Movements Role in Child Development

Test 1

Why is movement important?

• to develop their movement skills

• Beneficial for the physical, socio-emotional, and cognitive domains

• Physical activity promotes fitness

• Improves health

Statistics regarding children’s health

• 2-5-year-olds watching TV 25 1/2 hrs. per week

• Up to 50% of American children not getting enough exercise

• 40% of 5-8 year olds show at least one heart disease risk factor

• First signs of arteriosclerosis at age 5

• Obesity

• 300,000 deaths per year in the US due to low levels of fitness

Health Related Fitness

Cardiovascular

Muscular strength

Muscular endurance

Flexibility

Body composition

Why are skill related fitness elements not the focus of early physical activities programs?

skills such as weight-lifting are not appropriate for physical activities as it is too advanced. Children need to learn basics and not engage in specific skills geared to improve performance