Physical Activity During the Early Years

Physical activity during the early years helps children grow into healthy adults.

Being active can help:

• improve learning and attention
• develop self-confidence
• build healthy hearts
• increase fitness
• improve movement skills
• maintain a healthy body weight

The childcare setting can provide the opportunity for young children to learn, play and get physically active every day. Several sections in the Ministry of Education: Childcare and Early Years Act (2014) are related to play and physical activity including Section 46 and Section 47.

How Much Physical Activity should children get?

The 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years (0-4 Years) (Participaction) provide recommendations for the right amount of moving, sitting and sleeping for children four years-old and under. The guidelines are divided into three sections:

• Infants (less than 1 year)
• Toddlers (1-2 years)
• Preschoolers (3-4 years)

Practical Strategies for Getting Young Children Active

• Develop a fun and safe physical activity program that provides a variety of options for children to be active during the day, both indoors and outdoors in a safe environment.
• Provide structured and unstructured physical activity every day.
• Offer diverse and interesting activities, games, and skill development opportunities.
• Provide positive experiences.
• Be an active role model and actively participate in the games and active play.
• Make physical activity a part of the daily routine.