Physical activity is important for early childhood (6 – 10 years) because it gives them good self-esteem and takes care of their holistic health. Teach our children to make healthy food choices and exercise from an early age. As a teacher it is important to act as a role model so that children know what is expected of them. In the body of this essay I will talk about why physical activity is important in middle childhood and what my role is as a teacher in preventing and addressing obesity. Finally, I will discuss ways in which a teacher could help prevent and/or address obesity. For middle-aged children (6 to 10 years old), physical activity is important for their holistic health and growth. It is important for the prevention of diseases such as: type 2 diabetes, blood pressure/hypertension, heart disease, stroke and osteoarthritis. (Department of Health and Aging - Information on overweight and obesity www.health.gov.au>...>Promoting a healthy weight). Excessive eating leads to obesity, obese children have lower self-esteem and are less popular among peers than normal-weight children (Graves, Meyers & Clark, 1998). Children who have obese parents are more likely to become obese adults. As children develop their physical abilities and gross motor skills, primary school children now use running to play organized games and sports rather than just for the fun of it. They intensify coordination and speed in running, kicking, catching and dribbling. Once children improve their skills in sports, it can be very rewarding for them. (McDevitt & Ormrod, 2010.p.161) Organized sports can be an outlet for exercise; maintains and improves physical strength, endurance and agility. It also promotes social development with...... middle of document...... River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc. The Role of Schools in Preventing Childhood Obesity, 2004. The State Education Standard. www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/physicalactivity/roleofschools_obesityThomas J. Berndt (1992) Child Developmentwww.realtime.net/anr/10eattip.htmlwww.wiggleintohealth.com.healthy_eating_habits.ReferencesDepartment of Health and Aging - Information on Overweight and Obesity www.health . gov.au>...>Promoting a healthy weightMcDevitt, TM & Ormrod, JE (2010). Child development and education (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc. The Role of Schools in Preventing Childhood Obesity, 2004. The State Education Standard. www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/physicalactivity/roleofschools_obesityThomas J. Berndt (1992) Child Developmentwww.realtime.net/anr/10eattip.htmlwww.wiggleintohealth.com.healthy_eating_habits