4.1 Explain the importance of building physical activity into everyday routines

This guide will help you answer 4.1 Explain the importance of building physical activity into everyday routines.

Physical activity is any movement that uses energy and works the muscles. For children and young people this can mean running, climbing, playing games, walking and using play equipment. Building physical activity into daily routines means making movement a regular and expected part of the day. This is not limited to structured exercise sessions. It includes short bursts of movement in play, classroom activities and transitions between tasks.

Making physical activity part of everyday routines benefits physical health, emotional wellbeing and social development. It supports learning and builds habits that can last a lifetime.

Supporting Healthy Growth

Children’s bodies need regular movement to grow strong bones, muscles and joints. Activity sends signals to the body to build and maintain strength. It promotes healthy posture and keeps joints flexible.

When movement happens every day it:

• Helps bone density develop
• Strengthens muscles through repeated use
• Keeps ligaments and tendons flexible
• Supports healthy weight management

These benefits are more effective when activity is consistent rather than occasional.

Developing Motor Skills

Motor skills are split into gross motor skills and fine motor skills. Gross motor skills involve large muscle groups such as legs, arms and core muscles. Fine motor skills use smaller muscles, especially in the hands and fingers.

Daily routines can improve these skills by offering repeated practice. Examples include:

• Climbing steps during play or transitions
• Throwing and catching games before lunch
• Carrying materials during classroom set-up
• Threading beads during creative activities

Repetition helps movements become smoother and more coordinated.

Encouraging Positive Behaviour

Physical activity has a strong impact on behaviour. Movement helps release excess energy, making it easier for children to focus during quieter activities. It reduces feelings of restlessness and frustration.

Children who move regularly can:

• Concentrate better on tasks
• Show improved mood
• Cope with stress more effectively
• Work well with peers in group play

Building movement into routines balances active and calm periods throughout the day.

Boosting Learning and Brain Development

Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain. This delivers oxygen and nutrients that support brain function. Movement also stimulates areas of the brain linked to memory and learning.

Daily routines that combine movement and learning include:

• Counting steps in maths activities
• Acting out stories in literacy sessions
• Exploring shapes and patterns through dance
• Matching colours in active games

These methods link activity with educational progress.

Preventing Sedentary Habits

Sedentary means sitting or lying down without much movement for long periods. Growing children are at risk of developing sedentary habits if daily activity is not encouraged. These habits can carry into adulthood.

When movement is normal in daily routines, children:

• Spend less time sitting still
• Break up long periods of inactivity
• Learn that movement is part of everyday life

Regular activity in routines works better than infrequent intense exercise for preventing such habits.

Building Confidence and Self-Esteem

Each time a child completes a movement task they gain confidence in their abilities. Physical activity in daily routines offers chances to succeed without pressure. These successes build self-esteem and a sense of competence.

Examples of confidence-building activities include:

• Completing an obstacle course in the play area
• Helping carry resources for group activities
• Joining in a group dance
• Creating their own active games with peers

Confidence grows through achievement and repetition in everyday tasks.

Promoting Social Skills

Many daily activities that involve movement happen in group settings. This helps children develop social skills through shared tasks, cooperation and encouragement.

Physical activity in routines can involve:

• Team games during outdoor play
• Group tidying tasks that require moving items
• Partner exercises such as ball passing
• Helping peers during climbing or balancing

These activities develop trust, communication and teamwork.

Improving Emotional Wellbeing

Movement triggers the release of chemicals such as endorphins that can improve mood. It offers a way to manage emotions, helping children feel calmer and more positive. Activity can also provide a sense of routine and security.

Daily movement routines give:

• A sense of predictability
• Opportunities for emotional release
• Positive focus after challenging moments

Children learn how movement helps them manage feelings.

Making Activity Accessible

Building movement into everyday routines makes physical activity accessible to all children. It does not rely on special equipment or large spaces. Everyday activity can be adapted to suit different abilities.

Ways to make activity accessible include:

• Encouraging walking between areas rather than being carried
• Using household or simple items in active games
• Allowing children to choose their level of participation
• Offering quiet movement options for children who prefer less intensity

This approach supports inclusion and participation.

Linking Activity with Transition Times

Transition times happen when changing from one task to another. These moments can be used for short movement activities. This keeps children alert and reduces delays in shifting focus.

Examples of transition activities:

• Marching to the next area
• Stretching before starting new work
• Hopping or skipping to line up
• Moving items needed for the next activity

Movement during transitions helps children stay engaged throughout the day.

Encouraging Family Involvement

Physical activity routines can extend beyond the setting into home life with family involvement. Workers can share simple ideas with parents and carers to continue active habits at home.

Suggestions include:

• Walking to school
• Playing active games before bedtime
• Gardening together
• Doing household tasks in a fun, active way

Family engagement supports consistency in active routines.

Adapting Activities to Suit Different Ages

Movement requirements change with age. Younger children need more free play and shorter bursts of activity. Older children can join in longer, more structured activities. Building activity into daily routines means planning tasks suited to each age group.

For younger children:

• Short dance sessions
• Simple climbing in play areas
• Kicking balls and chasing bubbles

For older children:

• Team sports during lunch breaks
• Organised runs or walks
• Active learning challenges

Adapting activities keeps children motivated and involved.

Role of Practitioners

Practitioners influence how physical activity is included in daily routines. They can model active behaviour by joining in activities. They plan structured and unstructured movement opportunities during the day.

Key actions include:

• Greeting children with simple active games
• Setting up play areas that encourage movement
• Giving positive feedback for participation
• Encouraging creativity in active play

Practitioner involvement guides children to see activity as a normal part of life.

Overcoming Barriers

Some children may resist regular activity due to shyness, lack of confidence or health issues. Building activity into routines helps overcome these barriers by making movement familiar and expected.

Strategies for overcoming barriers:

• Start with gentle movements
• Give praise for small efforts
• Offer choice to give control
• Use peers’ encouragement in group activities

This approach supports gradual participation.

Planning for Weather Conditions

In the UK, weather can affect outdoor activity. Planning routines that include indoor movement ensures consistency no matter the conditions.

Indoor activity ideas:

• Active storytelling
• Movement games using music
• Indoor obstacle courses
• Yoga for children

This keeps routines consistent and avoids long periods of inactivity.

Monitoring Progress

Observing children during daily activities helps track movement skill development. Recording progress can guide future planning for routines.

Observation may include:

• Balance and coordination improvement
• Participation levels in group activities
• Accuracy in movement tasks
• Confidence during active play

Monitoring progress supports targeted activities for each child.

Final Thoughts

Building physical activity into everyday routines gives children regular practice in moving, balancing and coordinating. It supports growth, learning, emotional health and social development. Regular active moments keep children healthy and engaged while preventing sedentary habits.

When children see movement as a natural part of daily life, they carry these habits forward. Practitioners who make activity part of routines help create a lasting foundation for positive physical health and wellbeing.