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Article
Flip Flops, Dress Clothes, and No Coat: Clothing Barriers to Children's Physical Activity in Child-care Centers Identified from a Qualitative Study
Available from: BioMed Central
Publication: The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, vol. 6, no. 1
Date: 2009
Pages: 74
Americas, North America, United States of America
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Abstract/Notes: Three-quarters of 3-6 year-old children in the U.S. spend time in childcare; many spend most of their waking hours in these settings. Daily physical activity offers numerous health benefits, but activity levels vary widely across centers. This study was undertaken to explore reasons why physical activity levels may vary. The purpose of this paper is to summarize an unexpected finding that child-care providers cited was a key barrier to children's physical activity.
Language: English
ISSN: 1479-5868
Article
Societal Values and Policies May Curtail Preschool Children's Physical Activity in Child Care Centers
Available from: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
Publication: Pediatrics, vol. 129, no. 2
Date: Feb 2012
Pages: 265-274
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Abstract/Notes: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Three-fourths of US preschool-age children are in child care centers. Children are primarily sedentary in these settings, and are not meeting recommended levels of physical activity. Our objective was to identify potential barriers to children’s physical activity in child care centers. METHODS: Nine focus groups with 49 child care providers (55% African American) were assembled from 34 centers (inner-city, suburban, Head Start, and Montessori) in Cincinnati, Ohio. Three coders independently analyzed verbatim transcripts for themes. Data analysis and interpretation of findings were verified through triangulation of methods. RESULTS: We identified 3 main barriers to children’s physical activity in child care: (1) injury concerns, (2) financial, and (3) a focus on “academics.” Stricter licensing codes intended to reduce children's injuries on playgrounds rendered playgrounds less physically challenging and interesting. In addition, some parents concerned about potential injury, requested staff to restrict playground participation for their children. Small operating margins of most child care centers limited their ability to install abundant playground equipment. Child care providers felt pressure from state mandates and parents to focus on academics at the expense of gross motor play. Because children spend long hours in care and many lack a safe place to play near their home, these barriers may limit children's only opportunity to engage in physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Societal priorities for young children—safety and school readiness—may be hindering children’s physical development. In designing environments that optimally promote children’s health and development, child advocates should think holistically about potential unintended consequences of policies.
Language: English
ISSN: 0031-4005, 1098-4275
Article
Effects of Adult-Directed Activity Number of Toys, and Sex of Child on Social and Exploratory Behavior in Young Children
Available from: JSTOR
Publication: Merrill-Palmer Quarterly of Behavior and Development, vol. 26, no. 3
Date: 1980
Pages: 231-238
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Language: English
ISSN: 0026-0150
Article
Activity Ideas for Children
Publication: Montessori International, vol. 10, no. 6
Date: Jul 2001
Pages: 39
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Abstract/Notes: Introduction to new feature series
Language: English
ISSN: 1470-8647
Article
Physical Activity in Preschool Children: Comparison Between Montessori and Traditional Preschools
Available from: Wiley Online Library
Publication: Journal of School Health, vol. 84, no. 11
Date: 2014
Pages: 716-721
Americas, Comparative education, Montessori method of education - Evaluation, North America, Physical education, United States of America
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Abstract/Notes: Little is known about the influence of Montessori methods on children's physical activity (PA). This cross-sectional study compared PA of children attending Montessori and traditional preschools. We enrolled 301 children in 9 Montessori and 8 traditional preschools in Columbia, South Carolina. PA was measured by accelerometry on weekdays during preschool (In-School), non-school (Non-School), and all day (All Day). Minutes/hour of light, moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA), and total PA (light + MVPA) were calculated. Children attending Montessori preschools accumulated more In-School light (7.7 vs. 6.5 minute/hour), MVPA (7.7 versus 6.5 minute/hour), and total PA (15.4 versus 13.0 minute/hour) than children attending traditional preschools, after adjusting for sex, race/ethnicity, body mass index, parent education and neighborhood poverty index. For Non-School (8.5 versus 6.2 minute/hour) and All Day (8.5 versus 7.6 minute/hour), children in Montessori preschools accumulated more MVPA than children in traditional preschools. In-School PA was higher for children in private Montessori than public Montessori preschools (8.1 versus 7.0 minute/hour; 8.1 versus 6.7 minute/hour; 16.1 versus 13.6 minute/hour, for light, MVPA, and total PA, respectively). Children attending Montessori preschools were more active than children attending traditional preschools. Adopting the Montessori system may be an important strategy for promoting PA in children.
Language: English
DOI: 10.1111/josh.12207
ISSN: 1746-1561
Article
Supportive Indoor Environments for Functional Play in ECEC Institutions: A Strategy for Promoting Well-Being and Physical Activity?
Available from: Taylor and Francis Online
Publication: Early Child Development and Care, vol. 191, no. 6
Date: 2021
Pages: 1-12
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Abstract/Notes: The physical environment in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) institutions provide children with possibilities for play. This study describes a physical environmental intervention aiming to increase the possibilities for functional play in the indoor environment, and its influence on children’s well-being and physical activity. The intervention involved the establishment of a tumbling space with soft surfaces, mats and big construction materials. The sample consists of video observations of 65 children’s free play in seven ECEC institutions at two data points. Multilevel regression analysis indicates that children’s physical activity and functional play is strongly related to the use of a tumbling space, and that the intervention group had a higher increase in functional play following the intervention compared to the control group. The impact of the tumbling space on well-being is limited. The results indicate that targeting children’s possibilities for functional play may be beneficial form a health promotion standpoint.
Language: English
DOI: 10.1080/03004430.2019.1651305
ISSN: 0300-4430, 1476-8275
Article
One Year's Experiment in Self-Activity at a New School in Switzerland
Available from: Internet Archive
Publication: New Era, vol. 5
Date: 1924
Pages: 88-90
Europe, Switzerland, Western Europe
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Language: English
ISSN: 0028-5048
Article
Earthworms: A Science Activity for Young Children
Available from: University of Connecticut Libraries - American Montessori Society Records
Publication: The Constructive Triangle (1974-1989), vol. 12, no. 4
Date: Fall 1985
Pages: 26
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Language: English
ISSN: 0010-700X
Article
The Matching Game [Questions and answers: Computers, activity sources]
Available from: University of Connecticut Libraries - American Montessori Society Records
Publication: The Constructive Triangle (1974-1989), vol. 9, no. 3
Date: Summer 1982
Pages: 28
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Language: English
ISSN: 0010-700X
Article
The Curve of Activity: Key to the Normalized Child
Available from: University of Connecticut Libraries - American Montessori Society Records
Publication: The Constructive Triangle (1974-1989), vol. 9, no. 1
Date: Winter 1982
Pages: 30–31
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Language: English
ISSN: 0010-700X