Every child found at a daycare is different from other but one thing that remains common in all of them is the concern for their health; both physical and mental. Various physical activities help to build the overall health of the child as they facilitate in keeping the heart, lungs and bones healthy and strong. Physical exertion appropriate to the age maintain the required healthy weight, works to improve the mood and builds confidence. For children who spend their days at daycare, it is important for such institute to come up with physical activities that are right for the age and helps children to grow both physically and mentally.
Age Specific Physical Activities And Their Duration
It is important to determine the right physical activity for appropriate duration for optimum children’s health. These activities vary from age to the health status of the child and these are categorized as
According To Age
For toddlers (age 1-2 years) it is important to plan 180 minutes of physical activity that are not only fun but also encourages the child to explore new possibilities and try things they won’t at home; all of that under careful supervision ofcourse.
For preschoolers (age 3-4 years), the duration of physical activity decrease to an hour of energetic playing that should be maintained till they reach the age of 5. At this age, the concept of rules and coordination to play sports but they can always go running, can play tag, can dance and can master the art of throwing and catching things.
According to Health
Children admitted at a daycare may also be suffering from various chronic illness and it is important to plan an activity accordingly. For instance, for hemophilic children exercises that strengthen the muscles also work to decrease bleeding episodes and include cycling, running and swimming. For asthmatic children, swimming is a better and safer option than running but is it crucial for the caregiver and teacher to look for potential triggers.