PHYSICAL DE VELOPMENT + HE ALTH
digging DEEPER Movement and School Achievement In order for young children to acquire motor skills and levels of fitness expected for their age, they need to be active. Despite the common belief that young children are always moving, research suggests that many children are not. In fact, American preschoolers may be more sedentary than in past decades (Schneider & Lounsbery, 2008). Play time has been reduced or even eliminated in some early childhood and kindergarten programs because of a new emphasis on academic learning. Removing active play may actually undermine intended achievement-oriented outcomes. Play enhances attention, memory, self-regulation, and overall academic achievement throughout childhood (Castelli, et. al, 2007; Blakeman, 2003). In short, physical play is necessary for learning.
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Kindergarten: Looking Ahead
Wyoming Early Learning Foundations for Children Ages 3-5
Movement and physical activity supports all areas of development and learning. In kindergarten, children mature physically and have more balance, coordination and body awareness. Their competence in movement allows them to play games with rules with their peers. They begin to understand the health benefits of physical activity as well the importance of personal hygiene, eating healthy foods, and following safety rules.