B2 Book section
Physically active play in the early years (2021)

Sääkslahti, A. (2021). Physically active play in the early years. In R. Bailey, J. P. Agans, J. Côté, A. Daly-Smith, & P. D. Tomporowski (Eds.), Physical Activity and Sport During the First Ten Years of Life : Multidisciplinary Perspectives (pp. 204-213). Routledge. ICSSPE Perspectives. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429352645-21

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Sääkslahti, Arja

Parent publication: Physical Activity and Sport During the First Ten Years of Life : Multidisciplinary Perspectives

Parent publication editors: Bailey, Richard; Agans, Jennifer P.; Côté, Jean; Daly-Smith, Andy; Tomporowski, Phillip D.

ISBN: 978-0-367-37092-3

eISBN: 978-0-429-35264-5

Journal or series: ICSSPE Perspectives

ISSN: 2639-6580

eISSN: 2639-6572

Publication year: 2021

Publication date: 02/04/2021

Pages range: 204-213

Number of pages in the book: 274

Publisher: Routledge

Place of Publication: Abingdon

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429352645-21

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access: 

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/76117

Abstract

Babies have an inborn drive to be physically active, which serves as a necessary moderator for their development. Young children discover and learn new skills through movement, and this important bond between physical activity and development continues as children grow older. Babies are driven to be physically active, and this innate drive is a key aspect of development. Without this drive, babies would be content simply to have their basic needs met, such as feeding, hygiene, and interaction with another person. Consecutive learning moments create the foundation for overall development, and sensory stimulation and bodily movements combined with cognitive challenges form the basis for reactions of every kind. All babies and children have unique personalities and behave in different ways. These personality characteristics have a genetic basis. During their early years, much of the child’s physical activity centres on active play that is spontaneous and sporadic.

Keywords: early childhood; physical activity; playing (children's games); child development

Contributing organizations

Related research datasets

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2021