Time Goes Fast!

Wow! It was just the other day that we were wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving and now we are only days away from Christmas! How did that happen?

It happens when you have children about you. Whether at home or at work, time goes faster when there are children around. Why? Probably because they have only one speed, fast. Running, climbing, talking....it is all at super speed because they have so much to accomplish in a short time. A short time, because childhood does not last long.

I know, those days that seem to just drag because you do nothing but pick up after them. Feed them. Potty train them. Read to them. Play with them. It can seem like a 24/7 job, because it is.

But in a blink of an eye, you will wonder where it all went. Time travels fast. Time never seems to slow down.

But take time this holiday season to slow yourself down enough to actually enjoy the holidays with your child. Find time to hold them  and tell them that even when they are being "bad" that you still love them and that nothing can change that. Laugh with them. Play with them.

And enjoy the holidays. Because the holidays soon become memories too.

We Hope You Had A Great Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is more than just families gathering to eat a super large meal! It is about setting family standards, history and creating stories for the future generations. We all loved hearing stories about grandma or grandpa when we were growing up, right? That is why it is important to be sure that during the holidays, things such as making memories with your children and grandchildren do not get lost in the hustle and bustle of the season.

Make time for simple special moments. Nothing has to be extravagant or time consuming. Set aside the gift shopping and find something to do that they will remember for a long time.

This Thanksgiving, after a too large of a meal, everyone was sleepily sitting around. Well, with the exception of two grandsons that is. So I seized the moment, pulled out the wagon and took them on a walk. A very long walk (actually they rode)! I do have to admit that halfway through the walk, I wondered why I had even thought of doing this. Two preschool boys in a wagon was not always an easy pull, especially when going up hill.

But when I paused to catch my breath, the oldest said, "Grandma this is the best day ever! I like it when we go on walks." The he smiled and nodded his head up and down waiting for me to agree. Yes, it was the "best day ever" because I took a moment (well several minutes) and spent time with them in the fresh air. My enthusiasm lifted for the second half of the walk as I watched the smiling faces in my wagon. My step became lighter, my breath easier and my memories set for the rest of my life.

And I am certain that we had a better time and was in a healthier position than those we left napping and sitting in front of the television at home. Be sure to make some special memories this holiday season with your children. Happy Holidays!

Pre-Registration for Second Semester is Now Available

Second semester begins January 6, 2014 and we are currently receiving pre-registration on line at www.academyoffineartsok.com or in person at our Woodward location and Enid Location.

Move-N-Learn Academy offers an educational program that is enhanced by the arts. We do not offer daycare services and are only a part time program. Please see our website at www.academyoffineartsok.com for more information.

Happy Veterans Day!

Happy Veterans Day. Be sure to honor the veterans you know in your family and community today for their service to our country

The Value of Small Classes?

Many parents find themselves clamoring after what everyone else wants for their children, not even thinking about the fact that their child may be lost in the crowd of the most popular activity, event or class. Although large classes or groups may seem like a great idea, since so many others already believe it to be as well, a large group or class can actually make your child uncomfortable and cause them to hold back and not help to move them forward.

In large classes or events, the perceived  "natural athlete" or "dancer"  are almost always placed in a forward position to "assist the teacher or coach". The teacher or coach more than likely are believing that they are actually helping everyone by having others assist with the activity or class. but some go forward, others are pushed back.

When young students see other students that have been brought forward to "help the teacher", many start setting themselves up for failure but believing they must not be very good already, because they were not called forward to help. They start moving towards the back row or take a back seat to the training.

In a smaller class, there are no back rows or back seats to take. So everyone is given a chance to learn and grow. It does not mean that another student will not be used as a demonstrator. It does mean that the teacher or coach will not frantically scan the room for the perceived "natural" and has more time to look over every single student and find something that each, as an individual, does very well. So in a smaller class, you will actually see and experience more students "helping the teacher". No one gets pushed to the back.

Even if your child is very shy or introverted, a smaller class allows for a teacher to work slower in bringing every child to a full blossom of abilities and knowledge. Every child is given a chance and there is less comparing the students against each other. There is less of a need to rush each child to reach a certain standard, because there are so many students!

