Encouraging Physical Activity in Infants

By Steve Sanders

Babies are naturally active, and their movements help them explore their environment. They first move involuntarily, based on reflexes, and then learn to move more independently as their bodies grow stronger and they begin to investigate the world around them. You can encourage their muscle development, strength and balance with simple activities done with infants as young as six weeks old. The first year of life lays the foundation for further development of gross motor skills as a toddler and preschooler. So get those little bodies moving!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gryphon House, Inc.
• Release date: Jul 10, 2015
• ISBN: 9780876593448

Steve Sanders

As a professor and early childhood consultant, Steve Sanders, EdD, focuses on preparing the next generation of teachers to help children become physically active and healthy for a lifetime. For more than 30 years, he has promoted this concept while working with all age levels—from infant and parent movement classes to university teacher preparation courses. He received his doctoral degree from Virginia Tech University and is currently a professor and assistant chair in the College of Education’s Department of Teaching and Learning at the University of South Florida. Sanders specializes in developing curriculum, assessment, and instructional strategies for promoting early childhood physical activity.  He has also coached high school and youth sport teams. He is the recipient of the Margie Hanson National Association for Sport and Physical Education Distinguished Service Award.