Physical Fitness Fact Sheet for Parents and Teachers of Young Children

Why is physical fitness important?

Physical fitness is essential for the development of young children. Robertson (2010) states that “physical fitness helps create neutral connections in the brain” (pg. 266). Centers for Disease control and Prevention (2009) reports that regular physical activities has many health benefits, including strengthening bones, decreasing blood pressure, reducing stress and anxiety, increasing self esteem and helping with weight management (pg. 1).

Name three or more developmental skills children are learning?

According to Goodway & Robinson (2006) children must learn to run, throw, and catch and practice these skills until they can proficiently participate in a variety of games and sports (pg.2). Robertson declares that “running, hopping, walking, skipping, climbing, and jumping are motor activities that come naturally to young children” (pg. 267).

How can physical activities help master these skills?

Physical activities can help children build endurance, flexibility, and strength. Encouraging children and offering many opportunities to engage in physical activities will benefit children’s well being (Robertson, pg. 267).

What can happen when children do not engage in healthy fitness activities?

The Center of Disease Control and Childhood Overweight and Obesity (2009) contend that children are as risk for obesity when they do not engage in healthy fitness activities. Childhood obesity also poses risk associated with cardiovascular disease (such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes) than are other children and adolescents (pg. 1). Robertson also asserts “low physical activity and obesity in young children can increase risk for hypertension and early heart disease” (pg. 254).

Robertson declares “obesity has an impact on children’s mentally and emotionally. Obesity lowers self-esteem and has a powerful affect on peer relationships and social acceptance. Children who are overweight may be teased or bullied or excluded from activities by other children. This can lead to serious emotional problems including depression and even rage” (pg. 262).

How can adults help children to develop good fitness habits?

Adults can help children to develop good fitness habits by using obesity prevention strategies. Head Start has performance standards for nutrition; therefore, it can serve as a model program for other early childhood centers. Teachers and parents can help by providing a well-balance diet that is not high in fat or sugar. Adults can limit the use of television and computers. Teachers should plan to provide free time for organized physical activities and play (Robertson pgs. 262-263). Adults should model good fitness habits for children. Young children like to imitate adults; this is a good way to get them moving in the right direction toward good physical fitness.

Describe two specific games that are appropriate for young children.

Duck, Duck, Goose:

In this game, kids sit down in a circle facing each other. One person is "it" and walks around the circle. As they walk around, they tap people's heads and say whether they are a “duck" or a "goose". Once someone is the "goose" they get up and try to chase "it" around the circle. The goal is to tap that person before they are able sit down in the "goose's" spot. If the goose is not able to do this, they become "it" for the next round and play continues. If they do tap the "it" person, the person tagged has to sit in the center of the circle. Then the goose becomes it for the next round. The person in the middle can't leave until another person is tagged and they are replaced. Duck, Duck, Goose is one of my children’s favorite games to play. It really gets their little hearts pumping.

Stringing Beads:

The children are seated at tables to string beads. They can create a bracelet or necklace, after stringing their beads. The children can string beads randomly, or by color, shape, number or according to a specific pattern. Stringing beads is a good fine motor activity that children enjoy.

One inspirational, thought-provoking quote about fostering children’s health, growth and development.

Ann Landers quotes “In the final analysis it is not what you do for your children but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make them successful human beings.” This is a powerful and inspirational quote for parents and teachers of young children. Not only will it make children successful human beings, it should make the adults in their lives feel good about encouraging children to become physically active and maintain the lifestyle for the rest of their lives. I think as parents and teachers we must continue to model and teach our children the importance of health, growth, and development.

What positive impact does physical activity has on children’s health?

Goodway plainly states “childhood obesity and physical inactivity are clearly major concerns these days, and everyone in the educational community needs to be a part of the solution.” Parents and teachers need to develop motor skill competence and a love of being physically active while the children are still young. It only takes a little time and imagination and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle (pg. 6). Robertson states “the problem of childhood obesity can be improved by an increase in physical activity, diet management, and behavior modification (pg. 262). Research has proven that physical activity in children will help to eliminate health issues concerning children. It is up to the adults in these children’s lives to continue to provide them with the tools that it will take for them to start healthy and remain healthy throughout their lives.

References

Childhood overweight and obesity. (2009). Obesity and Overweight for professionals, Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/index.html

Goodway, Robinson, J., & Robinson, L. (2006, May). Promoting physical activity in preschoolers. Beyond the Journal, Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/files/yc/file/200605/GoodwayBTJ.pdf

Robertson, Cathie. (2010). Safety, nutrition, and health in early education.