Movement Matters! Let’s Move! đ
At WinShape Camps, when talking about creating fun and transformational experiences, movement is always a part of the equation. With todayâs busy schedules and technology at their fingertips, many kids are missing out on the daily movement they need to thrive.
Physical activity plays a critical role in a childâs overall development, boosting not only their physical health but also their mental, social, and emotional well-being. This resource dives into why movement matters and provides easy, practical ways for parents to bring more activity into their kids’ everyday routines.
Why Movement Matters
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, kids over 1 year in age need at least 180 minutes of physical activity every day. And younger kids need activity throughout the day â not just for their physical health, but for kid’s overall growth & development. While 180 minutes may seem like a lot, especially on a busy school day, there are plenty of simple ways to incorporate quick movement moments into everyday routines.
âWhat we really need to do is bring back play for children. This is about making the shift from sedentary time to playtime…” – Dr. Juana Willumsen
Physical Benefits
The physical benefits of movement are no secret! Perhaps the most obvious reason kids should be encouraged to move is to develop motor skills. Just as their brains are developing at a rapid pace, their bodies are learning as well. And as much as we believe that our kids are constantly in motion, according to research, kids ages 2-5 today spend close to 25 hours of screen time each week. *Face palm* đ¤Śââď¸
Mental Benefits
The mental benefits of physical activity are also super important! When kids move, their brains light up, producing endorphins that boost their mood and help them feel less anxious. Active kids also tend to pick up important skills like agility and hand-eye coordination a lot faster.
Movement is also vital for hands-on learning. Through play and exploration, children grasp complex conceptsâlike geometry, language, science, and faith âin a way that sticks with them. Interacting with the world makes learning more effective and a lot more fun!
Social & Emotional Benefits
Getting kids moving their bodies benefits their social and emotional growth more than any educational TV show ever could. When kids play together, they learn to cooperate and become more empathetic toward others. Movement helps them blow off steam, manage stress, and feel more relaxed.
Whether teaming up in a game or just playing around, movement strengthens friendships, fosters a sense of belonging, and makes kids feel more confident, connected, and ready for adventure.
Making Movement Part of the Everyday
Add morning stretches or yoga to your morning wake-up routines
There are several beginner yoga videos out there for kids. Adding yoga or stretching to your morning routines is a fun way to start your kid’s day with movement. (We adults could use a bit more of this in the morning as well.)
Limit screen time
If kids can’t be on their screens, odds are… however else they decide to cure their boredom will be exponentially more active. Use your own discretion when setting screen time limits and guidelines.
Let them get bored
Boredom breeds creative play. Instead of opting for screen when kids get bored, let them cure their own boredom. Boredom allows kids to invent new games, explore their environment, and tap into their imaginations.
Try an organized sport
When kids are old enough, consider getting them involved in an organized sport like soccer, basketball, or dance.
Indoor or Outdoor Obstacle Course
This could be as simple as “run to your room, do 10 jumping jacks while singing your favorite song, pick up this book and balance it on your head and walk back to the kitchen.”
Chores Challenge
ââTurn chore time into a chance to get moving. Have kids hop or skip from room to room, picking up their toys. Make it a race to see who can clean up their room or make their bed the fastest (and of course, the cleanest.)
Gardening/Yard work
If you’re spending a day doing yard work, challenge your kids to see who can pick the most weeds! Or add an extra money incentive of a 5¢ per weed.
Or if you have a garden, get the kids involved. There’s nothing more brain and body stimulating than working with your hands in the great outdoors.
Make active toys available
- Jump rope
- Soccer ball, Football, Basketball, Baseball
- Frisbee
- Sidewalk Chalk
- Hula Hoop
- Badminton Net
- Pickle Ball Paddles
Neighborhood Family Walks
If you have a pet dog (or squirrel, raccoon, monkey, or coyote â because that seems to be all the rage on social media nowadays) take an evening walk as a family. If you don’t have a pet, it’s still a great idea for getting the whole family moving, bonding, and talking about your day.
Family Bike Ride
If your kids are old enough, spice things up and substitute a family walk for a family bike ride every now and then.
Unloading the Groceries
As much as we would all groan and complain about this when we were kids, it’s a great way to easily fit movement into our kids days. You don’t even need to add anything extra to the schedule!
Make use of “transition times”
Use mundane “transition times” like walking to the car, going upstairs, or walking through the grocery store to get kids moving. Examples could include marching, skipping, or hopping.
Send kids outside
Perhaps the easiest way to get kids moving is to send them into the great outdoors! If you have a fenced in backyard, simply sending them outside with access to active toys is enough. You could also send them out with this scavenger hunt checklist we’ve put together! If you don’t have a safe space for kids to play outside, visit a local park or send them to a trusted friend or neighbors house.
Beat the Buzzer Pickup Challenge
Does anyone else remember The Big Comfy Couch – “Ten Second Tidy?” The show’s main character would zoom around the room, picking up anything she saw and putting it back where it belongs in ten seconds. â° This is a great idea to inspire a competitive spirit when it comes to cleaning, and get kids bodies moving in the process. Set a timer and have kids clean up as much of their room as possible in __ seconds or minutes.
Commercial Break Fitness Challenge
Turn commercial breaks into fitness breaks or dance parties if you’re watching TV. This can be as simple as a push-up challenge, or see if you can do jumping jacks for the entire commercial break. Or if you have younger kids, turn commercial breaks into a dance battle.
Family Dance Party
Crank up the tunes! Let’s get this party started! Establish a rule that if someone yell’s “dance break!” everyone has to dance like crazy for 20 seconds! The inevitable result is a release of pent-up energy and a good ole’ silly goofy time.
Teach by example
If kids see that you prioritize exercise and movement, odds are they will learn to appreciate it themselves. Make it a family habit by doing things togetherâwhether it’s a morning walk, a bike ride, or a dance break in the living room. Leading by example shows them that movement is not only a priority but something to look forward to.
