Encouraging Physical Activity in Preschoolers

Summary

This video emphasizes the importance of physical activity in preschool education, highlighting its benefits for both physical and cognitive development. Experts like Dr. Darren Robert advocate for safe, age-appropriate activities that can be integrated into the curriculum. Teachers Ashlee Parks and Claudia Ahern share their experiences, showcasing creative methods to engage preschoolers in movement, such as using stories and transitioning activities. The video also addresses challenges like space constraints and encourages involving parents to support physical activity at home, aiming to instill lifelong healthy movement habits.

Takeaways

• 🏃‍♂️ Preschoolers are highly energetic and physical exercise is crucial for their physical and cognitive development.
• 🧠 Physical activity stimulates cognitive abilities by creating new pathways in the brain.
• 👩‍🏫 Teachers need to ensure that physical activities are safe and developmentally appropriate for young children.
• 📚 Incorporating physical activity into the existing curriculum is recommended rather than creating separate programs.
• 📖 Teachers can use resources and books to learn how to conduct activities like yoga with children.
• 👶 Individually appropriate activities are important to cater to the varying needs and abilities of children.
• 📈 Observing children's engagement and progress can help in adjusting the duration and type of physical activities.
• 🏡 Space constraints can be overcome by creative solutions like using a blank wall for target throws or mirror for self-observation during movements.
• 🤸‍♀️ Combining physical activity with cognitive tasks, such as storytelling, can enhance learning experiences.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Involving parents in physical activities at home supports the continuity of healthy movement habits.
• 🌟 The foundation for lifelong healthy movement habits is established during the preschool years.

Q & A

What is the significance of physical exercise for preschoolers according to the script?

Physical exercise is significant for preschoolers as it is beneficial not only for their physical development but also for their cognitive development.

What role do preschool professionals play in the context of the script?

Preschool professionals are experts at channeling the energy of preschoolers into constructive ways, emphasizing the importance of physical education in early learning.

What are the two broad guidelines recommended by Dr. Darren Robert for physical activity in preschools?

The two broad guidelines recommended are safety, ensuring children are not injured, and developmentally appropriate activities that cater to the age and individual needs of the children.

How does the script suggest incorporating physical activity into the existing preschool curriculum?

The script suggests infusing physical activity into the existing curriculum without displacing other essential activities, ensuring that physical education is a natural part of the learning process.

What is an example of a creative way to incorporate movement in a classroom setting as mentioned in the script?

One example is using the story 'Caps for Sale' to add movement, where children mimic actions like shaking hands and stamping feet along with the narrative.

How does the script address the challenge of space limitations in a classroom for physical activity?

The script suggests using creative solutions like turning a dramatic play center into a fitness center, using mirrors for self-observation during movement, and finding innovative ways to utilize available space.

What is the role of parents in encouraging physical activity for their children as per the script?

Parents are encouraged to engage in physical activities with their children at home, with the script highlighting the importance of involving parents and providing them with resources to continue the practice at home.

How does the script describe the process of introducing yoga to a preschool class?

The script describes the process of introducing yoga as involving initial nervousness, extensive research, and gradual introduction, with the activity eventually becoming something the children look forward to.

What is the significance of movement experiences in cognitive abilities as discussed in the script?

Movement experiences are significant as they contribute to the development of cognitive abilities by creating new pathways in the brain, enhancing learning and engagement during physical activity.

How does the script emphasize the importance of staff involvement in physical activity programs?

The script emphasizes the importance of staff involvement by suggesting that everyone in the teaching facility, from administrators to assistants, should be on board to ensure the success of physical activity programs.

What is the goal of instilling healthy movement habits in preschoolers as per the script?

The goal is to instill healthy movement habits early on, as research indicates that most habits are formed by the age of five, setting the foundation for a lifelong engagement in physical activity.

