Preschoolers: 3 through 5 years old

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The recommended amount of time​ for preschoolers is 120 minutes or more of physical activity per 8 hour day with opportunities for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Be sure to include both structured and unstructured physical activity. Physical activity can be offered in small doses of 10 minutes throughout the day. Daily outdoor time in a safe setting supervised by an adult should be offered for a minimum of 60-90 minutes per day.

It is important to encourage participation in physical activities that are appropriate for their age, that are fun, and that offer variety. Indoor activities appropriate for preschool-age children should become more complex and can include playing Simon Says, freeze dancing, and Ring-Around-the-Rosy. Outdoor activities may include jumping rope, using a hula hoop, and playing Red Light/Green Light or Hide-and-Seek. ​ 

Preschoolers should be provided with, developmentally appropriate toys and equipment to encourage them to be physically active:

• tricycles
• yoga mats
• balls
• rocking boats
• hopscotch
• hoops

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​Video: Motion Moments: Preschool
Source: NRCKids​
Length: 7:20 minutes
To view this video on YouTube click here ​

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Course Navigation Menu

1. Course Agenda
2. Physical Development
3. Benefits of Physical Activity
4. Infants: Birth through 11 months
5. Infants and Toddlers 
6. Toddlers: 1 through 2 years old
7. Preschoolers: 3 through 5 years 
8. Active Playtime
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9. Discussion: Activity (1/5)
10. Structured Physical Activities
​11. Outdoor Active Play
12. Gross Motor Activities (2/5)
13. Limit Inactive Time
14. Physical Activity Indoors
15. Physical Indoors (3/5)
16. Supporting Physical Activity
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17. Environments that Promote 
18. Promoting Motor Development 
19. Promoting Fine Motor Skills (4/5)
20. Consider All Children
21. Special Needs
22. More Inclusive Environment
23. End of Course Quiz (5/5)
​24. End of Course Evaluation
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