| With the advance of technology, electronics have | | | | develop large and small muscles, as well as release |
| become an essential part of our lives. Children are | | | | energy and stress. Children learn to enjoy physical |
| born into a world of technology. They can not fathom | | | | activity. Participation in active play can lead to |
| life without it. From televisions to computers, children | | | | involvement in sports, and develop their interests in a |
| are receiving a great deal of cognitive stimulation. They | | | | wide range of areas. They can join a team sport or |
| are less inclined to toss a ball, jump rope, play tag, or | | | | get involved in an activity that relies on individual |
| engage in some physical activity on a daily basis. | | | | performance, such as swimming, track, or martial arts. |
| Although technology is helping to stimulate the mind, | | | | Unfortunately, obesity among children is on the rise. |
| keeping the body active is also important. Young | | | | Although nutrition is a major factor in controlling weight, |
| children need physical games and activities to promote | | | | physical activity is equally important. Children who are |
| gross motor skills and a healthy lifestyle. | | | | not active are more likely to develop health problems |
| In the primary years of education, gross motor skills | | | | as they progress through life. Active play helps provide |
| are tested and the progress is charted. Children who | | | | a foundation for a lifetime of physical activity. |
| participate in active play have a better chance of | | | | With the prevalence of Attention Deficit Disorder |
| performing well on these assessments. They develop | | | | (ADD) among children, active play becomes extremely |
| better control over their bodies in the areas of agility, | | | | important to their mental and physical health. They |
| coordination, and balance. These skills can be | | | | need an outlet to release excess energy. Research |
| supported by a variety of activities, such as jumping | | | | suggests that active play enhances brain function, and |
| rope, skipping, catching and throwing balls or other | | | | can alleviate some of the impulsiveness related to |
| objects, climbing, and balancing. Achieving success in | | | | ADD. It also has a positive effect on memory and |
| physical activities and gaining an understanding of | | | | learning. Young children thrive on a balance of |
| spatial awareness can help the child gain | | | | academics and physical activity. They flourish into |
| self-confidence. | | | | confident and healthy adults when active play is |
| In addition to gross motor skills, active play can also be | | | | integrated into their childhood development. |
| beneficial to the long-term health of a child. It helps | | | | |