Why Exercise Pre School Children.

Overview.

• Many people may wonder whether it is necessary to exercise pre-school children? To follow, you should find some of the rationale behind why exercising preschool children is so important.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) regards childhood obesity as one of the most serious global public health challenges for the 21st century.
• Obese children are also more likely to become obese adults.
• The (NCMP) measures the height and weight of around one million school children in England every year.
• The latest figures, for 2012/13, show that 18.9% of children in Year 6 (aged 10-11) were obese and a further 14.4% were overweight.
• Of children in Reception (aged 4-5), 9.3% were obese and another 13.0% were overweight. This means almost a third of 10-11-year-olds and over a fifth of 4-5-year-olds were overweight or obese.
• Data is also available from the Health Survey for England (HSE), which includes a smaller sample of children than the NCMP but covers a wider age range. Results from 2012 show that around 28% of children aged 2 to 15 were classed as either overweight or obese. (Public Health England)

We are being proactive about this crisis that exists for our children today.

Our curriculum is structured around a 30 or 45 minute lesson which includes warm up, simple aerobics, stretches, cool down and activities which are all designed to help the development of your child. We also include a short discussion on a different health related topic each week, which is now emailed directly to the parents. Children can colour it in and it can prompt discussion with parents. For example, names and identification of our muscles, foods that keep us healthy and strong, hygiene, brushing our teeth, getting enough sleep and having a happy outlook/self-esteem. Our classes provide that structure and movement experience and more!.

Children do not just ‘develop’ fundamental motor skills with age as believed by many parents and care providers.

Children need instruction, practice and encouragement to develop these basic skills. Stretch-n-Grow can provide children with the activity, direction and encouragement required to develop to their full potential. We teach children that exercise is fun, but more than that, it is a complete health programme, which is aimed at encouraging the habits of a lifetime.

Structured exercise in preschool plays a vital role in a child’s overall development. Here’s why it’s so important: 

1. Physical Development:

• Motor Skill Development:

Preschool is a crucial time for developing fundamental motor skills like running, jumping, throwing, catching, and balancing. Structured exercise provides opportunities to practice and refine these skills. These skills are the building blocks for more complex movements and are essential for participation in sports and other physical activities later in life.   

Healthy Growth:

Regular physical activity helps build strong bones and muscles, promoting healthy growth and development. It also contributes to maintaining a healthy weight, reducing the risk of childhood obesity.

• Coordination and Balance:

Structured exercise helps improve coordination and balance, which are essential for everyday activities.   

• Brain Development:

Physical activity has been shown to enhance cognitive function, including attention, memory, and concentration.  It also promotes the development of neural pathways,which are essential for learning.   

• Following Directions:

Structured exercise often involves following instructions and completing sequences, which helps children develop their listening and comprehension skills.

• Spatial Awareness:

Activities that involve movement and spatial relationships help children develop their spatial awareness.   

• Social Interaction: Group activities and games promote social interaction and cooperation.  Children learn to take turns, share, and work together, developing essential social skills.

• Self-Esteem and Confidence:

Achieving physical milestones and participating in group activities can boost children’s self-esteem and confidence.

Positive reinforcement and encouragement create a supportive environment.

• Emotional Regulation:

Physical activity can help children release energy and manage their emotions. It can also provide a sense of accomplishment and reduce stress.   

• Establishing Healthy Habits:

By having structured excercise at a young age, it helps to establish healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

Summary:

Structured exercise in preschool provides a foundation for a healthy and active lifestyle. It supports physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development, setting children up for success in school and beyond. If  you are still wondering whether it is necessary to exercise pre-school children? If you have any questions or you would like more information, Please Contact us