It’s often hard to choose the activities kids enjoy most, especially when they’re at such a young age. Many sports, such as basketball, soccer, and gymnastics, are recommended for pre-school age children. But what about other sports? Can pre-school and kindergarten kids play different sports? And, are there sports that elementary school kids can participate in? The answer to both questions is “yes.”
Pre-schoolers and kindergarteners love sports because it’s a fun physical activity that gets them out of the house and active. Sports help kids develop physical skills, receive aerobic exercise, develop friendship, have fun, improve self-confidence, and learn to share as part of a team. Participation in sports is also a wonderful way of staying physically fit and provides great rewards for physical health.
For kids who are not yet athletic, but show an interest in sports, there are plenty of options. One of the most obvious is “catch” or “fishing” – this sport is highly competitive, but not overly strenuous and allows young children to develop their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Another popular option is “speed” or “cycling” – again, this is a highly competitive sport, but not excessively so, which makes it appropriate for pre-school and kindergarteners. Swimming is another fun option, as it develops both motor skills and physical fitness.
Preschool and kindergarten kids may enjoy more milder types of sports, such as “xerobics” and “rollers.” Activities designed for older kids include ” dodgeball,” “softball” and “baseball,” which all require good agility, hand-eye coordination, and physical stamina. Many adults have favorite pastimes that they do regularly, and these can be good options for recreational sports. “Skipping” or “tennis” is an example of an athletic pastime that many people enjoy, and is appropriate for both sexes.
As your child grows up, it is important to find activities that encourage increased physical fitness, but don’t necessarily focus on acquiring specific sport skills. In fact, most coaches will agree that it’s best to teach young athletes about all sports rather than focusing on a particular sport alone. Many coaches will also say that children should have exposure to a wide variety of physical activities, including some that aren’t necessarily competitive. “Laying off” some of your favorite sports can be beneficial for your child’s physical development, but it’s not necessary to completely ignore them.
When it comes to getting fit, young athletes are at a distinct advantage over older ones simply because they have more time to train and improve their skills. But that doesn’t mean that you should neglect your child’s interests. Find activities that they enjoy, encourage them to participate, and monitor their progress. Don’t become frustrated if your child doesn’t make the grade on their first attempt, or doesn’t like a certain sport. Every athlete struggles with learning new things, so don’t punish them for their lack of participation in previous athletics.