Many preschools integrate physical activities by having physical education classes one or more times a week. The classes vary by school but can include lessons in sports, ballet and other dance, gymnastics and obstacle courses. These physical education classes have more structure than playground time, which provides a different kind of physical instruction for children. This structured activity time helps build a strong physical education foundation for children that they will continue to use for the rest of their lives.
Preschool children often have a hard time standing or sitting still for extended periods, which makes movement activities a necessity. Teachers can instruct children in basic physical activities, such as touching their heads to the floor, walking in a straight line, shaking their hands or feet, acting out finger plays, spinning in a circle and playing safe indoor games like "Ring Around the Rosie."
Most preschools offer children a time to play outdoors each day in clear weather. Children can play on playground equipment to release energy and to keep their bodies healthy. Most preschools provide a variety of activities, including toys, chalk and bubbles, a smooth area for running and racing, slides, jungle gyms and other playtime equipment that will help keep preschoolers strong and healthy. Look for a variety of play equipment when finding the right preschool for your child.
Active games allow preschoolers to engage in physical activities on a daily basis. "Duck, Duck, Goose" is a classic active game for preschoolers, as is "Simon Says." Children can play "Tag," "Hide and Seek," "Follow the Leader," "Red Light, Green Light" or classic races like relay races, egg on a spoon races or potato sack races. These games provide physical education and also allow children the opportunity to learn to follow rules.