What is Structured Physical Activity?

Structured play can be very simple.
Introduce children to active games.

Children need three types of activities:

• Endurance activities that strengthen the heart and lungs, such as running and jumping
• Flexibility activities that encourage children to stretch and bend, such as dancing
• Strength-building activities that build strong muscles and bones, such as climbing

Try to find games and activities that build all three important physical skills, games that have structure or rules that allow for movement. Old-fashioned games like hopscotch and jump rope work well with older preschoolers and school-age children. Games like “Simon Says” can be made more active by suggesting jumping and toe touches. Simple games like tossing a ball and running after it can be just right for toddlers.

With mixed-age groups it works best to have several different versions of the activities going.  Rather than drawing one hopscotch board with chalk, draw two or more and encourage the smallest children to jump from square to square while the older children play a more advanced version of the game on their own board. Having multiple versions available, younger children can learn rules and gain confidence, while older children can expand on the game, not being held back by younger children's limits of endurance, strength or knowledge.

Related Training:
Physical Activity
Advancement of Physical and Intellectual Development