Reading, writing and arithmetic are still the three main subjects taught in school.  Now you can add Zumba to that group. Never heard of it? Students at Irving Elementary have and they're all earning As in the subject. It's a fitness craze that's sweeping the nation, combining Latin dance moves with high energy music. And for Irving Elementary 5th graders it's the perfect way to get up and move while showing pride in their heritage.

"You have to like jump a lot and stuff. And you have to put a lot of movement into it," says Irving Elementary 5th grader Sydnee Johnson.

"Mainly when we go to Zumba in the morning we just dance and have fun," says student Paloma Vildosola.

Zumba is exercise and has these kids moving it and loving it twice a week before school even starts. 

"It's important for children to exercise to move so that their bodies and their minds can be healthy," says instructor Amy Hodge.

And it's paying off.

"In my classroom I see a big difference I really do. They just love coming to school, they love sitting in class and doing things now," says teacher Dave Lillie.

Zumba immigrated to the US from Colombia in 1999 and landed at Irving earlier this year. For this school where a majority of students are Latino, Zumba means much more.

"There's a lot of songs about my culture and it makes me happy," says Vildosola.

"We're validating their culture. We're saying hey, we're glad to have you as an immigrant. We need you because America was founded on immigrants. So we're glad to have you here. We're going to reach out and we're going to welcome you with music, with dancing from your culture," says Lillie.

Hodge modifies the dances for the kids but that doesn't mean it's easy.

"I can't keep up. I'm always 3 steps behind the kids," says Lillie.

And for his students, you can't beat that. If you'd like to catch more Zumba, Irving Elementary is hosting a benefit concert Friday night featuring performances by school choirs and Zumba fitness. That happens at central Baptist church at 7 Friday night.

Reported by Kate Springer. You can reach Kate at kspringer@kmeg.com.