Plymouth’s Little Newtons Offers Tips to Get Kids Moving During Pandemic

At a time when in-person classes in Minnesota are few and far between, it’s mostly business as usual at places that offer childcare.

And at Little Newtons in Plymouth, physical activity is a staple of the kids’ everyday routines.

“It benefits so many things,” said Krissy Finco, chief operating officer at Little Newtons. “It’s kind of like one of those breaks so that they can actually concentrate and do what they need to do, once they get their wiggles out I guess is what we would call it.”

A classroom full of 3-year-olds has plenty of the so-called wiggles, which is why they take time every day to have dance parties that get kids moving.

It’s something that staff members say parents can incorporate at home.

“When you say it’s time to go exercise, I know my kids would be like, ‘no we’re not going to do that,’ Finco said. “But if you incorporate something that is fun for them that they like to do, they’re not even viewing it as exercise at that point.”

Take, for example, yoga. This exercise is also part of the daily routine at Little Newtons. It teaches kids about proper breathing, and allows them to get in a few good stretches in the process.

A child takes part in yoga at Little Newtons in Plymouth.

“If it’s cold outside, it’s a really easy exercise that they would be able to do inside,” Finco said. “It helps balance. It helps with strengthening that core and the breathing aspects of it.”

On average, experts say children up to age 17 should get at least 60 minutes of exercise a day.

That becomes more difficult with the various restrictions put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19, but the hope is that parents try to encourage their children to make physical activity a priority at a time when recess and youth sports are on a hiatus.

“It’s a great habit for children to get into to give them an outlet when it comes to stress and life,” Finco said.

Plymouth