Two and three year olds are learning to master basic movements like walking, running, kicking, and throwing. Kids this age are naturally active, so give children in your daycare many opportunities to practice and build on these skills. By encouraging children to engage in active play, you are helping them to be physically fit now and in the future.
How much is enough? Even at this young age there are activity guidelines. According to the National Association of Sports and Physical Education, everyday toddlers should:
· get at least 30 minutes of structured physical activity (adult-led)
· get at least 60 minutes unstructured physical activity (free play)
· not be inactive for more than one hour at a time (except for sleeping)
What Is My Child Doing?
When you're thinking of getting children active, it's important to understand what children can do and what skills are appropriate for this age. By age 2, toddlers should be able to walk, run, and jump in place with both feet. By age 3, most kids can run and jump well. In addition, children will learn to balance briefly on one foot, climb well, kick the ball forward, throw the ball overhand, and pedal a tricycle.
Keep these skills in mind when trying to encourage children to be active. Play games together and provide age-appropriate active toys, such as balls, push and pull toys and riding vehicles.
Daycare Fitness Tips
Walking, playing, exploring your backyard or using playground equipment at a local park can be fun for the entire daycare.
There are also many games that you can play with children that will provide opportunities for fun and fitness for you and your daycare children:
* Walk like a penguin, hop like a frog, or imitate other animals' movements.
* Sit facing each other and hold hands. Rock back and forth and sing the song "Row, row, row your boat."
* Bend at the waist and touch the ground. Walk your hands forward and inch along like a caterpillar.
* Sit on the ground and let children step over your legs, or make a bridge with your body and let children crawl under.
* Play follow the leader, "Ring around the rosy" and other similar games.
* Listen to music and dance together.
The possibilities are endless - try to come up with your own active ideas, or follow children's lead. Also, limit the amount of time children spends watching TV (including DVDs and videos) and using the computer.
Kids who are active at young age tend to stay active throughout their lives. And staying fit can improve self-esteem, help maintain a healthy weight, and decrease the risk of serious illnesses, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.
