Get Them Moving!

According to SHAPE America – Society of Health and Physical Educators and National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE), Preschoolers and elementary school-age youths should:

1) Get at least 60 minutes of structured physical activity each day. 2) Preschoolers should engage in at least 60 minutes -- and up to several hours -- of unstructured physical activity each day, and should not be sedentary for more than 60 minutes at a time, except when sleeping. 3) Preschoolers should be encouraged to develop competence in fundamental motor skills that will serve as the building blocks for future motor skillfulness and physical activity. 4) Preschoolers should have access to indoor and outdoor areas that meet or exceed recommended safety standards for performing large-muscle activities.

5) Physical activity and movement skills are extremely important and preschoolers should be provided opportunities for structured and unstructured physical activity.

6) NASPE and AHA show that physically active, healthy kids learn better. Early School-age youths need at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity every day.