In an early childhood learning situation, smaller classes actually allows a child to learn more in an inviting environment where the teacher has time for them. A smaller class offers a more leveled field of opportunity for everyone. Students are happier, teachers are happier.

The value of smaller classes? It depends on how much you believe your child's happiness and enthusiasm is. If your child is hanging back in participating in the activity, school or class you have them in? Do they move to the background? Don't raise their hand enthusiastically? Smile going in and smile coming out? Do they complain that they have no friends? That no one likes them or someone always hurts them?

Smaller classes does not mean smaller value! After all, some of the nations top private school highly limit how many students are allowed to enroll each year. They know that success is there for every student that they let in through their doors. They are selective in hiring teachers. They are selective in admittance.

So is a smaller class, school or activity the right fit for your child? Only their enthusiasm and smiles will give the answer away.

Can Move-N-Learn Academy Help Home Schooled Children?

We believe that Move-N-Learn Academy can be a great supplement to your homeschooling! Home schooled children are more than welcomed at Move-N-Learn Academy. By being part of a small learning group, your child will enjoy the fun of developing friendships with the other children as well as enjoy the extra classes of dance, gymnastics, art, music and more.

Informed parents know the value of learning about the arts and being a part of the arts. Time and time again, you will find all kinds of articles on line that outline the value of being in an arts program. Move-N-Learn Academy is a nice blending of the preschool and pre-k academics needed for children ages 2-4 yrs and 4-5 yrs with the arts instruction, thus giving each child a great beginning in life.

As a private program, we offer even more than you could even imagine such as our computer lab, foreign language, American Sign Language, dance instruction, music instruction (actual instrument playing and theory), art, gymnastic and in the summer enhancement session, swimming lessons!

We invite all families to look into Move-N-Learn Academy as an option for their child's early learning. Visit our website at www.academyoffineartsok.com or our Facebook page at Move-N-Learn Academy of Woodward and Enid OK.

*Enid Move-N-Learn Academy opening January 2014
*Move-N-Learn is a non-accredited private learning opportunity

Can The Right Learning Environment Make A Difference?

It does if they know your child's name!! A welcoming environment where children are greeted every day by hearing their name called out with a smile can make a big difference in how your child approaches going to classes.

At Move-N-Learn Academy, all staff members work to make your child as comfortable as possible from the moment they walk in until the time they walk out. Greeting each child by their name as they come through the door is important. It let's them know that that their arrival is important and that we are happy to see them each and every time that they come. A smiling face that says "welcome to class" is comforting and supports their need to be recognized.

Each class starts with "I'm so happy to see....., I'm so happy to see....." while children smile and move to  music with the teacher. Every child is called upon to participate at the level they are comfortable with and no one is pushed beyond their level. Instead we help them to grow to a higher level of participation.

Catch them doing it right! Yes, every time! Teachers watch for the children to complete their skills correctly and catch them with high praise instead of always pointing out what they are doing wrong. This brings smiles and helps them to continue working hard because it is fun when the teacher knows they are in class and trying to do their best.

A proper learning environment is important. It is something all parents should take time in making their decisions as to what facility their child will attend class at.

A Typical Day At Move-N-Learn Academy

What is a typical day at Move-N-Learn Academy? First of all it is filled with exploration and learning fun from beginning to end! Parents are amazed that their child meets them in the lobby with a smile on their faces and stories to tell of what all they did during their time at Move-N-Learn Academy.

Because we believe in the body and mind connection, class time never starts with sitting at the tables working on papers. Instead, they enjoy fun learning on the computers, tablets, music keyboards and more.

From there, students then move to circle time to learn about many different things such as days and months of the year, holidays, counting out loud, letter and number recognition, color recognition, loud and quiet, hard and soft, sing songs and more.

Dancing and music making are a part of each day too. Here the students learn about left and right, high and low, vocal toning and pitch, cooperation with others, spatial awareness as well has hopping, skipping, jumping, dance technique.

Academics that are age appropriate and  meet core standards takes place at the tables. Learning to write, read and do math situations, cutting, gluing and working with shapes are just a few things that the students experience and learn from.

