Active play is part of the way children grow and learn
Physical Activity & Play
Physical activity and play are necessary for a child’s healthy development. Active play is part of the way children grow and learn. Play is how children experience their world and bring meaning to it. It models the social framework that builds relationships for life and kindles the imagination. Play gives children the chance, in a world where so many carry heavy burdens, to simply be children. It is through play that children learn best. Furthermore, play is a child’s right.
Articles
I Have the Right to Play!
For young children, play is more than just a fun activity. Research has shown that play contributes to a child’s healthy development.
Creating Toys and Activities for Children From “Beautiful Junk”
Recycling has become part of most people’s lives. But before some items hit the recycle bin, they can be reused to create toys and art
Water Safety
Whether you’re taking a dip in a backyard pool, running through the lawn sprinklers or heading out to a public pool this summer, remember to play it safe around water.
Moving and Growing
In response to growing concern about type 2 diabetes in children in Canada, the CCCF, and the Canadian Institute of Child Health (CICH) have joined together to review and update CICH’s popular physical activity series, Moving and Growing, first published in 2020.
The Moving and Growing series is designed to help you and your child develop lifelong habits of physical activity. Each illustrated booklet outlines the benefits of physical activity, how to choose appropriate activities, how to encourage physical activity and children’s developmental skills by age group.
- Physical Activities for the First Two Years
- Physical Activities for Twos, Threes and Fours
- Physical Activities for Fives and Sixes
- Physical Activities for Sevens and Eights
Quality Environments and Best Practices
to Support Physical Activity in the Early Years
Four evidence-based resource sheets developed by CCCF are available for free download here.
1. Supporting your child’s physical activity
Activity is an important part of children’s physical, mental and emotional development. Providing opportunities for them to develop physical skills reaps benefits in every aspect of their development, for the rest of their life. A positive attitude towards active play at an early age positively affects their later involvement in physical activity and fitness. Download the copy here.
2. Bringing Back Physical Activity Play in Childhood
Most early learning and child care programs support a child’s developing physical domain by including active play daily. However, like any program component, physical activity playtimes need to be regularly reassessed. Download the copy here.
3. Supporting Children to Learn Through Play
Play is how children experience their world and bring meaning to it. It models the social framework that builds relationships for life and kindles the imagination. Play gives children the chance, in a world where so many carry heavy burdens, to simply be children. It is through play that children learn best. Download the copy here.
4. The Value of Play for Young Children
Some early learning and child care practitioners may not be fully aware of the valuable contribution that physically active play makes to child development. However, most recognize the innate physical need for children to be physically active. Download the copy here.
