Related Articles
Bike Obstacle Course - Preschool Fitness Activity
Keep preschoolers active setting up bike courses.
Tips for Hiking with Preschoolers
Plan ahead when taking preschoolers on a hike.
Scarf Dancing Circle Activities for Preschoolers
Teach spatial concepts to preschoolers with colorful scarves.
How to Add Fitness into Daily Routines
Keeping preschoolers healthy is an everyday effort. Physical fitness is a way of life. Add more physical activity to each day by making gradual changes in your preschooler’s daily routine. Include one or more of these simple tips to promote physical fitness throughout the day. Small changes on a daily basis can add up to big physical fitness benefits for preschoolers.
Active DVDs and Videos for Morning Routines
Many parents rely on visual screens to entertain children while parents tend to morning. If you are one of those parents, consider choosing a morning video that encourages preschoolers to dance along or engage in physical activity.
Let Preschoolers Carry Their Backpack
Children attending preschool or daycare use a bag or backpack to carry items to and from school. Often parents carry the backpack into school or day care instead of giving preschoolers the responsibility of carrying the backpack. Carrying a backpack in and out of school each day builds strength, endurance and independence.
Establish a “Music Only” Time at Home
Plan a time everyday to turn off all video screens (TV, DVDs, Videos, Video Games, Computers, etc.) and only have music playing. A “music only” time could be a half hour or hour.
Music Inspires Movement - Most children naturally respond to music with movement. Vary the types and tempos of music that you play during music time.
Don't Nag About or Force Physical Activity - Even if you have “music only” time everyday, don’t expect that preschoolers will always engage in physical activity. It’s okay if preschoolers play with blocks, dolls or other toys. But children will be more likely to engage in dance and creative movement activities if video screens are off and music is playing. At times set out musical instruments for music only time and preschoolers might choose to develop rhythm skills.
Make a Date to Walk to the Mailbox
Take your preschooler on a date each day to walk to the mailbox together. Let your preschooler open the box, get the mail out and carry it into the house.
Make Your Date Interesting - When the date gets boring, decide on fun ways to get to the mailbox – gallop, hop like a bunny or leap like a frog.
Schedule Stretch Time
Include a stretch time as part of your daily routine with your preschooler.
Morning - Stretching in the morning wakes up muscles for an active day.
Bedtime - Stretching as part of a bedtime routine helps preschoolers relax for a good night’s rest.
Like this article? Get more like it in your inbox. Subscribe today to our free weekly newsletter.