We have the greatest play yard! Actually, it is our gym where students participate in physical activity and gymnastics. The greatest thing about all of this is that our students receive physical activity each day they are in class because the weather is never a situation to deal with!

Summer brings great fun in the form of swimming lessons! That is right! The summer session is a splashing great time in our pool ant learning to swim safely.

** Swimming lessons and gymnastics is only offered in our Woodward location at this time. Enid location will include tumbling and physical activities.

Activity Centers

Activity centers are a daily event at Move-N-Learn Academy. Great fun for everyone exploring each center.

Science Fun with Bugs'

Science can begin for all ages of children. Young children love to explore and learn new things everyday at Move-N-Learn Academy. 

Move-N-Learn Academy May Be the Right Fit For Your Child

Not every child can learn in full day program that teaches children mainly by having them sit at desks or tables all day. Young children are active and always moving for one reason, to use their senses and locomotion to LEARN.

Move-N-Learn Academy's half day program may actually amaze you when it comes to your child's capacity to learn! A program that has been built around the needs of children and how they learn, Move-N-Learn Academy may just be the difference that meets your young child's needs.

Still Accepting Registration For Move-N-Learn Morning Academy in Woodward! Call 580-256-3262 to learn more of visit our website at www.academyoffineartsok.com. Also find Move-N-Learn Academy of Woodward Ok 73801 on Facebook and see the fun!

Now Pre-registering in our Enid location! 580-747-4799

Why should you select Move-N-Learn Academy for Pre-K?

THERE IS ONE GOOD REASON!

1. Classes are small so your child gets the help in learning that they deserve!
1. MNL offers a proven curriculum that uses the body and brain connection for better learning and retention.
1.Your child receives all of the standards that are needed to transition successfully to brick and mortar public schools , and more!
1.Your child receives fine arts training in dance, gymnastics, art, music.
1. Foreign languages such as French and Spanish are introduced through a phonics based learning style.
1, American sign language is taught and counts as a second, or even third language.
1. Art classes are not just coloring and pasting (although that is important too). Students learn the science of mixing colors, learn about textures and use different media to explore their art talents.
1. Dance is syllabus based and age appropriate, and is not just moving and shaking for exercise.
1. Gymnastics is syllabus based and age appropriate for SAFETY and fun. It is a progressive program where one skill develops from another.
1. Music taught is more than singing a song or shaking an instrument. Student learn to recognize musical symbols and start learning to actually read music.
1. Pre-K and Jr Kindergarten have piano lessons on Wednesdays
1. Parents get a daily report of their child's progress.
1. Parents can look at the progress of their child passing skills from their on line parent portal.
1. Daily computer time that teaches them how to use a computer and mouse.
1. Introduction to tablets
1. No matter what the weather, we have the largest indoor play yard in our gym for great physical fun!
1. Physical activity every day
1. Holiday parties and fun
1. Performance opportunities
1. Project based learning that allows a child to experience the learning in a fun environment and apply their knowledge.
1. Great teachers that can connect with the students.
1. A program that is based on current trends, thus teaching your child with their future in mind and not for the world in the past.
1. A program built to life students up and never break them down.

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU IN MOVE-N-LEARN ACADEMY!

A Reason To Start An Arts Education Early!

The Connection Between Arts Education and Academic Achievement

Yet against this backdrop, a new picture is emerging. Comprehensive, innovative arts initiatives are taking root in a growing number of school districts. Many of these models are based on new findings in brain research and cognitive development, and they embrace a variety of approaches: using the arts as a learning tool (for example, musical notes to teach fractions); incorporating arts into other core classes (writing and performing a play about, say, slavery); creating a school environment rich in arts and culture (Mozart in the hallways every day) and hands-on arts instruction. Although most of these initiatives are in the early stages, some are beginning to rack up impressive results. This trend may send a message to schools focused maniacally, and perhaps counterproductively, on reading and math.

"If they're worried about their test scores and want a way to get them higher, they need to give kids more arts, not less," says Tom Horne, Arizona's state superintendent of public instruction. "There's lots of evidence that kids immersed in the arts do better on their academic tests."

