FAQ #7: What kinds of physical activities are appropriate for preschoolers?

Children of all ages can and should be involved in a variety of different activities. The kinds of activities they can do depend on their age and stage of development. While children all follow a basic development pattern, they grow and develop at widely varying rates. The movement or activity skills they are capable of doing vary just as much. Also, different activities will appeal to some children but not others. It's important to plan activities that correspond to a child's individual capabilities and interests.

Three types of activities all contribute to a healthy body. Combine all 3 types when planning activities for preschoolers:

• Endurance activities that strengthen the heart and lungs such as running, jumping and swimming.
• Flexibility activities that encourage children to bend, stretch and reach such as gymnastics and dancing.
• Strength building activities that build strong muscles and bones such as climbing.

Movement abilities and activities for toddlers and preschoolers^*

Children age 2 to 3 are just beginning or are able to:	Activities suitable for children age 2 to 3 include:
Walk forward and backward, run and jump, and climb up and down stairs Walk along a balance beam or board with or without help Throw a ball or bean bag using two hands Kick a large ball without losing balance, or runs after it and stops it with two hands before kicking again Hit a suspended balloon or ball with a large bat Crawl and climb up and through play structures and household furniture Sit with balance on a swing, while being gently pushed from behind by an adult Sit on and skillfully move a riding toy, pushing with two feet	Stop and go walking and running games; tag Balance Beam (not more than 25 cm off ground) Follow the leader obstacle course Ball play; throw and retrieve, ball kicking Hitting and batting Ice skating with assistance Water play and swimming Rhythm, music and dance Marching band, rhythmical activities, hopping and singing games
Children age 3 to 4 are just beginning or are able to:	Activities suitable for children age 3 to 4 include:
Walk forward and backward with varying speed and in different directions Walk balanced on tip toes Jump with increased skill over objects and in combination with walking or running Catch a large ball Kick a ball with more accuracy and retrieve it with two hands while the ball is in motion Hit a ball off batting tee with large bat Climb with coordination, balance and a firm grip on large play structure Pedal and manoeuvre a tricycle, big wheels, or small two-wheeled bicycle with or without training wheels Swim moving arms and kicking feet, while firmly supported under hips and chest by adult	Walking and running games; tag Jumping over a line Balance beam - not more than 50 cm or waist height off the ground (hold hand or stand - beside child for safety) Throwing and catching Hitting and batting Kicking to a partner and retrieving Ice skating Play structure or obstacle course with ladders, tunnels, ropes, balance board Swimming, parents and tot swimming classes Rhythm, music and dance Blanket and parachute games
Children age 5 to 6 are just beginning or are able to:	Activities suitable for children age 5 to 6 include:
Walk, run, and jump well Climb big play structures to their own comfort level Catch and throw large and small objects with improved accuracy Develop hand-eye coordination Develop spatial awareness - how the child judges movement in relations of objects and people Develop the concept of teamwork but game skills are not developed Respond readily to rhythm and music Desire vigorous activity but this may lead to carelessness, especially with others Tire easily but recover quickly	Running and skipping Gymnastics and martial arts Ropes, bars and climbers Games with objects of various sizes, shapes and textures such as balls, beanbags, scoops, and bats. Games with a minimum number of rules and instructions. Small groups games emphasizing cooperation rather than competition Ice skating Swimming Cross country skiing Rhythm movement including walking, marching, clapping and running. Strenuous activities with rest and water breaks.

^* Adapted from "Moving and Growing - Exercises and activities for twos, threes, and fours" and "Moving and Growing - Exercises and activities for fives and sixes". Government of Canada Fitness and Amateur Sport, Canadian Institute of Child Health, 2000.

Making physical activity a part of each day is fun and healthy. Encouraging preschoolers to play actively everyday helps create a pattern that may stay with them the rest of their lives.

For more information on healthy eating and active living for preschoolers visit Healthy Start for Life Resources

Quick Links:

• Active Healthy Kids Canada
  www.activehealthykids.ca/index.cfm



• Canada's Physical Activity Guide for Children
  www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/guide/index_e.html



• Healthy Start for Life - Keeping Active Together Planner



• Moving and growing: exercises and activities for two, three and four year olds Canadian Institute of Child Health
  www.cfc-efc.ca/docs/cich/00002_en.htm



• Moving & growing: exercises and activities for five and six year olds - Canadian Institute of Child Health
  www.cfc-efc.ca/docs/cich/00003_en.htm



• Parachute play - Canadian Child Care Federation (1996)
  www.cfc-efc.ca/docs/cccf/00004_en.htm

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