Active Bodies Support Active Minds

"As teachers, we know a lot about active play and believe that we provide for it. Yet the pressure from more requirements in our programs may be limiting active play in children’s daily lives," writes Deb Curtis in a new Exchange Reflections, "Supporting Active Bodies (and Minds)." Curtis goes on to explain, "School readiness agendas that emphasize sitting and listening to learn, environmental rating scales that focus on requiring specific areas and materials for math, science and literacy, and the heightened attention to safety and risk avoidance, have all led to fewer opportunities for children to be active." The Exchange Reflections supports discussion and offers ideas on ways to successfully add more active times into children’s days despite other pressures. According to the First Five Years website, "lower fitness levels in children are linked to lower academic outcomes. We also know that as these young children become adults they are more likely to earn less, have high health-related costs, are sick more often, are more likely to be obese as adults and have a decreased life expectancy. This makes a very compelling case for young children to be physically active."

For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.

© 2005 Child Care Information Exchange - All Rights Reserved | Contact Us | Return to Site