Music and movement combine rhythmic sounds, songs, and physical activities to engage young children in learning through motion.
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Learn Through Active Play is a free program that aims to empower Canadian early learning educators and ECEs.
A guide to gross and fine motor skills in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers
Through daily play and movement, babies and toddlers begin to develop fundamental motor skills: gross motor skills (big movements like crawling, walking, and jumping) and fine motor skills (smaller actions, like grasping and picking up tiny objects). These skills grow naturally over time, but no two children develop them at exactly the same pace. That said, there are so many fun activities you can do to help encourage their physical development in an engaging and healthy way.
Tips for practicing yoga with preschoolers
Yoga calms the mind while stretching and strengthening the body, making it an excellent activity to do with kids. When practicing yoga, children learn how to listen to their bodies and notice their thoughts (skills many adults are still working on!). Most kids aren’t ready for the type of full hour-long yoga classes adults enjoy, but that doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from the practice.
How to get the most out of playground time with your toddler
When it comes to raising young kids, some days life feels a little like a hamster wheel. Have no fear! The playground is a parental lifesaver. It’s free, it’s outdoors, there are usually other adults for you and kids for them. But it’s not just a respite for an exasperated parent or a bored kid—it’s a place for your children to work on growing physical skills and increased independence.
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This list offers plenty of fun and simple ideas that will help your young ones get active and develop skills in a variety of ways.
The benefits of being physically active *
Increased self-esteem and happiness
40%
Higher test scores
Reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes
7-8%
Higher annual earnings
Learn about physical literacy
* Adapted from Aspen Institute Sport for All - Play for Life: A Playbook to Get Every Kid in the Game