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Active Play

Start Early

Active & Healthy Kids For Life

Why is this project necessary? A review of the literature.

Early childhood is typically the most active period of the lifespan. However, with major societal changes such as increased screen time, concerns for children playing outside, and increased hours spent in school settings, the amount of physical activity that young children engage in daily has decreased.

“Physical inactivity has been identified as a leading risk factor for global mortality and a contributor to the rise in overweight and obesity” (WHO Executive Summary, 2019).
Executive Summary, WHO Guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under 5 years of age. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2019. License CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO)

According to the World Health Organization’s Guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under 5 years of age:
  • “Children three to four years of age should spend at least 180 minutes in a variety of types of physical activities at any intensity, of which at least 60 minutes is moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, spread throughout the day; more is better.
  • Children should not be restrained for more than one hour at a time (e.g. prams, strollers) or sit for extended periods of time. Sedentary screen time should be no more than one hour; less is better” (Executive Summary, 2019).
  • Research suggests more than half children in out-of-home care are not meeting these physical activity guidelines (Ellis, et al., 2016; Pate, et al., 2015).
Ellis, Y.G., Cliff, D.P., Jansson, X. et al. (2016). Sedentary time, physical activity, and compliance with IOM recommendations in young children at childcare. Preventative Medicine Report.
Executive Summary, WHO Guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under 5 years of age. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2019. License CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO)
Early childhood educators often do not receive education on how to promote young children’s physical activity. They seldom receive instruction on the importance of developing mature fundamental movement skills during the readiness period that includes children ages three to five years old. The educators’ limited knowledge and experience regarding young children’s physical activity needs can be a contributor to these children receiving inadequate physical activity while in out-of-home care.
Early childhood is a period of rapid physical and cognitive development and a time during which a child’s habits are formed and family lifestyle habits are open to changes and adaptations” (WHO Executive Summary, 2019).
Executive Summary, WHO Guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under 5 years of age. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2019. License CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO)

The benefits of Active Play

The Benefits of Active Play (Start Early)

According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States

-Regular physical activity can help children and adolescents improve cardiorespiratory fitness, build strong bones and muscles, control weight, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and reduce the risk of developing health conditions such as:

    • Heart disease
    • Cancer
    • Type 2 diabetes
    • High blood pressure
    • Osteoporosis
    • Obesity

“Infants’ and young children’s participation in physical activity is critical to their overall health, development of motor skills, social skills, and maintenance of healthy weight (11). Daily physical activity promotes young children’s gross motor development and provides numerous health benefits, including improved fitness and cardiovascular health, healthy bone development, improved sleep, and improved mood and sense of well-being (12).” (Caring for Our Children, 2019, p.97)

“Structured activities have been shown to produce higher levels of physical activity in young children, therefore it is recommended that caregivers/teachers incorporate two or more short, structured activities or games daily that promote physical activity (5).” (Caring for Our Children, 2019, p.97)
The benefits of the Active Play Initiative include lesson plans of structured physical activities for early childhood educators to lead with young children. These activities are safe, easy to lead, and fun for the children. The activities help children develop their fundamental movement skills and physical fitness. Most activities can be set up quickly and need little equipment. Children with special needs can enjoy playing these activities with their typical peers. Importantly, there is a DVD with video clips that shows just how easy it is for early childhood educators to give young children the developmentally appropriate movement activities they need.

References:

American Academy of Pediatrics, American Public Health Association, National Resources Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education. Caring for Our Children: National Health and Safety Performance Standards; Guidelines for Early Care and Education Programs. 4th ed. Itasca, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2019

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