Education policies almost universally recognize the value of arts. Forty-seven states have arts-education mandates, forty-eight have arts-education standards, and forty have arts requirements for high school graduation, according to the 2007-08 AEP state policy database. The Goals 2000 Educate America Act, passed in 1994 to set the school-reform agenda of the Clinton and Bush administrations, declared art to be part of what all schools should teach. NCLB, enacted in 2001, included art as one of the ten core academic subjects of public education, a designation that qualified arts programs for an assortment of federal grants.

In a 2003 report, "The Complete Curriculum: Ensuring a Place for the Arts and Foreign Languages in American's Schools," a study group from the National Association of State Boards of Education noted that a substantial body of research highlights the benefits of arts in curriculum and called for stronger emphasis on the arts and foreign languages. As chairman of the Education Commission of the States from 2004 to 2006, Mike Huckabee, then governor of Arkansas, launched an initiative designed, according to commission literature, to ensure every child has the opportunity to learn about, enjoy, and participate directly in the arts.

Top-down mandates are one thing, of course, and implementation in the classroom is another. Whatever NCLB says about the arts, it measures achievement through math and language arts scores, not drawing proficiency or music skills. It's no surprise, then, that many districts have zeroed in on the tests. A 2006 national survey by the Center on Education Policy, an independent advocacy organization in Washington, DC, found that in the five years after enactment of NCLB, 44 percent of districts had increased instruction time in elementary school English language arts and math while decreasing time spent on other subjects. A follow-up analysis, released in February 2008, showed that 16 percent of districts had reduced elementary school class time for music and art -- and had done so by an average of 35 percent, or fifty-seven minutes a week.

To read more about this article, go to  http://www.edutopia.org/arts-music-curriculum-child-development

Now Registering For Move-N-Learn Academy in Woodward!

Postcards by Vistaprint

There is More To Education Than Pencils and Paper

We have always said that there is more to education than pencils and paper, thus our school program name, Move-N-Learn! Children learn better doing and having fun in a playful environment than sitting at a desk all day. Take a moment and think back to your favorite teachers. I bet they did not have you just sitting at a desk with pencils and paper.

You might find this article interesting:
  http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/12/29/christakis.play.children.learning/index.html

Registration On Line

For our very busy parents, they can always register on line at www.academyoffineartsok.com

Preschool or Daycare?

Lately there are a lot of daycare centers that are calling themselves preschools because they dedicated a couple of hours a day to learning situations. The teachers for the preschool tend to be the employees/caregivers of the preschool. And so, parents are left trying to figure out what it is that they really want and need for their children's educational needs.

The word preschool is actually meant for an early education before attending formal school. In that case, every parents home is already a preschool, because your child is learning from birth. And Pre-K stands for before kindergarten, so again, your home is also a Pre-K. Silly thinking? Well, maybe and maybe not.

Today's busy parents may just be that, too busy and hurried to truly research out what a preschool and pre-k program should look and feel like. Too busy to find out what the "school" teaches. And so they opt for a daycare that offers a couple of hours of preschool training that includes cutting, gluing, tracing, filling in with a pencil or crayon, social graces, some life skills and call it good.

But parents may really want to slow down and takes some time to truly think about what they want for their preschool age child. Maybe take a vacation day to tour and interview the facility directors and teachers. Not sure what to ask? You might find this link helpful for questions to ask. http://www.babycenter.com/0_preschool-director-teacher-interview_1450420.bc

The other thing thing a parent may want to sit down and figure out is the true value of a program versus the fees. Some half time places may seem a bit pricey when compared to the daycare/preschool combos, but the value of the actual education may be much higher and therefor your child will be better prepared and experience. Truly ready for private or public Kindergarten. Never make your decision on tuition price. When the others are cheaper, ask why. Are the government funded? Supported by a church? Supported by an organization?

Be sure you have all of the facts to make the best decision for your young children, because it is their early education that sets the stage for the rest of their education.

Fall Registration Set For August 5th-7th

We will be accepting fall registration on site, August 5-7th at our Woodward location. Ages 2-3 yrs and 4-51/2 yrs may register in person Monday through Wednesday from 4-8 pm at 609 Main Street in Woodward.

Please be advised that our arts based preschool and pre-k/ jr kindergarten is a private, half time education program. It does meet the state common core standards.

