Guest Post: Jim Sallis on Physical Activity and Childcare

Jim Sallis

Jim Sallis is the author of this post.  Sallis is the director of Active Living Research.

I have three reactions to the Healthy Kids, Healthy Future conference thus far:

1. We had a lesson in how easy it is to integrate physical activity into routines.  Mary Story called for a quick activity break to perk up the group.  In about a couple of minutes, we got people up, walking in place, and acting out favorite activities they did as young children.  I was glad for all the childcare experts to experience this, because they could encourage similar activities in childcare centers.  These centers need more easy, quick, and fun activities, in addition to longer structured and unstructured activity times.

2. About 25 years ago, our research group was preparing for a study of activity and nutrition in preschool children.  We visited several preschools to learn how they operated and observe how the day was organized.  What was most striking was the detailed thought and planning that went into keeping the kids quiet and sitting all day.  They devised engaging listening, reading, arts & crafts, and sharing activities, all of which required children to be sitting.  Physical activity was strictly controlled and limited to specific times and places.  Most centers only let the children outdoors once per day.  I have been pleased to hear about “I’m Moving I’m Learning” several times during this meeting.  I would like to see much more research on this topic, with quick dissemination to childcare centers across the country.  A key part of the training needs to prepare teachers to tolerate kids being active in class.

3. There were several encouraging opportunities in Ms Rudisill’s presentation.  The Child Health Bureau provides substantial support for infrastructure in childcare.  A National Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play is being developed as part of Head Start.  I would like to see both of these efforts to improve the play equipment at childcare centers.  To make sure those funds are well spent, we need more research on the characteristics of play equipment and playgrounds that stimulate active play most effectively.

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