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Instead of bean bags: crumpled up balls of paper, nylon dish scrubbers, sponges or pool noodle discs Instead of scarves: dish cloths, bandanas, hand towels or a cut up bed sheet Instead of balls: stuffed animals or pet toys Instead of nets: pylons, tape on a wall, a hula hoop

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Change the skill: Rather than dribbling with consecutive bounces, start by dropping and picking up a ball Rather than throwing and catching, start by passing an object back and forth

Change the space: Make it smaller so children won’t need to throw an object, or kick a ball as far Make it larger to allow more children to participate at the same time

Change the equipment: Use larger, softer balls or shorter, lighter bats and racquets. Choose larger goals and target areas. Use non-traditional equipment such as a stuffed animals or household and classroom items.

Keep it fun! Remember that any movement is good movement Involve kids in making their own choices related to physical activity Try different types of physical activity: play, games, and sports Create opportunities for success

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Develop a culture of physical activity Incorporate physical activity into existing programming Engage parents and guardians Make sure everyone is involved Make it fun

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Move every day Be creative with physical activity Allow time for active play Make it fun Remember that you have an important role to play

Build an obstacle course Play a game of catch Try a game of hockey using pool noodles instead of sticks Draw a hopscotch grid using sidewalk chalk Play a game of What Time is it Mr. Wolf? Visit a local skating rink or splash pad Make the letters of the

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Skills to develop: Walking in a straight line Changing directions when running Throwing and catching a ball Climbing playground equipment Hopping on 1 foot Skipping Source: Nipissing District Developmental Screening. (2011). NDDS Checklist.

Play a game of Follow the Leader Visit the local playground to swing, slide and climb Try some yoga Play a game of tag Practice kicking a ball toward a target Play a game of freeze dance Throw a scarf in the air and try to catch it as it

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Skills to develop: Walking up the stairs Running Kicking a ball Throwing a ball Jumping off both feet Balancing on 1 foot Hopping on 1 foot Source: Nipissing District Developmental Screening. (2011). NDDS Checklist.

Roll a ball for your toddler to chase Help your toddler build a fort out of cushions, blankets and chairs Sing songs with actions Have your toddler move like different animals Use a bed sheet like a parachute Dance around with ribbons or scarves Practice throwing a stuffed animal into

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Skills to develop: Walking up the stairs Pushing and pulling objects while walking forward Running Walking backwards Kicking a ball Jumping with 2 feet Source: Nipissing District Developmental Screening. (2011). NDDS Checklist.

Move an object side-to-side to encourage baby to follow the object by moving their head Gently move and stretch baby’s arms and legs Provide lots of opportunities for tummy time (not while sleeping) Place a toy in front or to the side of baby and encourage baby to reach for

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Skills to develop: 0-3 months: neck control, reaching, grabbing, arm and leg movements 4-6 months: rolling over, sitting, pushing with their legs 7-9 months: moving forward (crawling or scooting), moving objects between hands, standing 10-12 months: cruising (walking while holding onto furniture), playing with balls 12-18 months: walking up stairs,

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Benefits of Physical Activity: Physical development Emotional development Social development Cognitive development Physical literacy Source: Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP). (2012). Canadian Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines Handbook. Source: ParticipACTION. (n.d.). Follow the Guidelines, Reap the Rewards. Source: Timmons, B. W., LeBlanc, A. G., Carson, V., Connor Gorber,

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   24-Hour Movement Guidelines – Sleep: Infants 0-3 months: 14 to 17 hours. Infants 4-11 months: 12 to 16 hours. Toddlers 1 and 2: 11 to 14 hours. Preschoolers 3 and 4: 10 to 13 hours. Children 5-13: 9 to 11 hours.

24-Hour Movement Guidelines – Move / Sweat / Step: Infants: physically active several times a day, including at least 30 minutes of tummy time while awake. Toddlers 1 and 2: at least 180 minutes of physical activity, including energetic play. Preschoolers 3 and 4: at least 180 minutes of physical

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A program of Health Nexus Provides information, consultations, resources and training in the areas of preconception, prenatal health and early child development to service providers Funded by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services Have a Ball Together! project funded by the Lawson Foundation

Understand the physical skills children 0-6 need to develop Learn about activity ideas which will help children develop these skills Review tips that will help children be active Explore modification ideas that will lead to success Review easily accessible and inexpensive equipment suggestions Review the updated haveaballtogether.ca website

Part Two: Moving Theory into Practice Provides information, consultations, resources and training in the areas of maternal health and early child development to service providers.

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How many hours a day does the average 3-4 year old spend being sedentary (not including sleep time)? 3.4 hours 5.8 hours 7.5 hours 10 hours Source: ParticipACTION. (2015). The Biggest Risk is Keeping Kids Indoors. The 2015 ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth.

How many hours a day does the average 3-4 year old spend being sedentary (not including sleep time)? 3.4 hours 5.8 hours 7.5 hours 10 hours

Examples of sedentary behaviour: Sitting for long periods, like in a stroller or classroom Riding in a bus or car Watching television Playing video games Playing on computers, tablets and phones Source: Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP). (2012). Canadian Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines Handbook.

Forms the foundation for physical activity Includes motivation, confidence, competence, knowledge and understanding Fundamental movement skills as building blocks: – Running, jumping, skipping – Throwing, catching, kicking – Stretching, twisting, balancing Forms the foundation for a lifetime of movement Source: Canada’s Physical Literacy Consensus Statement. (2015).

Cognitive Development Enhances the development of brain function Improves problem-solving abilities Increases attention and concentration Improves memory Increases readiness to learn Improves learning and academic performance    

Social Development Provides opportunities to practice and develop social skills Encourages interactions with others Helps develop friendships Teaches life skills Promotes leadership skills Helps nurture imagination and creativity Promotes positive behaviour

Emotional Development Provides enjoyment and makes children feel happy Reduces anxiety and relieves stress Improves the ability to deal with stress Prevents, reduces, and helps manage depression Helps build confidence Helps develop positive self-esteem

Physical Development Helps a child grow Builds and maintains a healthy heart, lungs, bones, muscles and joints Fosters the development of motor skills including fundamental movement skills Gives energy during the day Helps a child sleep better at night Enhances flexibility Develops good posture Improves coordination and balance Helps achieve

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