It is no secret that physical activity is essential for both children and adults. It is recommended that children who can walk are physically active for at least 180 minutes per day. This includes light activity such as moving around, rolling and playing as well as more energetic activities such as running, skipping, hopping, jumping and climbing.

With recent evidence suggesting that inactivity for an extended period of time children can increase the risk of poor health, it is essential that we ensure our children are engaging in these activities as frequently as possible. Keep reading for some fun ways to get your children active.

1. Action songs and rhymes are a great way to get your child up and moving around whilst having fun. Some action songs you may want to try include, Baby Shark, Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes, If You’re Happy and You Know It and Ring-O-Ring-o-Roses.
2. Ball games such as football, throwing, catching, bouncing and rolling. For a challenge you can encourage children to throw the ball into a basket or at a certain spot/shape on a wall or fence.
3. Large scale play activities such as ball and parachute games and games involving ribbons.
4. Try an obstacle course in the garden or at the park, encouraging running, jumping, climbing, crawling and other navigational skills.
5. Practice riding a bike or scooter
6. Allow your child to attempt to dress themselves, a doll or a teddy during play.
7. Provide opportunities for your child to use scissors, glue and playdough, this helps in aiding fine motor development, strengthening the muscles in their hands.

Ensuring that your child engages in an appropriate amount of physical activity per day sets them up for success in the future. Regular physical activity helps develop movement skills as well as helping to develop a healthy heart, bone strength and stronger muscles. Physical activity and movement also helps in keeping a healthy body weight. As a parent you are your child’s first role model and they will copy your actions. Seeing you engage in physical activity and exercise will make it seem normal to them, it’s also lots of fun for them to join in.

Here at The Little Dreamers Nursery we ensure that your child engages in a range of different physical activities each day, physical activities are implemented into our daily planning and schedule and includes the use of our indoor and outdoor climbing play areas, soft play area, Zumba kids and Yoga.

If you need any further information or activity ideas, please feel free to contact us at The Little Dreamers Nursery (info@thelittledreamersnursery.com). We are always happy to help!