Movement is a natural need for every child. Three- and four-year-olds can’t sit still for long—and that’s a good thing! Physical activity not only supports their motor development but also builds concentration, a sense of rhythm, social relationships, and… joy from being active. At Tequesta, we see sports not as competition, but as joyful play that builds healthy habits and self-esteem.
Why encourage young children to engage in sports?
Preschool sports are not about Olympic-level training. It’s not about results but about experience: discovering one’s body, coordination, balance, and how to cooperate in a group. Physical activity strengthens muscles, boosts immunity, helps regulate emotions, and improves sleep. What’s more, through regular movement, children learn their limits and develop perseverance—skills that will serve them for life.
Which disciplines are most suitable for the youngest children?
Not every sport is right for young kids. It’s important to consider their stage of development, attention span, and need for freedom. The best options are safe, intuitive, and tailored to a child’s capabilities.
General gymnastics
This is the foundation of all movement. Exercises that include jumping, rolling, crawling, and balance are perfect for training gross motor skills. Balls, beanbags, ribbons, mats—everything becomes part of the fun.
Dance and rhythm
Children love music and movement. Dance enhances not only coordination but also expression and rhythm. Simple routines, jumping, and spinning to favorite songs are a great way to combine physical activity with joy.
Mini yoga and calming exercises
Although it may sound unusual, yoga for preschoolers is really just pretending to be cats, frogs, and trees. It also teaches mindfulness, breathing, and focus—skills that support emotional development.
Games with elements of soccer or volleyball
It’s not about matches but learning how to kick, throw, catch, and cooperate. Children discover the basics of team play and enjoy working together.
Outdoor activities
Obstacle walks, slalom races, puddle-jumping, or target-throwing—simple yet highly engaging. Outdoor movement is also a natural way to support health and well-being.
How to encourage your child to be active?
At Tequesta, we know that the best motivation is fun. That’s why our sports activities are colorful, energetic, and full of laughter. We don’t compare children or reward the best performance—satisfaction, belonging, and joy in movement are the true rewards.
We encourage parents to:
- join in physical play with their child;
- go for walks, even in less-than-perfect weather;
- allow spontaneous movement (jumping on pillows counts too!);
- choose extra activities wisely—not every child needs karate, but every child needs the joy of movement.
Sports are about more than just the body
Preschool physical activities are also lessons in cooperation, following rules, and… learning to lose. Children discover that they won’t always come first, that it’s good to help others, and that the group’s success often depends on each member. These are their first experiences of teamwork and shared goals.
Movement—foundation of healthy development
A child who experiences the joy of movement from an early age is more likely to maintain an active lifestyle into adulthood. And that means not only physical health but also better mood, greater resilience to stress, and improved social relationships.
At Tequesta, we show children every day that movement isn’t a chore—it’s a pleasure. Because sports in preschool aren’t about training—they’re about dancing, playing, and discovering themselves and the world.