Outlines

00:00

🏋️‍♂️ The Importance of Physical Education in Preschool

Dr. Jeffrey Trawiack-Smith emphasizes the high energy levels of preschoolers and the role of preschool professionals in channeling this energy constructively. Research indicates that physical exercise is beneficial for both the physical and cognitive development of young children. Dr. Darren Robert highlights that preschoolers are 'moving machines' and stresses the importance of safety and developmental appropriateness in physical activities. He suggests infusing physical activity into the existing curriculum without displacing other essential tasks. Teacher Ashlee Parks shares her experience of implementing movement in the classroom during winter months and the creative ways her team engaged children in safe and productive activities. Dr. Robert also discusses the cognitive benefits of physical activity, suggesting that movement experiences are indicative of cognitive abilities, with new neural pathways being developed during physical activities.

05:01

🤸‍♀️ Integrating Physical Activity into Classroom Routines

The script continues with examples of how physical activity can be integrated into classroom routines. Teacher Claudia Ahern uses the story 'Caps for Sale' to incorporate movement, allowing children to engage actively with the narrative. She also uses transitions as opportunities for physical activity, such as the 'skating transition' where children move across the classroom on paper plates. The importance of planning and preparation is highlighted, as seen with Ashlee Parks' introduction of yoga to her class after thorough research. The challenge of limited space is addressed by Dr. Robert, who suggests creative solutions like using a blank wall for target throws or stretches. Claudia Ahern's transformation of a dramatic play center into a fitness center with the help of physical posters and a mirror is also discussed. The narrative emphasizes the importance of involving all staff, from administrators to assistants, and the value of parental involvement, with Claudia and Ashlee encouraging parents to engage in physical activities with their children at home, as supported by the幼儿园's newsletter and parent handouts.

Keywords

💡Preschoolers

Preschoolers are children typically between the ages of 3 to 5, who are enrolled in preschool programs. In the video, preschoolers are described as highly energetic, and the importance of channeling this energy into constructive activities is emphasized. The video discusses how physical education is vital for their physical and cognitive development, showcasing how teachers and experts engage preschoolers in various physical activities to support their growth.

💡Physical Education

Physical Education (PE) refers to the instruction of physical activities and sports designed to promote physical fitness, health, and social interaction. The video highlights the latest research on the benefits of PE for preschoolers, including its role in cognitive development. Dr. Darren Robert, a Physical Education Expert, discusses how PE is not just about physical development but also about enhancing cognitive abilities through movement.

💡Cognitive Development

Cognitive development encompasses the growth of a child's mental processes, including thinking, learning, memory, and problem-solving. The video script emphasizes that physical exercise is crucial for cognitive development in preschoolers. It explains how movement experiences during physical activity lead to the development of new pathways in the brain, supporting the overall cognitive growth of young children.

💡Developmentally Appropriate

Developmentally appropriate refers to the concept of tailoring activities, materials, and instruction to the developmental stages of children. In the context of the video, Dr. Robert stresses the importance of ensuring that physical activities are not only age-appropriate but also individually appropriate, taking into account the varying abilities and interests of preschoolers.

💡Safety

Safety is a paramount concern in any educational setting, especially when involving physical activities. The video mentions that safety is a key guideline for implementing physical education in preschools. It suggests that ensuring a safe environment is crucial to prevent injuries, which could hinder children's willingness to participate in physical activities.

💡Movement Experiences

Movement experiences are opportunities for children to engage in physical activities that promote motor skills, coordination, and physical fitness. The video discusses how these experiences are not only physical but also cognitive, as they stimulate brain development. Examples from the script include activities like yoga, which Ashlee Parks introduced to her preschool class after thorough research.

💡Curriculum Integration

Curriculum integration refers to the process of incorporating various subjects or activities into a cohesive educational program. The video advocates for infusing physical activity into the existing curriculum of preschools, rather than treating it as a separate or additional subject. This approach ensures that physical education is seamlessly woven into the learning experience of preschoolers.

💡Parental Engagement

Parental engagement is the involvement of parents in their children's education, which is considered essential for a child's overall development. The video script mentions how teachers like Claudia Ahern and Ashlee Parks encourage parents to participate in physical activities with their children at home, using newsletters and classroom invitations to foster this engagement.

