LEARNING, FUN COMBINE IN LOCAL PROGRAM

A large parachute is one of several toys employed by the Romp and Stomp program to teach the children to play together.

In a large, colorful room at the Main Street Fitness Center in Jackson, children join together for a program that makes learning fun.

Even the program's name, "Romp and Stomp," must sound fun for the young children participating.

The program is one conducted by the Wellness Center of Southeast Missouri Hospital. It was started three years ago to meet a need in the community which was not being fulfilled.

"Romp and Stomp is designed so young children, 2 to 5 years of age, can enjoy locally what many can only find by driving to Cape Girardeau or to the mall," said Debbie Leoni, director of Southeast's Wellness center.

The class begins with 10 minutes of teaching time during which the children talk about health. A worksheet is usually handed out giving the children some idea of how a particular body part works.

For example, children participating in the program recently received a worksheet and clinic on the tongue and how it allows us to taste salty, sweet and bitter things.

After the teaching time, there is a time for choreographed music during which taped music is turned on and the children begin to tip-toe or skate to the rhythm and time of the music.

The favorite time for the youngsters is when "zoo music" is playing, giving them the O.K. to act like animals.

As they follow the teacher's lead, they also find that they are playing together.

After the music ends, it is game time -- playing on scooters, parachutes, foam balls or jumping long rubber tubing.

During this time, 5-year-old Teresa Mansell perks up.

"I like playing Cookie Monster," she laughed. "We all act like cookie jars and then we yell 'Cookie Monster, are you hungry?' Then Cookie Monster runs."

Leoni said safety is the first priority in the program.

"In three years, we've never had an injury. We're very proud of our safety record," she said.

"Our goal for Romp and Stomp is to make children aware that the most important thing to do every day is to play," said Leoni. "They need to learn that while they are little so it will be a habit when they get to be adults.

Currently, the program is supported by local day care centers but is open to the public at different times throughout the month.

Leoni said cost for the program is $1 per child.

Beverly Banks, owner and director of the Ginger Bread House Day Care Center, whose children participate in the program, said, "The children like Romp and Stomp because it is fun and games and they don't know that they are exercising.

"The parents are so glad they are learning so much about their bodies," Banks continued. "Parents even tell me that the children get up faster in the morning when they know it is a Romp and Stomp day."

Leoni is delighted with the progress she's been able to make with children through the Romp and Stomp program and hopes the things the children learn are reflected when they speak with their families.

"When we talk about catching colds, I want the kids to remember to cover their mouths if they cough, and to wash their hands," she said.

Making good choices is another thing which the program seeks to teach its participants.

"Sometimes we put a french fry in a paper bag and then stomp on it. We look at the big grease stain on the bag and the kids learn quickly how much grease is in one french fry."