The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit has developed a Reading, Rhythm and Movement resource kit.  This kit is full of fun activities that you can do with your young child.

The kit contains:

• CD for Preschoolers: “Get a Good Start”
• Books for Preschoolers:
• “Clap Your Hands” by Lorinda Bryan Caule
• “From Head to Toe” by Eric Carle
• Nutritional information:
• Feeding Your Baby
• Feeding Your Child 1-5 years
• Physical Activity Information:
• Activity Planner
• Kids in Action (Fitness for Kids Birth to Age 5)

The Reading, Rhythm and Movement kit is available on loan at your

local OEYC and your local public library.

Facts about Overweight Children

• 37% of Canadian children are overweight.
• Being physically inactive is one factor connected to the rise in childhood obesity.
• The Canadian Pediatric Society recommends no more than 1 hour a day of television viewing or screen time for preschoolers.
• There are alternatives to TV.

Reading

• Author Mem Fox (2001) believes children need to hear a thousand stories before they learn to read.
• Three stories a day for 1 year will deliver a thousand stories in just one year.
• Children love to hear the same story over and over again.

Rhythm

• Most infants, toddlers and preschoolers enjoy music.
• Dance with your child while listening to music.  Crawl through tunnels, balance on boards or climb.

Movement

• Exercise is a very important part of a child's growth and development.
• Physical activity has many benefits including building strong bones, improving balance and posture, relieving stress, maintaining a healthy body weight, and strengthening the heart.

Remember: Children just want to have fun and build relationships.

Build happy family memories: Play Together!

Click here for Reading, Rhythm and Movement Kit/Poster – PDF  

References:

• Fox, M. (2001) Reading magic: Why reading aloud to our children will change their lives forever. Orlando, FL: Harcourt Trade Publishers.
• Healy, J. M. (2004). Your child's growing mind. New York: Broadway Books.
• Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.  (2004, April 8).  Presentation to the Empire Club - Speaking notes presented by George Smitherman, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel. Retrieved May 26, 2006, from www.health.gov.on.ca/english/media/speeches/archives/sp_04/sp_041304.html
• National Association for Sport and Physical Education. (2002). Physical activity guidelines for infants and toddlers. Retrieved May 26, 2006, from www.aahperd.org
• Peel Regional Health Unit.  Stop child obesity now!  Retrieved May 26, 2006, from www.peelregion.ca/health/obesity
• Statistics Canada. (2002). National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth: Childhood Obesity 1994 to 1999. Retrieved May 26, 2006, from www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/021018/d021018b.htm
• Canadian Paediatric Society (2002). Turn off the TV and get active, urges Canadian Paediatric Society. Retrieved May 26, 2006, from www.cps.ca/english/media/NewsReleases/TVTurnoffWeek.htm