Developing Healthy Habits
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Welcome to the Early Education Corner, a little space on the world-wide web where we early childhood educators can “gather” and “talk” about topics related to our work with young children!
For those of you who have weathered a cold, snowy winter, I hope you are beginning to enjoy the first signs of spring like we are here in the northeast!
So, looking at what’s new these days, one topic that seems to be on everyone’s mind is health care and health-related issues. Even early childhood educators are turning their attention to the importance of health and physical fitness in the early years.
In fact, many states have developed or are developing early learning standards for health, nutrition and physical fitness. Many early childhood programs are including physical education in their curriculum.
Much of this work is based upon years of research revealing that childhood obesity and related diseases are an ever-increasing problem in our country. Research has also shown that developing good health habits in childhood can have positive effects on health and fitness practices in later life.
How can early childhood educators help young children acquire good health and fitness habits?
Here are four areas that I think are important.
Young children need:
1. information about their bodies and how they work.
2. to know how to take of their bodies and keep them healthy by preventing disease and injury.
3. to learn about the importance of exercise in keeping the body fit and healthy.
4. to learn about the importance of good nutrition in keeping the body healthy and in good physical condition.
It’s important for young children to learn about health and fitness and have the opportunity to practice what they have learned.
Here are some suggested themes you can use in your health and fitness curriculum:
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Human body, its parts and how they work
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Five senses
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Teeth and how to care for them
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Germs and how to prevent disease
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Nutrition and the new nutrition pyramid
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Exercise, why and how
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Rest, why and how
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Daily good health practices
What are some ways to teach these themes?
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Body – books, CDs, songs (e.g. Where is Thumbkin?, Head & Shoulders, Hokey Pokey)
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Teeth – books, model teeth and brushes, dentist classroom visit
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Nutrition – books, new food pyramid chart, sample health foods
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Physical Fitness – songs, dances, CDs, games
Do you include health and fitness activities in your curriculum? What health and fitness activities do you do?
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