Physical education in kindergarten | Physical Education

Physical education in kindergarten

Physical education plays an important role in kindergarten. This also includes the promotion of motivation to exercise. Children should strengthen their motor skills and have fun with movement, which can prevent the development of overweight in adulthood.

Through physical education, the child gets to know its own body and its environment, and group activities also promote social skills. There are various projects and initiatives to promote physical activity at pre-school age. The basic principles are child-friendly exercise areas, at best daily exercise times and the use of qualified pedagogues.

In addition to the educators, parents should also observe and encourage children’s physical activity behaviour. In addition, healthy eating habits should also be learned alongside physical activity education. Behaviours learned in early childhood have a decisive influence on adult life.

Physical education in the KITA

Even in a day care centre, where children spend a large part of their day, emphasis should be placed on physical education. Joint periods of physical activity, games under supervision and group activities promote individual movement behaviour and strengthen social skills. Motor skills are developed, through playful elements children experience movement as a fun activity and remain motivated.

Movement education in physiotherapy

Movement education is a central component of the theoretical and practical training of physiotherapists. In addition to special movement education in the context of physiotherapy, rhythmic musical aspects are also part of the content. Movement education in physiotherapy is adapted to the target group, mostly patients in rehabilitation. The (re)learning of everyday functions is a main goal here.

Typical exercises

There are numerous exercises and ideas for movement education. It is important to find age-appropriate exercises for the group. Especially with children it is important to create an environment that is suitable for movement and above all safe.

Educators should also be trained in first aid. A warm-up unit should be installed in advance. Physical education should above all be varied and motivating.

Classic units of movement education include running games, catching games and teeing off games. Elements such as balls or balloons can also be used. In addition to strengthening gross and fine motor skills, the development of sensory abilities also plays a role.

For example, a drum or a little bell can be used in the game. Dance games promote the sense of tact. The sense of touch can be explored, for example, with differently filled bags that are touched. Equilibrium exercises, for example with the wiggle board, promote the sense of position and movement.