Want to sign your child up for a fun, healthy class?

Take your family to a cool car show?

How would you like to learn more about the games children playby joining in?

The West Virginia Motor Development Center in the West Virginia University College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences is offering a variety of fall classes for children and parents, Choosy Kids Club celebrations and the second annual Healthy Kids Car Show Sept. 14 at the Coliseum.

Fall classes begin Sept. 1 and continue through Dec. 3. Parents are encouraged to register their children before the first day of class for each session. A registration form is available at http://www.bechoosy.org .

Classes involve land- or water-based activities for infants, babies, toddlers, preschool and school-age children and are designed to promote active learning and healthy living.

Activities provide opportunities for socializing and playful learning in a safe, developmentally appropriate environment, said Michelle Jeffrey, program coordinator.

This is a great opportunity for children of all ages to have fun this fall while learning healthy life skills,Jeffrey said.We encourage parents to sign their children up today due to class-size limitations.

Children can participate in various motor stimulation classes or splash and play pool activities organized by the Motor Development Center.

Family Splash has added a new class day and is designed for parents and their children ages 6 months to 5 years. This 45-minute class allows children and at least one adult partner to enjoy water play while increasing body movement and muscle coordination, with the goal of beginning a lifelong habit of healthy activity. Children experience unstructured pool play time and interact with others while gaining social skills.

This class provides a great way for parents to spend time with children while socializing with other adults in the class, Jeffrey said. Classes meet Tuesdays from 5-5:45 p.m. Sept 2 through Nov. 18 and Saturdays from noon-12:45 p.m. Sept. 6 through Nov. 22 in the Elizabeth Moore Hall pool on the Downtown Campus.

A new class, Choosy Kids Club Parents 4 DDR , is geared for Choosy Kids Club parents of all ages. The 45-minute class features Dance Dance Revolution in a relaxed social atmosphere in the WVU Coliseum while children participate in Choosy Kids Club activities.

The class provides a basic introduction to Dance Dance Revolution for parents who are unfamiliar with it while also offering game play for experienced players. Other electronic games that feature physical activity will also be introduced. Classes meet in Room 132s of the Coliseum on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30-6:15 p.m. Sept. 22 through Dec. 3.

The game lets participants move their feet and dance to music in sync with arrows on a video screen. Think of it as karaoke for your feet. Research has shown the game to have health benefits.

Another recently added class is Women for Dance Dance Revolution. The class is for women of all ages and abilities who would like to play the interactive video game in a relaxed social atmosphere.

The class will provide a basic introduction to DDR while also providing game play for those who are already exercising with it. Other electronic games that promote physical activity will also be introduced. The class is designed to offer participants new information and exercise ideas. It will meet from 6-6:45 p.m. on Tuesdays Sept. 23 through Nov. 18 in Room 132s of the Coliseum.

In addition, children can participate in Choosy Kids Club, which encourages children 5-11 to develop active lifestyles and healthy choices. Participants work one-on-one with a personal trainer in strength and aerobic conditioning, nutrition and health information, active games, inline skating, scooters, songs, jump ropes and other favorite games.

Children receive a journal/scrapbook detailing their progress. Choosy classes meet from 5:15-6:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays Sept. 22 through Dec. 3 in the Shell Building.

Other classes offered are Infant Skills (3-6 months); Baby Skills (6 months to almost walking); Young Walkers (1 year to 24 months); Toddler Skills (24-36 months); Kinder Skills (ages 3-5); Baby Splash (6 months to 2 years); Toddler Splash (ages 2-3); Kinder Splash (ages 3-5); and Choosy Swim (ages 4-6 and 7-11).

Discounts are available for siblings, multiple weeks and if children bring a buddy.

For registration information and a full schedule of classes, visit http://www.bechoosy.org or contact Jeffrey at 304-293-3295 ext. 5252 or ” michelle.jeffrey@mail.wvu.edu rel=nofollow> michelle.jeffrey@mail.wvu.edu .

Car Show

The Healthy Kids Car Show will offer parents and children an opportunity to enjoy a fun day checking out cool, classy cars.

Registration will be from 9 a.m.-noon Sept. 14. Every car must be registered. Judging begins at 1 p.m. with an awards presentation at 4 p.m.

All categories of rides are welcome, including custom, antique, hot rods, imports, trucks, motorcycles, classics or thefixer-upper.

Dash plaques will be given to the first 50 entries, with five specialty awards and trophies given to the top 20 cars and trucks.

Other exciting activities and prizes include a 50/50 drawing and a giveaway raffle. Families can also enjoy free face painting for the kids, plus a concession area with healthy food. Proceeds from the car show will benefit the Choosy Kids programs for children at WVU .

Choosy Celebration

For those who want to celebrate something special, schools, parents and groups can book a Choosy celebration to mark birthdays, milestones and accomplishments.

A Choosy celebration includes Choosy , the Motor Development Centers colorful mascot for healthy life choices.

Groups of up to 25 children spend two hours in the gym or pool at Elizabeth Moore Hall and enjoy age-appropriate games, songs and activities. Invitations, play leaders, lifeguards, trained teachers, a group photo and party favors are included. Special attention is paid to the party child.

Gift certificates are available for classes or celebrations.

A gift certificate for these classes or for a celebration makes a wonderful, special gift from a parent, grandparent or any other family member to a child,Jeffrey said.The kids have a great time at the celebrations, and they book up fast.

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