Early Childhood physical activity programs need to provide children with an environment rich in opportunities for purposeful movement and cognitive development. In gross motor children will learn to: >Strengthen listening skills >Distinguish among various auditory cues. >Connect movements with other curricula (e.g., literature and music) >Be responsible in a group environment. >Choose movement patterns based upon their ability. >Verbally describe movement experiences and improve language skills. >Become familiar with school readiness concepts (e.g., numbers, shapes, colors, alphabet, patterning, and sequencing). >Use applications for predicting, patterning, and sequencing that enhance school readiness skills. >Be aware of food and nutrition for healthy eating habits (e.g., games that incorporate farm animals, fruits, vegetables, or other foods; or reading literature that reinforces their role in healthy food choices). |