Elementary-school kids are always thinking and moving. They naturally find new, creative ways to use their growing bodies and wold rather dance or skip form Point A to Point B instead of just walking. Kids this age need variety and like games and exercises that are both fun and challenging. The more they get a kick out of fitness now, the more likely they will continue to be active and healthy throughout their lives.

These fitness activities develop:

• Balance
• Coordination
• Friendly competition
• Muscle strength
• Sports skills
• Teamwork

With so many kid-approved exercises in one place, getting started couldn't be easier. Each exercise and active games comes with helpful icons showing group size, whether props are needed, how much space is needed and whether physical contact is involved. Exercises and games are grouped by type, including mind-and-body exercises, stretching and flexibility exercises, cardiovascular exercises, exercises for developing muscle strength, sports-related activities and more.

303 Kid-Approved Exercises and Active Games provides parents, teachers and counselors with activities especially designed for children ages 6 to 8 as well as information on how best to teach them. Wechsler explains the importance of recognizing that each child develops at his or her own pace and how to use what the group has in common to get the most out of each session. A section at the beginning of the book talks about planning ahead, putting safety first and adapting to weather and the environment.

Teachers and parents may find they're having just as much fun as the kids.