GET KIDS MOVING

Learn about the benefits and best practices of physical activity in child care and early education settings. Physical activity habits learned in early childhood can last a lifetime.

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Benefits of

Physical Activity

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Benefits of

Physical Activity

More and more evidence shows that children who are active tend to have fewer behavioral and disciplinary problems, do better in school, and have longer attention spans in class.

Physical activity also helps children:

  • Build confidence
  • Decrease stress and depression
  • Develop and maintain strong bones
  • Develop good sleep habits
  • Develop motor skills and build strength, flexibility and endurance
  • Have less behavioral and disciplinary problems
  • Have longer attention spans and better performance in school
  • Improve social skills and brain development
  • Stay at a healthy weight
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Best Practices

for Babies

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Best Practices

for Babies

Babies (0-12 months old) should get short, supervised periods of tummy time two or three times a day. Some babies do not initially like tummy time, so begin with only 3-5 minutes at one time. Gradually increase the time when you see baby enjoying it more.

Benefits of Tummy Time

  • Allows babies to interact and play while awake and on their tummies
  • Prepares babies for sliding on their bellies and crawling

What to Do During Tummy Time

  • Encourage babies to see, touch and feel what’s around them.
  • Place different toys in a circle around the baby and let the baby reach for them. Reaching helps the baby develop muscles to roll over, crawl and scoot.

Tummy Time Tips

  • Always make sure babies have tummy time when they’re awake and alert. Place babies on a solid surface on the floor (never on a surface that’s soft or up high like a mattress or sofa).
  • Some babies will not like tummy time at first. Encourage them to reach for a favorite toy or sing to the baby.
  • A great time to do tummy time is following a diaper change or when the baby wakes up from a nap.
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BEST PRACTICES

FOR TODDLERS

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BEST PRACTICES

FOR TODDLERS

Toddlers (12-24 months old) should have 60 minutes or more (for half-day programs, 30 minutes or more) of active play time every day, both indoor and outdoor. There should also be a combination of teacher-led/structured activities and free play.

Make Time for Teacher-Led (Structured) and Free Play (Unstructured) Activities
Structured physical activities are engaging, pre-planned, quick and intense activities led by adults. The activities should involve all children, including those with special needs, as well as:

  • Be developmentally appropriate and support motor skill development.
  • Be vigorous. Children should move faster than typical for a short amount of time.
  • Ideally, modify games so kids do not get ‘out’ or are eliminated from the activity.

Unstructured activity is free play for children to be creative and use their imagination. Teachers should:

  • Respect and encourage children’s individual abilities and interests.
  • Be engaged with children, as well as encourage them to stay physically active.

Ways to Get Kids Moving

  • Have children act out a story as you read it.
  • Use props to help kids move while identifying shapes, colors and numbers.
  • Throw a dance party or make up an obstacle course.
  • Use transition times to get kids moving (marching, skipping, hopping).

Where to Play

  • Opt for outdoor play as much as possible (even when it’s raining or snowing) with appropriate clothing and shoes.
  • Find an indoor play space like a school gym, part of the classroom or an extra room.
  • Visit local facilities (YMCAs, karate studios, parks) that offer chances for kids to get active in a safe way.
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Best Practices

for Preschoolers

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Best Practices

for Preschoolers

Preschoolers (2-5 years old) should have 120 minutes or more (for half-day programs, 60 minutes or more) of active play time every day, both indoor and outdoor. There should be a combination of teacher-led/structured activities and free play.

Make Time for Teacher-Led (Structured) and Free Play (Unstructured) Activities
Structured physical activities are engaging, pre-planned, quick and intense activities led by adults. The activities should involve all children, including those with special needs, as well as:

  • Be developmentally appropriate and support motor skill development.
  • Be vigorous. Children should move faster than typical for a short amount of time.
  • Ideally, modify games so kids do not get ‘out’ or are eliminated from the activity.

Unstructured activity is free play for children to be creative and use their imagination. Teachers should:

  • Respect and encourage children’s individual abilities and interests.
  • Be engaged with children, as well as encourage them to stay physically active.

Ways to Get Kids Moving

  • Have children act out a story as you read it.
  • Use props to help kids move while identifying shapes, colors and numbers.
  • Throw a dance party or make up an obstacle course.
  • Use transition times to get kids moving (marching, skipping, hopping).

Where to Play

  • Opt for outdoor play as much as possible (even when it’s raining or snowing) with appropriate clothing and shoes.
  • Find an indoor play space like a school gym, part of the classroom or an extra room.
  • Visit local facilities (YMCAs, karate studios, parks) that offer chances for kids to get active in a safe way.

Since many children are in child care throughout the week, it’s important for providers to give kids daily opportunities to be active in a safe play space.

Physical activity in child care can be structured or unstructured.