Young children do need a healthy level of cardio-respiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance and flexibility in order to be able to participate fully in activities that will enhance their overall development. However, it is not necessary to design specific exercises. Fitness is achieved through engaging in developmentally appropriate movement exercises rather than training. All activities allow for maximum participation and thus do not involve lines of children waiting in turn. The activities are simply organised so that little time is wasted giving instructions.
Equipment required is simple and inexpensive.
PEP Dance This Dance resource has been developed to assist both classroom teachers and specialists. It provides a progression of dance activities suitable for children from the first year of schooling to the first year of high school. It has been developed to support teachers keen to begin a dance program and those already conducting one. Lessons have been carefully developed so that teachers can make choices about their starting points and the learning outcomes appropriate for their students. The variety of dance experiences provided through the lesson units will assist students to view dance as an activity that is fun, health promoting, artistic, recreational and socially rewarding.