What's so great about physical activity?
The evidence is building and is more convincing than ever!!! Physical activity can improve health and well-being. Regular physical activity in childhood has many benefits: it improves strength and endurance, builds healthy bones and muscles, develops motor skills and coordination, reduces depression and stress and promotes well-being. Most children naturally love physical activity because it's fun, they can do it with friends, and it helps them learn, stay in shape, and feel better.
What is physical activity?
Physical activity is any movement that uses energy. Physical activity includes a wide range of activities from running, jumping, biking, and swimming to jumping rope, dancing, skating and walking.
Why are healthy lifestyles important for young children?
Early childhood is a key time for promoting the development of lifelong healthy habits such as physical activity. Families and caregivers can be positive role models for young children by participating in physical activity themselves and by participating in physical activity with children.
How can I encourage physical activity in my childcare program?
A recent study designed to identify factors associated with physical activity in young children found that the activity level in the child care center had a profound effect on the child's overall physical activity. These findings support a role for child care providers in promoting quality activity programs and providing space and time for young children to be active.
Outdoor and indoor play can provide lots of opportunity for physical activity. Both unstructured and structured playtimes are important. Try some of the following ideas:
- Obstacle Course
Create an obstacle course that children can climb over, under, around and through-using chairs, pillows, cardboard, etc.
- Turn Up the Music and Dance
Try freeze dancing where you turn off the music and have children hold their positions in place.
- Creative Movement
How would you move to describe a sizzle? A splash? A hammer? How would you walk on ice? Hot sand? In a strong wind? Can you move like a duck? A horse? A dragon?
- Walking
Go for a walk in the neighborhood or a nearby park. Learn about trees, plants and animals in the area.
And remember to limit time spent watching television or movies and playing video games.
