Core Strength Exercises: Thinking Outside the Box

The core of your body is the center of its strength. The obvious rewards that you will get from core strength exercises are toned, flat abs. An added benefit is overall better posture. Bad posture can cause your body to be weak and in turn cause lower back pain. By focusing on exercises that target your core you will improve your posture and lower your risk of injury or pain in your lower back.

Building your core body muscles does not mean you have to do boring sit ups and crunches. You can get strong core muscles by looking outside the box for core strength exercises. Yoga is a great way to work your core muscles; it will build your core while helping to lengthen and tone your muscles as well as helping you obtain better balance and relaxation techniques. Yoga poses such as plank, chair, and boat pose all work together to help build a strong core.

If you are looking for something a little different then you get out on the beach and play a game of volleyball, head to your gym and take up lap swimming, or put on a pair of skates and work those muscles while you ice skate. All of these exercises help build strong core muscles and you do not have to sit at home in your living room floor and do mind numbing crunches. Taking your idea of core strength exercises outside the box can lead to entertaining exercises that get an added benefit of strengthening your core.

Challenge Your Child Outside the Classroom

There is a constant emphasis in schools on getting students up to speed and helping students that are falling behind. But what if your child is already meeting state standards for his grade level? Or maybe you just want to be sure your child has the opportunity to get ahead. Sure, your child's teacher can do a lot to challenge him, but there are also many things you can do at home. These ideas are a great starting point for parents of exceptional students.

Talk to your child's teacher or librarian about books that are appropriate for an above grade-level reader. Many times, books at higher reading levels contain content for older students so you will want to be selective when choosing challenging books. Look for books that are at a higher reading level but a lower (grade level)  interest level. If you don't have the time to preread books for your child,  Hoagies' Gifted Education (see link below) has a list of reading materials for above-level readers.
If your child is in high school, many community colleges allow students to begin earning college credits early.
For students excelling in math, allow your child to work ahead on concepts being taught in class. For example, if he is learning division, challenge him with remainders. Ask your child's teacher if the school's curriculum materials offer challenge books that you child can do at home.
Many exceptional children do well and have fun with brain teasers. Check your local book store for some or find them online, like those found on National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences or AZ Kids Net.
Take advantage of your community. Museums are learning warehouses. Find a topic your child is interested in, and search for a museum that caters to that interest.

One of the most important things to remember is that a child that needs to be challenged doesn't simply need more work; he needs more challenging work or activities that are outside or an extension of what he is doing in the classroom. Communication with his teacher is key in order to bridge what you are doing at home with what your child is able to accomplish in the classroom.