Physical Activity and Children

Physical literacy

Physical literacy occurs when children develop skills, confidence and a love of movement that will make them want to be physically active for life.

Physical literacy develops during childhood through daily active play. By exploring a variety of activities and play in both structured and unstructured settings, children develop the foundation to live an active life.

Parents and caregivers can:

• Choose activities that suit your child's age

• Give your child lots of time to be active in structured and unstructured activities

• Keep activities fun

• Allow your child to try a variety of sports

• Include physical activity in your family's lifestyle

• Walk or cycle with your child to school

Infants

Move more...

Infants should be physically active several times a day in a variety of ways for their growth and development. Physical activity as an infant may include:

• Tummy time
• Reaching for and grasping toys
• Rolling on the floor
• Crawling
• Learning to walk

Move often...

Time spent being inactive should be minimized throughout the day. Infants should not sit for more than one hour at a time when awake. For infants and children under two years old, TV or computer screen time is not recommended.

Toddlers and preschoolers should be physically active throughout the day for a total of at least three hours. For preschoolers, this time should include at least one hour of energetic play. Physical activity as a toddler or preschooler may include:

• Active play
• Climbing stairs
• Exploring their environment
• Crawling
• Brisk walking
• Running
• Dancing

Move often...

Time spent being inactive should be minimized throughout the day. Toddlers and preschoolers should not sit for more than one hour at a time when awake. For children under two years old, TV or computer screen time is not recommended. For children two to four years old, screen time should be limited to less than one hour a day.

Move more...

Children should move throughout the day for several hours in a variety of structured and unstructured light physical activities. It is also recommended that children get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity each day. Activities that strengthen muscles and bones should be included at least three days a week.

Children should be physically active at school, during leisure time, and on their way to and from school and other places.

Physical activity for school age children may include:

• Active play
• Brisk walking
• Running
• Cycling
• Sports
• Dance

Move often...

Time spent being inactive should be minimized throughout the day. Children should not sit for long periods of time. For children and youth, recreational screen time should be limited to less than two hours a day.

• Active Kids, Healthy Kids
• Have a Ball Together!
• ParticipACTION: Follow the Guidelines, Reap the Reward