Physical development is important for the health, brain development and well-being of children. In my preschool class, I make sure my students have one hour of physical activity a day. We go outside twice a day for one half hour for large motor activities.
Few things bring me as much joy as watching young children run. I watch my class of preschoolers play outside and it is a magnificent sight to see. As the children race around the playground, they have such beautiful smiles on their faces that can only be described as pure bliss.
The children run, ride bikes, play with balls, hula hoops, climb, slide and swing. All these activities keep them engaged for the entire half hour. If the weather is poor, we stay indoors and have a gym for the children to engage in physical activity. We have bikes, balls, hockey nets, a parachute and many more indoor activities for the children with plenty of room for running.
As children participate in physical development for their health, they use their large muscles and learn how to control their bodies as well as improve skills. When children participate with peers during large motor games cooperation, self-motivation and healthy behavior is encouraged.
Parents can encourage physical activities by:
- Playing outside with their children
- Riding bikes
- Go on a picnic
- Play ball
- Go swimming (you can go to your local city pool or high school pool in the winter)
- Go to a park
- The basement is a great place to stay active during poor weather. My children used roller blades in my basement in the winter. Don’t forget though, after all that activity to rest and relax. Take time to read a good book such as mine ‘Follow Breza to Preschool‘.
Click here for more information about physical development of children that is written by Rae Pica.
