In the beginning I didn't think this class was going to offer much, but I was pleasantly surprised. I was impressed with how much I liked it and how much I learned. It was filled with a variety of activities and ways of learning. It was never dull. You will never look at playgrounds, parks, and child care play areas the same!

—Laura Hedman, preschool teacher

We all know that being physical is “good” for our kids. But why? We know that physical activity helps kids get out energy and calm/sleep better and it keeps them “fit.” The type of physical activity and how it is presented is also important. Organized, group physical activities provide opportunities for social development, cooperation and peer support, and feelings of confidence and accomplishment. Activities can be designed or chosen to help skill building in coordination, cognitive and neurological development, balance, and skills involved in specific sports and fitness activities (throwing, catching, hitting, jumping, etc.). Being “good” at an individual or team sport also aids feelings of accomplishment and being needed as part of a group. We can help by teaching and encouraging cooperative games. Preschool children are easily excited by the silly running about in most of these games, and it doesn’t occur to them to worry about winning or losing.

The most valuable learnings of the class:
(1) The cooperative games
(2) Yoga for kids
(3) Athletic skills (for my own knowledge and development)
(4) How to assess these skills
(5) What goes into playground design, and DOING the design

I would’ve liked more time with the playground project, even just an over-the-weekend preparation time. It worked out fine, but it was one of the funnest parts of the class, and it was sad to not have enough time to really design my “ideal” playground. There was a steep learning curve with the regulations, scaling, researching what’s available and trying to be creative about better-than-commercial play equipment and spaces.

I recommend this class to anyone, for all of these reasons!

At the beginning of this class I did not know the ins and outs of what should be presented as physical activities for childdren. This class has truly enlightened me. If you are considering taking this class, go for it. One of the most important parts of early education is the physical aspect and if you do not know what to offer the children will lose out. So will you. As teachers we are responsible fo providing a quality environment for physical activities, both indoors and out. This class will give you creative ideas, games, and techniques about increasing the physical levels of yourself and the children you work with. Remember, you have to be educated in order to educate the children.

Nitikka Hoyer