Registration still open for kids creative movement classes

Registration continues for a six-week series of free, creative movement classes for children in grades K-3 offered through Cottey College in partnership with the Nevada Parks and Recreation Department. Please note the class dates have changed, and the first class will now begin on April 4.

According to Jo Byrnes, assistant professor of dance at Cottey College, MASH (Movement Activities for Smarts and Health) classes will provide activities that combine physical health with cognitive learning. "Each lesson will combine movement concepts with a core curriculum concept such as language arts, math, science, or social studies," Byrnes said.

"Children attending MASH classes might learn different geometric shapes by making those shapes with their body or they might learn the levels and speed of movement in conjunction with the three states of matter," she said. "And, the lessons are fun," Byrnes added.

Each lesson will be taught by Cottey College students enrolled in Byrnes' "Creative Movement for Children" class. Byrnes, who has instructed creative movement and dance for more than 25 years, will provide leadership and guidance to the Cottey students teaching MASH classes.

MASH classes will be held at the community center, 200 N. Ash, in Nevada. The classes will be held April 4, 11, 18, 20, 25, 27, and May 3 from 4:15-4:45 p.m. There is no cost for the classes.

For more information or to register, contact the community center at (417) 448-2740.