Creating a Rich Environment for Physical Activity

Marty Paul BSc.Kin (Hons)

There is a misconception that children are naturally active and will develop their physical abilities as they grow. However, children will only participate in physical activity if the environment provides them with the opportunity. Furthermore, the environment in which the child plays will dictate the physical skills the child will learn. For example, if the child is not exposed to water, he will never learn to swim.  Here are a few tips to make sure your childcare setting is leading the way in creating the right atmosphere for physical activity.

Provide Positive Experiences

Children learn by doing but they will only do what they feel capable of doing. The best way to ensure that children engage in meaningful physical activity is to offer praise. You can praise effort, participation and improvements. Even if the execution is not perfect, the praise will ensure that they will continue to practice.

Emphasize the Fundamental Movement Skills

Organize activities or games that provide a variety of movement skills. By emphasizing skills such as running, jumping, throwing, catching and kicking, the children will become more confident in their ability. Once they feel good about their abilities, you can modify the game and offer a greater challenge.

Be a Role Model

Children emulate people that they admire. That’s why you should play with the children and demonstrate great enthusiasm when playing the games. Showing your enjoyment will encourage the children to play and motivate them to want to keep playing.

Did you know?

By the age of seven to eight years, children should have a solid foundation of movement skills that can be used and practiced in different activities.