|
| Activity guidelines for early childhood |
|
|
|
Physical activity is an important component in maintaining overall health and wellbeing and low levels of activity can increase the risk of a person developing heart problems, obesity, diabetes and other health issues.
The benefits to young children of being physically active are numerous and may include:
-
Enhanced development of gross motor and fine motor skills
-
Improved balance, coordination, flexibility, strength and overall physical confidence
-
The development of strong bones and cardiovascular fitness
-
Improved ability to maintain a healthy weight
-
Better sleep and rest times
-
Promotion of social skills such as team play and sharing
In a previous generations it was assumed that children were physically active most of the time, just through virtue of what interests them and how they spend their time, however, for children today there is a tantalising range of digital distractions which lend themselves to a more sedentary way of spending time.
In fact, 2013 figures from the ABS show that in 2011-12 toddlers and pre-schoolers (aged 2–4 years) spent almost one and a half hours (83 minutes) engaged in sedentary activities such as watching TV, DVDs or playing electronic games.
To address the problem of decreasing physical activity in early childhood the Department of Health has released physical activity guidelines, which clearly articulate what children need to be doing each day to maintain good health.
Physical Activity Recommendations for early childhood
-
For healthy development in infants (birth to 1 year), physical activity – particularly supervised floor-based play in safe environments – should be encouraged from birth.
-
Toddlers (1 to 3 years) and pre-schoolers (3 to 5 years) should be physically active every day for at least three hours, spread throughout the day.
-
Children younger than two years of age should not spend any time watching television or using other electronic media (DVDs, computer and other electronic games).
-
For children two to five years of age, sitting and watching television and the use of other electronic media (DVDs, computer and other electronic games) should be limited to less than one hour per day.
-
Infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers should not be sedentary, restrained or kept inactive for more than one hour at a time – with the exception of sleeping.
The role of early childhood providers in promoting physical activity among preschool aged children is a big one. With most Australian children spending some time in an early childhood service in the years before school, providers can have a significant impact on helping children develop an enthusiasm for activity and healthy habits for life.
To promote more physical activity in early childhood settings providers can:
- Limit screen time and sedentary activities
-
Offer a range of structured and unstructured activities which promote movement
-
Develop a repertoire of activities which can happen indoors when it is raining
-
Be positive role models by getting involved in physical games
-
Structure the indoor space so children are encouraged to move from activity to activity
-
Ensure there are plenty of wide open spaces where children can run, jump, skip and dance
-
Build physical activity into 'sedentary' activities such as have the children act out the parts during story time, and dance while playing music instruments
For more information visit the Get Up & Grow resources for early childhood providers.
|
|
|
|
