Exercise for the little ones: VfL project inspires daycare children!

Exercise for the little ones: VfL project inspires daycare children!

At the St. Stephanus 2 daycare center, movement is the focus of a heart-warming project that is intended to encourage children to be more active in a playful way. Under the motto “Even though I’m still small, exercise is a must,” the educators will deal with the topic of exercise over a period of 15 weeks. Every Thursday, experienced trainers from VfL Wolfsburg, led by coordination trainer Roy Präger and Stephan Kettner from the Gifhorn Health Department, take the little athletes under their wing. The main goal? Introducing children to the joy of exercise and getting them excited about sport - regardless of football. VfL Wolfsburg reports that the exercises are packaged in exciting stories, which gives the children an even more playful introduction to movement.

The motivation of the parents plays a crucial role. They are encouraged to support their children's urge to exercise at home and to become an active part of everyday exercise. A big conclusion to the project, a day of action at the VfL Bolzwerk, promises to be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. It is a step towards a more active and healthy lifestyle for the little ones.

The importance of early childhood exercise

Exercise is not just a pastime for children, but an essential basic need that has far-reaching positive effects on development. In early childhood, children learn basic skills through movement and discover their environment through play. Specialist article on promoting exercise emphasize the importance of play as a central aspect of early childhood education, enriched by movement activities such as dialogues and interactions. Renate Zimmer, an expert in this area, emphasizes that exercise not only improves motor skills, but also strengthens children's self-concept and cognitive development.

However, children's everyday physical activity has changed in recent years. The increase in digital games and smartphones has led to a decline in active gaming moments. In addition, social changes and the COVID-19 pandemic have had a negative impact on motor development. How Education server informed, initiatives such as Germany's Initiative for Healthy Eating and More Exercise strive to counteract this.

Step towards a healthier society

Initiatives such as “Fitness for Kids” and “Project Springmaus” aim to expand the exercise offerings in daycare centers and promote early enjoyment of physical activity. The goal is clear: daycare centers should become places where children can discover the joy of movement. Through targeted programs and cooperation with sports clubs, attempts are made to effectively combat lack of exercise and to establish an active life in early childhood.

Collaboration between professionals and parents is essential in order to present exercise not just as an isolated activity, but as part of an exercise-friendly everyday life. And this is exactly where the project in the St. Stephanus 2 daycare center comes in, by specifically awakening enthusiasm for exercise and supporting the children in their development in a playful way.