4 Questions To Ask Your Child's Preschool About Physical Fitness
Posted on: 7 February 2018
One of the current trends in early childhood education is a greater emphasis on physical education. This is intended to instill healthy habits and an active lifestyle in children from a young age. However, the approach to physical fitness can vary from program to program. Some programs offer children a choice of formal activities such as dance, yoga, or martial arts, while other programs simply extend outdoor playtime. Below are some questions you should ask your child's teacher about physical fitness.
Does Physical Fitness Cut Into Play Time?
Physical fitness and free play time are both important to childhood development. Unfortunately, some preschools choose to cut free play time and replace it with physical fitness activities. During free play, children develop critical thinking and communication skills while learning to play socially. This important time should not be cut to make time for formal physical activity.
What Aspects of Health Do You Emphasize?
The messages your child receives about their body at a young age will stick with them throughout their life. Programs that emphasize the enjoyment of healthy foods and activities as opposed to criticizing "junk food" and sedentary lifestyles will help your child feel more confident and comfortable in their body.
Do You Teach Cooperative, Competitive, or Independent Activities?
During preschool, most physical activities should be cooperative or independent. While competitive activities can develop important social skills, these are best reserved for later in your child's development. While cooperative activities can teach social skills while getting your child active, independent activities such as running, swimming, or yoga, can increase your child's personal investment in a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, it's a good idea to balance both cooperative and independent physical activities during preschool.
How Do You Meet Varying Ability Levels?
At a young age, the gap in physical ability levels tends to be large. Some children may have great gross motor skills while others still struggle with their basic coordination. It is important that your child's teachers have a plan in place that embraces physical activities at varying ability levels. This will allow all children to get active, challenge more advanced children, and accommodate less advanced children.
While physical activity is important for preschoolers, it is critical that you send your child to a program that addresses these four issues. In a program that has a healthy approach to physical activity, your child is more likely to flourish and learn to love their body. Check out schools, like Cornerstone Daycare Learning Center, for more help.
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