We DO NOT OFFER DAY CARE SERVICES nor do we offer scholarships at this time.

Join us for a great year! Visit our Facebook page to see more information regarding our program.

***On line registration is available at www.academyoffineartsok.com

From The Mom's and Dad's Guide....Check it out!

The Many Benefits of Participating in Pre-school Gymnastics

Most people think of gymnastics as �the star� of The Summer Olympics. What people don�t know is that it is one of the most beneficial activities for children of all ages and abilities with fitness, academic and social benefits.

Fitness/ Sports Readiness Benefits:
Gymnastics requires strength, balance, flexibility and coordination. These are the cornerstones to sound physical fitness and athletic performance in all sports. Core strength is the �buzz� word in fitness and sport specific training these days. Core strength in childrenpres can help maintain proper posture while sitting in a classroom. Gymnastics is all about core strength. The simple skill of performing a forward roll requires core strength in maintaining a �rounded body� throughout the movement. Walking across a 4� beam requires balance and an ability to use the core muscles to maintain that balance. What seems like the simple task of running and jumping onto a springboard to vault onto the table requires the coordination of combining running, jumping and squatting onto a raised surface. Hitting a ball, kicking a soccer ball are both enhanced with improvement in balance and coordination. These are all elementary skills that are repeated over and over in a 45min pre-school class.

Academic Benefits:
Movement can be the architect of a child�s brain. Bilateral movements commonly found in basic gymnastics activities help in the communication between the left and right hemisphere of the brain. Reading is a balanced coordination of the left and right hemisphere. The left hemisphere sees the letter and the right side comprehends what it sees. Gymnastics requires a similar coordination of building simple movements into a complex skill or routine. This early learning transfers to the classroom helping your child with sequenced instruction from a teacher.

Social/ Organizational Benefits:
Participating in a class environment at an early age is crucial to helping a child adapt to a school setting. Gymnastics participation is no different. Your child will learn to move from station to station in a sequence without getting lost. They are required to sit and listen while getting instructions. Children are taught how to wait for their turn and that they are now always going to be first in line. Learning a new skill helps to show a child that success requires repetition. The joy of mastering a skill after multiple repetitions is the ultimate benefit in helping a child gain the confidence needed to succeed.

So the next time you see high level gymnastics, remember that it is the basics of rolling, jumping tumbling and running and swinging that will help your child build a foundation for a strong future in whatever they do.



Leo Doren operates Mass Gymnastics Centers. For more information on their preschool gymnastics program, visit them online at: www.massgymnastics.com or contact them via email at: leo@massgymnastics.com

Benefits of Preschool Gymnastics

Can Music Lessons Make Your Child Smarter?

This is an interesting article on the benefits of music for your young child. We though it might be informative and that you would enjoy it! More information id available from the website that we borrowed this from at  http://www.raisesmartkid.com/all-ages/1-articles/16-the-effect-of-music-on-childrens-intelligence


Studies after studies are showing that learning music can make kids smart.  When your child learns to play a musical instrument, not only does he learn how to make tunes, but he also enhances other capabilities of his brain as well:

• A 10 year study involving 25,000 students show that music-making improves test scores in standardized tests, as well as in reading proficiency exams (Source: James Catterall, UCLA, 1997). 
• High school music students score higher on the math and verbal portion of SAT, compared to their peers (Profile of SAT and Achievement Test Takers, The College Board, compiled by Music Educators Conference, 2001). 
• The IQ’s of young students who had nine months of weekly training in piano or voice rose nearly three points more than their untrained peers (Study by E. Glenn Schellenberg, of the University of Toronto at Mississauga, 2004.)
• Piano students can understand mathematical and scientific concepts more readily.  Children who received piano training performed 34 percent higher on tests measuring proportional reasoning – ratios, fractions, proportions, and thinking in space and time (Neurological Research, 1997). 
• Pattern recognition and mental representation scores improved significantly in students who were given a 3-year piano instruction (Dr. Eugenia Costa-Giomi study presented at the meeting of the Music Educators National Conference, Phoenix, AZ, 1998).
• Music students received more academic honors and awards than non-music students.  These music students also have more A and B grades compared to non-music students (National Educational Longitudinal Study of 1988 First Follow-Up, U.S. Department of Education). 
• More music majors who applied for medical school were admitted compared to those in other majors including English, biology, chemistry and math. (“The Comparative Academic Abilites of Students in Education and in Other Areas of a Multi-focus University,” Peter H. Wood, ERIC Document No. ED327480; “The Case for Music in Schools”, Phi Delta Kappan, 1994)
• Another study has found that music lessons for kids make their minds sharper when they grow older. According to study researcher Brenda Hanna-Pladdy, a neurologist at the Emory University School of Medicine,"Musical activity throughout life may serve as a challenging cognitive exercise, making your brain fitter and more capable of accommodating the challenges of aging. Since studying an instrument requires years of practice and learning, it may create alternate connections in the brain that could compensate for cognitive declines as we get older."