💡Certified Physical Education Specialist

A Certified Physical Education Specialist is a professional who has undergone specialized training and holds a certification in physical education. In the video, Dr. Robert suggests that administrators should connect teachers with certified specialists to enhance the quality of physical education programs in preschools.

💡Healthy Movement Habits

Healthy movement habits refer to regular and varied physical activities that contribute to a child's health and well-being. The video concludes with the importance of instilling these habits in preschoolers, as it is believed that most habits are formed by the age of five. The script highlights the long-term benefits of establishing a foundation for physical activity during the preschool years.

Highlights

Preschoolers have high energy levels, and physical exercise is crucial for their physical and cognitive development.

Physical Education Expert Dr. Darren Robert emphasizes the importance of physical education in preschool learning.

Three to five-year-olds are described as 'moving machines,' highlighting their constant need for physical activity.

Teacher Ashlee Parks discusses the challenge of maintaining movement in preschoolers during winter months indoors.

Dr. Robert recommends two key guidelines for physical activity in preschools: safety and developmental appropriateness.

Physical activity settings should be both age and individually appropriate to cater to the diverse needs of children.

Cognitive abilities are linked to movement experiences, indicating the brain's development during physical activity.

Physical activity should be infused into the existing curriculum rather than replacing other essential activities.

Teacher Claudia Ahern combines physical activity with cognitive activities, using stories like 'Caps for Sale' to engage children.

Innovative classroom transitions, such as the 'skating transition,' are used to promote physical activity.

Planning and preparation are essential for managing physical activity within the classroom, as illustrated by Ashlee's introduction of yoga.

Space limitations can be overcome by creative solutions, such as using a blank wall for target throws or stretches.

Transforming the dramatic play center into a fitness center with movement posters and mirrors engages children in physical activity.

Dr. Robert stresses the importance of involving all staff members, from administrators to assistants, in promoting physical activity.

Parental involvement is key, with teachers like Claudia and Ashlee encouraging parents to engage in physical activities at home.

Dr. Robert concludes by emphasizing the importance of instilling healthy movement habits in preschoolers, which can last a lifetime.

Transcripts

[music}

>> DR. JEFFREY TRAWICK-SMITH: Preschoolers

are the most energetic people on earth. Preschool professionals are experts at channeling that

energy in constructive ways and research is showing that physical exercise is not only

good for young children's physical development, but for their cognitive development as well.

Watch while Physical Education Expert Dr. Darren Robert tells us about the latest research

and how physical education is vital to preschool learning.

>> DR. DARREN ROBERT: Three to five year olds are exactly that, they are moving machines.

NARRATOR: Over the long winter, teacher Ashlee Parks realized that several of her preschoolers

were particularly energetic.

>> ASHLEE PARKS (Teacher): During the winter months when we are unable to go outside, we

really have to implement movement throughout the entire day, because we may be restricted

to only being in the classroom. So my team and myself really had to think of creative

ways of how we could get the children up and moving in a safe yet productive manner.

>> DR. ROBERT: Two broad guidelines that I recommend for all centers and people teaching

in preschools, whether it be public or private, is that first, it be safe. We need to keep our

children safe, obviously because if they're not safe, and they become injured, playtime

or practice time stops and they don't want to do it again. We've seen that over and

over. So safety is a key and there are many resources to make sure that your environment

remains safe. The second is developmentally appropriate. The physical activity setting, we

need to make sure that it is age appropriate, which we understand, but also individually

appropriate. So to provide very different equipment and opportunities for children is

really important.

>> DR. ROBERT: Signs that we have of cognitive abilities are movement experiences. While

they're physically active, all kinds of things are going on in their brain. All these new

pathways are being developed. We know that early childhood specialists have a full plate, they

have many things they must get done each day. We're not asking you to put any of those

aside and make room for physical activity; what we are asking is to infuse physical activity

into your existing curriculum.

>> NARRATOR: Teacher Claudia Ahern finds many opportunities to combine physical activity

with cognitive activities in her classroom.

