How We Enhance Children's Physical Abilities at Little Lynx Preschool
It is a well-known issue that children today, on average, significantly lack physical abilities compared to previous generations. In fact, studies show that children's physical health and abilities have declined by over 30% in the last 20 years due to factors such as increased screen time and decreased outdoor play.
While there are many reasons for this decline, we at Little Lynx Preschool prefer to focus on solutions. We are committed to ensuring our children engage in enough movement every day, fostering a love for physical activities, and establishing healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
Step 1: Selecting the Right People
We firmly believe that the best way for children to learn is by observing. That's why we were very intentional in selecting our staff. We were thrilled to find Frida, a sports enthusiast with a passion for everything from yoga and karate to gymnastics and athletics. Frida is also completing her studies in physical education, making her the perfect role model for our children. You can read more about Frida and our other dedicated teachers here.
Step 2: Creating a Unique Physical Program
The next step was developing a unique physical development program for our students. We call our program Little Lynx Sports Academy.
Every month, we focus on different physical activities and skills to ensure overall health and comprehensive physical development. Our well-thought-out program allows us to spend as much time as possible outside, practicing these skills in natural settings.
For example, October is our Ball Skills and Games month. We focus on developing fundamental ball skills, including throwing, catching, kicking, and rolling. Activities are designed to improve hand-eye coordination, gross motor skills, and spatial awareness. You can check out a part of our weekly plan for October here.
Step 3: Incorporating Movement into Everyday Life
We integrate regular movement into our daily routines. Whether it's a stretch at the beginning of our morning circles, quick dancing improv sessions, or afternoon gymnastics and yoga clubs, we ensure our children have ample opportunities to move their bodies.
Teaching the Importance of Relaxation
In addition to physical activities, we emphasize the importance of relaxation. In our rushed and busy world, the ability to truly relax is increasingly rare and vital. We teach our children how to relax and enjoy well-deserved rest, ensuring they grow up with a balanced approach to physical and mental well-being.
Because we understand the importance of relaxation, we have designed our Ocean Room to be a tranquil and calming space. Our little lynxes use it for naps and relaxation. The room is painted in a soothing blue color, enhancing the sense of peace. We've also used air-purifying paint to ensure a safe sleeping environment. The ocean-themed decals were carefully chosen to help children relax and feel comfortable—though the shark decals didn’t make the cut!
At Little Lynx Preschool, we are dedicated to nurturing both the bodies and minds of our children, setting them on a path to a healthy, active, and balanced life.