Cutting Edge Education For Grades K-12

Dear Parents,

If you are one of the many that is considering Oklahoma Connections Academy for your child's K-12 education this year, we would encourage you to visit their website at www.connectionsacademy.com/OKCA and also watch this video. OKCA offers a cutting edge education that is geared towards the future. More one on one time with teachers and learning coaches make this a wonderful situation.

Coupled with our performing and fine arts programs, and sports programs, OKCA will be the right choice for may families. Whether you want your child to have more time for their fine arts, fine tune their sports or spend more time with their animals or family, OKCA is worth taking a look at and give it high consideration.

Years ago, it was though that if your child did not participate in school sports, they did not have a chance at being looked at for collegiate sports. That is NOW NOT THE CASE. In our own family, we experienced a child not having time for a sport in Jr and Sr High due to academic struggles. But with coaching outside of school, and after all home work was completed, she was able to participate in her sport of choice at a four year university with no problem.

AS I stated before, OKCA may be worth your time to explore. And even if you are just now in our Preschool, Pre-K or Jr Kindergarten, you might want to take a look at Oklahoma Connections Acadeny as your child's next step in their education.

Here is the video. Click the link to watch and then I do hope to visit with you in person or by phone.

Thank you,

Mary Myers, Director
Academy Of Fine Arts

You Still Have Time To Join Us This Summer!

Academy of Fine Arts Now Offering Free Education Option

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-----  May 2013

Academy of Fine Arts , in collaboration with Oklahoma Connections Academy, will now be able to offer an academic program for ages K-12. Students of Academy of Fine Arts in Woodward and Enid  now have a choice in education delivery styles that can include their performing and fine arts training.

Oklahoma Connections Academy is a public virtual school that offers Oklahoma State Certified Teachers for your child's success. Any student that has resided in the state of Oklahoma and attended public school this past year can transfer into Oklahoma Connections Academy, according to OKCA Principal Tammy Shepherd.

OKCA requires that the student enrolled has a trained Learning Coach during their time for studies. This can be the parent, or can be outsourced to another person or situation, such as Academy of Fine Arts. This means that your child can study and work on their schooling throughout the day, and also continue to train in their performing and fine arts classes while at AOFA. Leaving the evening hours open to other things such as more family time.

This type of learning environment/situation has actually been around for generations. Children on Broadway, on movie sets in Hollywood, or in Olympic training have always had on site tutors available to them for their school studies, and yet be able to work on their sport or craft. Oklahoma Connections Academy's public virtual school offers the same freedom and convenience, the delivery system has just changed to the internet.

AOFA students interested in sports will also enjoy the classes tailored for athletes that will enhance their athleticism that AOFA offers. AOFA is also in the process of changing and broadening their sports offerings to their students.

So no matter if your child has a passion to be the next great prima ballerina, a great violinist, compete in rodeo, baseball , soccer, basketball, swimming or softball, there is a place with them at Academy of Fine Arts and Oklahoma Connections Academy.

Please visit our website at www.academyoffineartsok.com for more information as to how you can blend your child's education with us and Oklahoma Connections Academy. We also highly recommend that you visit the Oklahoma Connections Academy website at www.connectionsacademy/OKCA for more details of the academic offering from this public virtual school that does not cost you any tuition.

*Academy of Fine Arts does charge a fee for their services as Learning Coach and their classes offered to your child.