Showcase Magazine Autumn 2023 - Flipbook - Page 14
CHILD
DEVELOPMENT
Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle in Early Years is
crucial for growth and development. The Early Years
Foundation Framework (EYFS) states that children should have
opportunities to engage in physical activity in both indoor and
outdoor settings. Depending on the age of the children, the
level of intensity varies. Research has shown that if physical
activity is incorporated in to a child’s life from early on, they are
more likely to be physically active throughout their adult life.
Childhood inactivity can have serious consequences in
adulthood including the increased risk of obesity, heart
disease, diabetes and stroke. This means that, by developing
active behaviours at a younger age, we can support the next
generation in leading happier and healthier lives.
Benefits of Physical Activity
Increase muscle and bone strength
Improve coordination
Maintain a healthy weight
Better quality of sleep
Develop fine motor and gross motor skills
Develop problem-solving skills
Social advantages through turn taking and
cooperating with others
Alleviate stress and develop their emotionalwellbeing
Plan Activities to Promote Physical
Development
Work in Partnership with Parents
Healthy Eating and Meal Times
The EYFS states that physical activity
should be incorporated in to activities
and children should be encouraged to
spend as little time as possible sitting.
Make sure that you provide the children
in your setting with sufficient time to
use equipment and resources to
develop their gross motor skills. You
should also model active behaviour for
the children by getting involved in fun
activities!
By working in partnership with
parents, this will help to ensure that
children get the recommended
amount of active time each day.
Discussing with parents a child’s
interests at home, can ensure that
these are incorporated into planning
activities in the setting. You can
also offer advice to parents on how
to keep their child active.
During meal times, discuss the food
that the children are eating and why it is
important to eat the right food to keep
our bodies fit and healthy. Growing fruit
and vegetables in your setting is also a
great way to encourage children to gain
interest in the food that they are eating.
Additionally, discuss the different food
groups and encourage the children to
create their own healthy meal using art
and craft materials.
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Showcase Training 14