Community Preventive Services provides free research and publications helping people choose programs and policies to improve health and prevent disease within their community. More than 200 interventions have been reviewed by the Task Force on Community Services. Free Community Guides are available addressing 19 health topics including physical activity. Strong evidence suggests using a community-wide campaign to increase physical activity and improve physical fitness among adults and children. Now is the best time to act using these best practices.