Penn State Shenango physical therapist assistant students demonstrate movement routine for preschool students at Kids of the Kingdom Preschool in Greenville.
SHARON, Pa. — Penn State Shenango physical therapist assistant (PTA) students traveled off-campus for a service-learning opportunity at the Kids of the Kingdom Preschool in Greenville. Shenango students designed an age-appropriate movement routine for the preschoolers that encourages healthy living.
The purpose of the project was to give students hands-on experience and critical thinking skills to adapt while working with children of different ages. The students, who are all enrolled in Penn State Shenango’s clinical decision-making class, also created informational fliers for the families of the preschoolers to encourage healthy lifestyle choices at home.
“I found it extremely beneficial to see the motor milestones at play for children ages 3, 4 and 5,” said Emily Fagnelli, a student in Penn State Shenango’s PTA program. “The difference just between 3 and 4 years old was incredibly surprising.”
Fagnelli went on to say that the biggest challenge was creating a program that could be scaled for all ages involved.
“Some of our exercises were far too hard for the younger kids, while the same exercises were too easy for the older kids," Fagnelli said. "This project helped me to realize how activities and exercises need to be structured and designed for their age and to keep them entertained.”
According to Teaching Professor of Physical Therapy Jennifer Jewell, this project is a win-win for everyone.
“The depth of critical thinking that the PTA students embark upon as they work with different aged children in this project cannot be experienced in a classroom,” Jewell said. “And we get to address a large societal issue related to increasing rates of childhood obesity and diminishing physical activity.”
Fagnelli agreed.
“Not all kids exercise outside of school or normal play, so I think it was good for them to participate in our activities,” Fagnelli said.
