Little Ones 4Little Ones Learning Center had a goal to increase the teacher-led physical activity of their students. Without trained physical education staff and a shortage of outdoor equipment, Early Childhood Program Administrator Wande Okunoren-Meadows knew that some major changes would have to be made. She partnered with HealthMPowers and together they provided the teachers with the training and resources necessary to make some creative physical activity changes.
HealthMPowers staff visited Little Ones Learning Center and modeled physical activities that can be incorporated into a classroom setting. The children were fully engaged in the exercises and the classroom teachers noted that the lesson spurred several new ideas to integrate physical activity into their daily routines. Encouraged, Ms. Okunoren-Meadows made it her personal goal to increase physical activity for the children by making the following changes:
- Purchased more outdoor physical activity equipment
- Hired a part-time yoga instructor
- Incorporated indoor movements into math, science, and literacy lessons
- Supported teachers in their efforts to lead children in physical activity games and integrate physical activity into the daily classroom routine
