The benefits to children of physical play and exercise
Kids need to be fit for the same reasons adults do: to improve their health and ensure that their bodies can do what they need them to do. Regular exercise helps kids grow, build strong muscles and bones, develop important motor skills, and enhance their feelings of self-worth and self-esteem.
Preschoolers are also discovering what it means to play with a friend instead of just alongside another child, as toddlers do. By being around other kids, a preschooler gains important social skills, such as sharing and taking turns. Despite occasional disputes, preschoolers learn to cooperate and interact during play.
Preschoolers develop important motor skills as they grow. New skills your preschooler may be showing off include hopping, jumping forward, catching a ball, doing a somersault, skipping, and balancing on one foot.
When kids are active, their bodies can do the things they want and need them to do, because regular exercise provides these benefits:
•strong muscles and bones
•weight control
•decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes
•better sleep
•a better outlook on life
Healthy, physically active kids also are more likely to be academically motivated, alert, and successful. And physical competence builds self-esteem at every age.
The need for sensitivity in dealing with those who find it more difficult to participate
Difficulties with motor co-ordination often affect children's participation in physical activities, and frequent failures mean that children may not be motivated to join in or to try new activities and their physical difficulties can make them feel isolated from their friends. If children continue to avoid physical games and activities, over time this will affect their overall level of fitness and well-being. With support and guidance however, children with such dificulties can be encouraged to participate in activities in their own way, which will ecourage them to be healthy.
How you can help these children:
.Emphasise fun and participation rather than achievement.
.Try to find activities in which all children can join in and encourage their participation eg a child in a wheelchair can still join in a game of "catch".
Last edited by Doodah : 04-24-2010 at 09:19 PM.
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