The OnStage Academy of Performing Arts and W.O.R.D. Inc. Child Development Center teamed up to hold a “Leap ‘N Learn” on-site learning session for pre-school children on February 3, 2011. “Leap ‘N Learn” exposes children to the Arts while promoting physical activity and discovery through play and movement. Leap ’N Learn is a theory of child development and a deep understanding of the progression of movement needed by young children with a goal to provide resources for teachers and parents so that they may easily render safe, effective creative movement and physical activity for their children, while exposing children to the Arts. "More importantly," said OnStage Artistic Director Linda Mercer-Botelho, "there is nothing like watching a student discover that 'I can do this' feeling!" Since 1983, On Stage Theatrical Productions, Inc. has developed quality performing arts opportunities in Fall River for local students of all ages. Over 2,000 young people have experienced the power of the performing arts in their lives as a result of On Stage Productions, Inc. this year alone. Click here for photos of W.O.R.D. Inc.'s Children At Play project. For more information about OnStage, contact Linda Mercer-Botelho at 508-673-4880.  For more information about W.O.R.D., Inc. contact Executive Director Cory Santos at 508-673-4421. (Photos courtesy of the W.O.R.D. staff)

(Top row, left) WORD Inc. Child Development Center preschoolers visit OnStage Academy of Performing Arts to learn from Ms. Linda Mercer-Botelho, OnStage’s Artistic Director through a program called “Leap N’ Learn.” (Top row, center) Miss Annette, Jada and Krista practice timing and rhythm while being physically active. (Top row, right) Children gather with Ms. Linda to learn about rhythm and movement. (Middle row, left) Children are being exposed to the Arts and participate in MVPA (Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity). (Middle row, center)  The children partake in creative movement exercises such as swimming like a fish. (Middle row, right) Miss Erin, a teacher at WORD Inc. , and Jada learn about stretching their bodies before beginning physical activities. (Bottom row, left) Jada-Lee and Joshua are being physically active while using ribbons. (Bottom row, center) Children clap along as they learn about rhythm and timing before dancing.