>> CLAUDIA AHERN: "Caps for Sale" is one of my favorite books. One of the reasons

I love the book is because it's a great story, but you can also add movement with it. The

children love when the peddler gets angry. They love to shake their hands,; they love

to stamp their feet. And if children are engaged in the story, they really take an active part.

>> NARRATOR: Claudia also incorporates physical activity into her classroom transitions.

>> CLAUDIA AHERN: I love to do movement as transitions in the classroom. Recently Iíve

been doing the skating transition, or we call it the sliding transition, where the children

put their feet on paper plates and they are on carpet and they slide across the classroom.

What's great about the sliding is children can explore their bodies, they can move slowly,

some children like to turn around; some children like to use their arms for balance; some children

fall and they pick themselves up. It's just a great opportunity for developmentally appropriate

ways children can move.

>> NARRATOR: Managing physical activity within the classroom does take planning and preparation.

Ashlee read and researched before introducing yoga to her preschool class.

>> ASHLEE PARKS: I was really nervous when I first started doing yoga, prior to actually

having yoga classes here. I did a lot of reading about children's yoga,

and they have some really great resources and really great books that tell you how to

conduct yoga with children. It's something that took a lot of introduction in order for

us to kind of catch on and understand what it was about. But as the years progressed, it's

something the children really look forward to. Itís something we don't need a lot of

space for; we can all fit on the carpet. And sometimes we will do it for 10 minutes and

sometimes we will do it for 4, and I can tell that they are ready to be done with yoga after

4 minutes. It's nice, too, because you can vary it depending on the needs of the children

that day.

>> NARRATOR: One of the biggest challenges to bringing physical activity into the classroom

can be space.

>> DR. ROBERT: Is there a place where you can have a blank wall that you can throw at

a sheet target? There may be already, where they can do some different kinds of butterfly

stretches or giraffe stretches. Just things like that, that will actually enhance your

program so much. Whether you use some timing device or whether the children have a free

choice. They'll choose this You'll find out. So you may be adding some more movement

in different stations, but children love to move and infusing that into your everyday

curriculum is really what we're trying to make sure happens.

>> CLAUDIA AHERN: Our dramatic play center was transformed into a fitness center. We

did that by placing photos of children in different movement positions. By having the

physical posters on the wall, it also helped the teachers engage the children. We also

placed a mirror on the wall so the children could see themselves doing the movement. Probably

the key to any successful dramatic play center is to have some intentional activities and

have staff involvement.

>> DR. ROBERT: It's very important to make sure that everyone in your teaching facility

is on board, from the administrators down to our assistants. The best resource that

any administrator can give you is to put you in touch with a certified physical education specialist.

>> ASHLEE PARKS: The director, Kristin, has been very supportive. As I said, we've had

a challenging group of behaviors this year, as well as energy levels. And she has been

very supportive of me taking initiative and trying to come up together with new things

we could try. She was very excited about the yoga when I first mentioned it, and she helped

me do some research as well.

>> NARRATOR: Involving parents is always an important goal of early childhood professionals.

Claudia and Ashlee have had success encouraging parents to engage in physical activities with

their children at home.

>> CLAUDIA AHERN: We have a weekly newsletter which informs parents of what's happening

in the classroom. I also invite parents into my classroom. If parents can see that it isn't

difficult to move with their children, then they'll be like, "I can do that at home."

>> PARENT: I love having Claudia's handout, it,s so great to have it on the fridge at

home. Nathan is just such an active kid, sometimes we run out of ideas for things to try, so

having that handout, we can look at that and do something different with him every day.

It keeps him interested, and he's just so active that he loves doing it.

>> DR. ROBERT: What we're trying to get at is instilling these healthy movement habits

early on. We know that young children develop most of their habits by the age of five. If

choosing movement activity is instilled in these children by age five, we're all set.

If they keep on going throughout their early childhood, their childhood, their teen years,

into adult life, that's exactly what we want. That's what the research is telling us. That

it starts in the preschool years, building those foundations that will enable a child

to become competent and confident so that they will seek out those experiences later on.

[music}