Dyspraxia Foundation calls for more flexibility in P.E. lessons!
DYSPRAXIA AWARENESS WEEK � 25th September � 1st October 2006
Negative experience of P.E. lessons in childhood could lead to obesity and cardiovascular 'conditions*'.
The Dyspraxia Foundation is calling for teachers of all forms of physical activity from PE teachers to ballet and swimming coaches to start to consider the needs of the growing number of children with coordination and developmental problems.
On the eve of their annual Dyspraxia Awareness Week, experts from the charity are asking teachers to investigate the condition and its symptoms by visiting the Dyspraxia Foundation website, www.dyspraxiafoundation.co.uk. The site now offers advice and tips on how physical activity based lessons can build confidence and encourage success in children of all abilities.
Pam Williams, Chair of the Dyspraxia Foundation understands the difficulties of children with DCD.
�We receive heartbreaking letters and emails from children and parents about discrimination in PE lessons. Children who find certain sports difficult do not want to be seen to fail in front of their peers so they avoid taking part by any means possible. They can then be branded lazy, disorganised or worse. Apart from the repeated feelings of failure and humiliation we now know from research studies that their long term health is also at risk.�
She continues, �There is no need for children with DCD to be adding to the childhood obesity epidemic or for them to be a drain on the NHS in adulthood. Teachers simply need to understand the problems that these children have and adjust lessons accordingly to help them but not to the detriment of the more able children. It is actually very simple to do.�
The Dyspraxia Foundation has dedicated its website to advice for teachers of any kind of physical activity. The wide range of tips is easy to apply and will help pupils with DCD develop and progress without holding back those of a higher ability.
To help raise awareness for Dyspraxia, the Dyspraxia Foundation has developed its own wristband in blue with �DYSCOVER YOURSELF� printed in white. The �DYSCOVER YOURSELF� wristbands cost £1.00 each plus 25p postage and packing.
* Increased risk for coronary vascular disease in children with developmental coordination disorder, Faught et al. Journal of Adolescent Health 37. Nov.2005.
For more information about Dyspraxia Awareness Week please email Hannah Carter - [email protected]