This guide will help you answer 2.2 Encourage babies and young children to be physically active through planned and spontaneous activity throughout the day, both indoors and outdoors.
Encouraging babies and young children to be physically active through both planned and spontaneous activities throughout the day is important. This involves creating opportunities for movement and exercise, both indoors and outdoors.
Physical activity is so important for the development of babies and young children. It aids in:
- Physical Development: Enhances motor skills, muscle strength, and coordination.
- Cognitive Development: Supports brain development and learning.
- Emotional Wellbeing: Reduces stress and anxiety, improving overall mood.
- Social Skills: Encourages interaction with peers, enhancing social abilities.
Planned Activities
Planned activities are those that are scheduled and structured. These activities provide an organised way for children to engage in physical exercise. Here’s how to effectively incorporate planned activities:
Indoor Planned Activities
- Music and Movement Sessions: Use songs with easy-to-follow dance moves. Encourage children to imitate movements.
- Obstacle Courses: Create simple courses using soft mats, tunnels, and steps. This fosters coordination and balance.
- Stretching and Yoga: Introduce basic yoga poses suitable for children. This improves flexibility and concentration.
Outdoor Planned Activities
- Sports and Games: Organise simple games like ‘Simon Says,’ ‘Duck Duck Goose,’ or relay races. Tailor these to suit the children’s age and abilities.
- Nature Walks: Plan walks around the nursery garden or local park. Discuss what you see, encouraging curiosity and movement.
- Playground Time: Ensure daily scheduled time in the playground where children can use swings, slides, and climbing frames.
Spontaneous Activities
Spontaneous activities are unplanned and arise naturally during the day. They are equally important and help children become more active without rigid structure.
Indoor Spontaneous Activities
- Dance Parties: When you notice children becoming restless, put on some music and have an impromptu dance session.
- Free Play: Allow children access to toys that encourage movement, such as balls, ribbons, or musical instruments.
- Story time with Actions: Read interactive books that require children to act out parts of the story, such as pretending to be animals or imitating weather.
Outdoor Spontaneous Activities
- Exploration Time: Allow children free rein in a safe outdoor environment to explore, run, and play.
- Weather Play: Use different weather conditions as opportunities for activity. For example, jumping in puddles on rainy days or playing with leaves in autumn.
- Gardening: Encourage children to help with simple gardening tasks like digging or watering plants. This combines physical activity with learning about nature.
Creating an Environment for Physical Activity
The environment plays a vital role in promoting physical activity. It should be stimulating, safe, and accessible.
Indoor Environment
- Clear Space: Ensure there is a clear area free from obstacles where children can move freely.
- Different Zones: Set up different areas for various types of play, such as a reading nook, a construction corner, and a space for active play.
- Accessible Resources: Keep toys and equipment at children’s level so they can access them independently.
Outdoor Environment
- Safe Play Areas: Regularly check outdoor play equipment for safety. Ensure surfaces are soft to prevent injuries.
- Versatile Spaces: Use spaces that can be utilised in various ways, like open grassy areas, wooded regions, and playgrounds.
- Inviting Nature: Incorporate natural elements such as logs, stones, and sand into the play environment. These elements encourage exploration and movement.
Using Observation to Enhance Physical Activity
Observation is key to understanding how children engage in physical activity and identifying areas for improvement.
- Track Engagement: Note how often and how long children engage in physical activities.
- Preferences: Observe which activities children prefer. Use this information to plan future activities that they will enjoy.
- Developmental Milestones: Monitor physical development milestones. Adapt activities to support children’s current developmental stage.
Supporting Diverse Needs
Children have diverse needs and abilities. Tailoring activities ensures inclusivity and maximum participation.
- Adapt Activities: Modify activities to suit individual abilities. For instance, if a child has limited mobility, provide activities they can do while seated.
- Encourage Participation: Motivate less active children by pairing them with more active peers.
- Celebrate Achievements: Recognise and celebrate milestones, no matter how small. This builds confidence and encourages continued participation.
Guided Participation
Actively engage with children during activities. Your involvement can significantly impact their enthusiasm and participation.
- Role Modelling: Participate in activities yourself. Children will often mimic the behaviour of adults they trust.
- Positive Reinforcement: Offer encouragement and praise. Highlight their efforts and achievements.
- Interactive Leadership: Lead games and activities. Use your energy to motivate and direct children.
Building Routine and Habits
Integrate physical activity into the daily routine to make it a natural part of children’s lives.
- Balanced Schedule: Balance structured activities with free play. Avoid long periods of inactivity.
- Transition Activities: Use movement-based songs or stretches to transition between activities, such as from snack time to playtime.
- Consistency: Maintain a regular schedule for physical activity. Consistency helps children understand what to expect and fosters habits.
Conclusion
Encouraging physical activity in babies and young children through planned and spontaneous activities, both indoors and outdoors, is paramount. It supports not only their physical development but also their cognitive, emotional, and social growth. By creating stimulating environments, observing children’s preferences, and promoting inclusivity, practitioners can foster a love for physical activity that will benefit children throughout their lives.
