All you do is play? GREAT!

HEALTHY STARTS-- THE PERFECT PLACE TO PLAY! 

At Healthy Starts, LLC we develop each movement class with the idea that the children should feel like they are playing. Playing is how children learn. We provide moments to learn as they run, skip, jump, chase, and gather toys from various areas of the room. Does your movement program feel like organized play time? Yes, GREAT!!! You are on the right track. Check out this great article from HealthyChildren.org - They have a great Facebook page as well. (from American Academy of Pediatrics)

"Play is how young children start to get ready for school.

They learn how to feel comfortable being with other children, and how to be a good friend.

Play gets children ready for learning—paying attention to adults, playing nicely with others, and feeling comfortable being away from their parents.

Pretend play is one way children learn about difficult feelings like anger and fear."

See more http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/fitness/pages/Playing-is-How-Toddlers-Learn.aspx

PLAY ON!!!

Move with Props

It has been my experience that tots are much more ENGAGED in an activity if they have something to move and manipulate with their hands. Give them a PROP. Now this is just a short list of props and I plan to add more pictures in the future.

List of props to purchase/make/try

–

• Hula hoops (various sizes)
• Pool noodles 
• 2 X 4’s  
• Crawling tunnels 
• Foam shapes 
• Masking tape 
• Painters tape 
• Toy cars 
• Plastic animals, insects, and other critters
• Balls (various weights and sizes)
• Bean bags 
• Ribbon Rings
• Shower curtain rings or embroidery hoops 
• Plastic bottles  
• Plastic baby food containers 
• Cones 
• Scarves 
• Plastic eggs 
• Paper plates 
• Plastic Spoons
• Jump Ropes
• Blankets, towels
• Parachute
• Place mats
• Plastic Food 

Each lesson post will include many of these props and show creative ways to use them. 

Getting Started...

We all know KIDS LOVE TO MOVE!
Introducing a program or expanding on one already in place doesn't require a fancy degree or tons of training. All you really need is a plan, some ideas, and the bravery to try something new. Believe it or not, adding movement into the day of a tot doesn't create more chaos, it can actually lead to a more organized, and calming environment for kids -- One in which they feel safe to express themselves, imagine, create, and try out new adventures.

LAUGH, LEARN, PLAY, MOVE -- with HEALTHY STARTS, LLC.

Tips on how to get started OR expand on your program 

• Schedule a structured movement class (teacher led) – 30 minutes 
• Not just recess 
• Plan ahead -- MOST important part (Lessons will start to join this blog, more each day)

Healthy Starts believes there are 3 key components to a successful movement program (each of the lessons including in this blog will focus these three components). 

3 Key Components to a Successful Movement Program 

Engage

Educate

Empower

Suggestions to plan ahead 

• Have a physical movement of focus for the week
• Skipping, jumping jacks, crawling, hopping, running, tip toeing, etc.
• Have a healthy lesson of focus each week/month 
• Hand washing, brushing teeth, food groups, fruits, vegetables, protein, dairy, grains, a balanced plate, getting plenty of rest, daily exercise (active play), heart health, other body parts, healthy snacks, etc. 
• Activities all week or month that coordinate and tie back to the topic
• Color pages, crafts, games, the sky is the limit. The internet is full of ideas. 
• Set up a bulletin board or calendar that outlines your plan

EXPANDING on IDEAS 

I certainly don't claim to have come up with all these ideas myself. I am just like all teachers out there, borrowing, expanding, and applying new things to my classroom. The lessons on here are ones that have worked for me and I  hope you find ways to incorporate them into your TOOL BAG! My wish is that together we can get this generation MOVING, REALLY MOVING!

The Growing Problem

Over the past three decades, childhood obesity rates in America have tripled, and today, nearly one in three children in America are overweight or obese.

If we don't solve this problem, one third of all children born in 2000 or later will suffer from diabetes at some point in their lives. Many others will face chronic obesity-related health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and asthma.

--From Letsmove.gov

Government Recommendations

Children and adolescents should do 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day. Most of the 60 minutes should be either moderate- or vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity, and should include vigorous-intensity physical activity at least 3 days a week.
As part of their 60 or more minutes of daily physical activity, children and adolescents should include muscle-strengthening activities, like climbing, at least 3 days a week and bone-strengthening activities, like jumping, at least 3 days a week.

-- From myplate.gov and the CDC


Become part of the SOLUTION!

1. Make plenty of opportunities for active movement throughout the day by establishing a Movement Program!

2. Play with a purpose!

3. Set a good example.

The next entries will focus on how to do this in your classroom, daycare center, therapy, or home. 

Welcome

Hey Friends, 

Thanks for stumbling on to the Healthy Starts, LLC Blog Site. WELCOME!! 

Our mission is to engage, educate, and empower children through play. Each lesson is designed to help families see fitness as fun, playful, and lifelong. Our goal is to offer children and their families an opportunity to be active through the many stages of childhood. Healthy Starts, LLC is creating a foundation needed to give children a healthy start and combat childhood obesity.

We are so happy that you have stopped by, please check back frequently for more ideas.