The global childhood trend towards obesity and
unhealthy lifestyles is a growing concern. Childcare set￾tings have been identified as the most influential factors for
children’s physical activity, and physical activity habits are
better formed and maintained if started in early childhood.
As a result, early childhood education environments are in
an excellent position to enable physical activity interven￾tions, and are optimally placed to promote physical activity
in order to reverse the obesity and physical inactivity
trends. Yet, there is still ignorance and misunderstanding of
the role that physical activity plays in early childhood
education. The purpose of this paper is to review current
physical activity issues, to re-evaluate the specific benefits
from regular physical activity, and to offer guiding rec￾ommendations to improve physical activity in early
childhood education. Future research directions are also
provided. It is our hope that early childhood education can
play a proactive role in the development of healthy active
lifestyles, and that all young children can fully benefit from
regular physical activities for their health and wholistic
learning in all child care environments.

J163

Perpustakaan FITK Pusat

Tersedia

• Move to Learn, Learn to Move: Prioritizing Physical Activity in Early Childhood Education Programming

Share :