Being Active
Activities for Children (3-6 years)
Physical activity is important for children as they grow. For example, babies first have to learn to control their heads and the muscles in their necks and bodies before they can learn to reach, grasp, creep, crawl and walk. As children get older they must learn more difficult movements like running, throwing, and rolling a ball. It is important for children to practice and get comfortable with these new movements during their pre-school years. If children practice these basic movements every day they are much more likely to be successful at all kinds of sports and activities in the future. To make sure that children get enough practice moving their bodies in these important ways parents can help by playing with their children regularly. Without their parents’ encouragement children will not develop to their full potentials.
Regular physical activity helps children to stay healthy by:
- Increasing their self-esteem and self-confidence
- Strengthening their muscles and bones
- Strengthening their hearts and lungs
- Helping them deal with anxiety and stress in a healthy way
- Keeping their body weight healthy
It is recommended that children take part in moderate to intense physical activity for at least 1 hour each day to stay healthy.
For some fun games you can play with your children please click on the following link:
HOP MANUAL
http://www.educ.uvic.ca/faculty/temple/vtstd/HOP/Frameset.htm