Physical Activity for very young children
By
Mr Robert Battistino & Ms Nicole Zammit.
The early years are an important time for children to learn how to move. ��Young children need daily physical activity (both free play and structured) to become healthy adults.��Toddlers and preschool children need to learn to be active through the fundamental movement skills including; balancing, locomotion and coordination.
Learning how to run, jump, balance, catching and throwing are the building blocks required for a healthy lifestyle.
Balancing means to hold a position without falling. ��Example - standing on one foot. ��Importance - This helps to develop body control.
You can use this Balancing trick !!!!�
Stand tall with feet together. Set the shoulders back and engage (tighten) the core (abdominal area) to maintain good posture.
1
Lift one foot off the ground, bending the knee slightly. Don't lift the leg too high – instead just let it hover slightly above the ground.
2
Focus on an object placed in front of you.
3
Games related to balance.� Home edition.
Freeze dance
The floor is lava
Twister
Step 1: Invite the children to move to the music (e.g. walk, skip, roll, twirl, sway). �Step 2: Stop the music and call “freeze.” ��The challenge for the children is to stay perfectly still until you start the music again (e.g. three to four seconds)
Step 1: The referee spins the spinner, then calls out the body part and the colour .�For example, the referee may call out: "Right hand, red."
Step 2: All players must try and balance their position without falling.
Step 1: Place some tins or any heavy object in the floor, then just play the song “The Floor is Lava”.�Step 2: When the song mentions that the floor is lava ,children must get over the Tin or object used .
Why is balancing an important factor in your child’s development?
Balance allows children to have better control over their bodies. Once balance is mastered it occurs naturally; allowing children to move their attention and focus onto other things.
Learning balance helps children develop better concentration needed for sitting, toilet training and paying attention in class.
Thank You.