Active Play Everyday!

Lesson 6: Active Play Everyday!

Prevention of childhood obesity can be addressed in the early childhood years when preferences are established. A positive approach can be that of increasing physical activity everyday! How can we increase physical activity everyday for young children? To do this, it is necessary to understand a bit about how our bodies grow and develop, how body movement and the brain work together, and how, we, as adults, can best teach and provide physical activity opportunities to children in our care.

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Approximate Length: 1 hour

Authors: Gail Brand & Leslie Crandall
Extension Educators
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Resources

The following resources helps to expand your knowledge and understanding of how to support children’s learning through active play.

UNL Publications
University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension publications offer peer-reviewed, research based information in a range of topics including early childhood education. Written by specialists, faculty and educators at UNL, check out the following early childhood educational publications:
Play & Learning in the Primary Years.

Children ages 3-8 need opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of academic concepts through play. Children’s play needs to be encouraged as an essential part of their healthy development. A wide variety of play experiences is necessary to develop a complex and integrated brain.

The Importance of Outdoor Experiences in the Primary Years.

Daily experiences in natural environments can have immediate and long-lasting benefits for children. Increased physical activity is associated with decreases in depression and anxiety and increases in levels of concentration. It also is a key strategy in addressing childhood obesity.

Interactive Publications
Interactive Publications allow you to engage in interactive learning activities while you click and read!
Keeping Children Moving, Active, and Healthy. Fun, interactive and simple ways parents and caregivers can encourage children from birth to age 8 to be more active.