Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Chapter 1 Get Moving! 5
Benefits of Physical Activity 8
Physical Activity for Toddlers and Preschoolers 9
A Parent's or Caregiver's Role 12
Getting Started 15
About This Book 17
What about Small-Motor Skills? 18
Let's Get Moving! 19
Chapter 2 Outdoor Activities 21
Locomotor Activities 22
Stability Activities 37
Manipulative Activities 47
Group Activities 69
Chapter 3 Indoor Activities 97
Locomotor Activities 98
Stability Activities 115
Manipulative Activities 139
Group Activities 152
Chapter 4 Creative Movement 171
Rhythm and Dance 172
Let's Pretend 183
Action Songs and Rhymes 197
Group Activities 224
Chapter 5 Water Fun 231
Backyard Activities 232
Indoor Water Play 247
Pool Activities 253
Group Activities 260
Chapter 6 Holiday Activities 269
Valentine's Day 270
Saint Patrick's Day 277
Easter 283
Canada Day 290
Independence Day 296
Halloween 302
Thanksgiving 309
Hanukkah 315
Christmas 321
Kwanzaa 332
Appendixes 338
Appendix A U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines 338
Appendix B Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines 339
Appendix C Canadian Sedentary Behavior Guidelines 340
Appendix D Healthy Eating for Preschoolers 341
Appendix E Instructions for Making Props 343
Action Cube 343
Dreidel 344
Appendix F Resources for Parents 345
Index 347