Abstract
Physical activity is an essential component for lifelong wellness and the quality of life. Over the past years, childhood obesity has dramatically increased. Data supports that young children are adopting sedentary behaviors within and outside of school hours that may contribute to obesity and other health-related diseases. This paper provides early childhood practitioners with an overview of physical activity recommendations for young children between the ages of three to five and cost-effective means to assess physical activity through step count pedometers. Finally, some pedometer activities are provided along with a description of the children’s reactions and behaviors to the integration of pedometers. Both the activities and pedometer appear to be easily incorporated into any classroom or recess settings to get your children moving and active.
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Acknowledgments
The main objective/concept of the pedometer activities used in this article were adapted from the noted references. However, the authors modified the activities to meet the need of the manuscript target populations. Modifications were made to the equipment, activity description, variations, and academic integration to promote student learning and movement for young children between the ages of three to five.
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Robinson, L.E., Wadsworth, D.D. Stepping toward Physical Activity Requirements: Integrating Pedometers into Early Childhood Settings. Early Childhood Educ J 38, 95–102 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-010-0388-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-010-0388-y