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Keep Preschoolers Fit Outdoors with Balls
by Kelly PfeifferDid you know that a simple ball can make a big difference in a preschooler’s activity level? Providing balls and other age appropriate equipment for preschoolers can actually increase their level of physical activity outdoors. Parents of preschoolers and preschool teachers can help keep preschoolers fit by choosing simple playground equipment that is age appropriate.
Balls Increase Physical Activity Level for Preschoolers
Simply providing playtime outdoors doesn’t guarantee that preschoolers will get adequate physical activity shows recent research led by professor, Russell R. Pate University of South Carolina. When the research group studied playground habits of three, four and five year olds at child care center playgrounds, they discovered that preschoolers were active only about half of the time. However, when play balls and other items were made available during outdoor playtime, preschoolers were more likely to engage in physical activity.What are the Best Kind of Balls for Preschoolers to Play with Outdoors?
During outdoor play, preschoolers are also more likely to play with balls that are age appropriate. Basketballs, footballs and baseballs are not age appropriate for preschoolers. Instead, preschoolers benefit from using soft playground balls that are medium sized and can be “hugged” and held with a preschooler’s arms. Read Choosing Balls as Gifts for Preschoolers for more information about the variety of ball styles that are age appropriate for preschoolers.How Can Adults Encourage Preschoolers to Play with Balls?
Preschoolers love interaction with adults. One great way to encourage more physical activity for preschoolers is to roll or kick a ball with a preschooler. A typical preschooler isn’t skilled enough to throw and catch a playground ball with much success, but will stay busy and feel successful while rolling and kicking balls. Adults can also encourage preschoolers to roll and kick playground balls with each other.Preschoolers also like to see how balls fit in spaces and roll balls down ramps. Adults can allow preschoolers to use playground slides as ramps and provide hula-hoops, tunnels and other spaces for preschoolers to explore how balls roll or fit through spaces.
Other Playground Equipment to Keep Preschoolers Fit
In addition to balls, preschoolers enjoy exploring with other playground equipment such as hoops, pinwheels, streamers, parachutes and hopper balls.Ten Ways to Use Hula Hoops for Physical Fitness offers simple ideas on how preschoolers can have fun and engage in physical activity by using hula-hoops for a variety of activities.
Pinwheel Dancing – Preschool Movement Activity explains a simple dance prop can encourage preschoolers to by physically active.
Combine physical activity with science and engage preschoolers in a Science and Fitness Activity – Exploring Wind that uses crepe paper streamers, windsocks or pinwheels as a prop to keep preschoolers moving.
References:
Amid Rising Childhood Obesity, Preschoolers Found to be Inactive, Science Daily
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