Being a Role Model for Physical Activity

Early years providers play a very important role in creating and maintaining a healthy environment in their centres.  The example providers set is extremely important in fostering healthy children.  Some ways that you can model healthy choices include:

• Participate actively with the children. 
• Create active games with the children using the equipment and surroundings.
• Enjoy the physical activities you are participating in with children. If you are breathing heavily, explain the benefits of this.
• Engage kids in discussions about their at home physical activity. Tell them about your active experiences, and possibly bring your examples of weekend activity to the centre to share (such as shovelling snow together).

Adapted from Kids Health, Government of Canada, and Decoda's Leap BC Resources.