Nursery World - A parent's guide to physical activity

Whether it's swimming, horse-riding, dancing, cycling or games of tag, there are lots of ways to get inactive children moving Isn't reading and mathematics more important than exercise?

Isn't reading and mathematics more important than exercise?

Physical fitness and confidence improves a child's ability to persevere and try new learning situations. A physically fit child can concentrate for longer periods of time and gets sick less often and therefore misses less schooling. Physical confidence increases spatial awareness and has been shown to improve children's ability to solve problems. This helps them when they come to read, write and do mathematics.

When is a good time to start a fitness programme?

You can begin to build physical activity into your children's day almost from they day they are born. With young babies you can bounce them on your knee, dance with them and place toys slightly out of reach during floor time to encourage them to move.

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