Integrating Pedometers in Early Childhood Settings to Promote the Development of Positive Health Trajectories

Abstract

The early childhood years mark a critical period for growth and development. Emerging evidence supports that integrating physical activity into children’s lives is essential for creating a solid foundation for future movement and physical activity behaviors. Specifically, these behaviors contribute toward a positive developmental trajectory of health and well-being (e.g., promoting physical, social, emotional, and mental development). Physically active children are likely to remain physically active through their teenage and young adult years as well as carry over into adulthood. With children spending a majority of their day in preschools and schools, these settings are an ideal location to encourage physical activity. Educators can integrate tools like pedometers into their classrooms to enhance physical activity while supporting academic learning. In this chapter, we will provide teachers and practitioners with information regarding the implementation of pedometers into their classrooms to get their children ‘moving and learning’. We will discuss the importance of physical activity and provide current physical activity recommendations along with recent policies and practices to support physical activity in early childhood settings. Then we will address evidence that supports the implementation of pedometers in classroom settings. The chapter concludes with practical examples and strategies that guide educators of young children in ways to integrate pedometers into the early childhood curriculum.