We know that when it comes to early education, play time is an integral part of a child’s literacy development and the main way in which they learn and grow. But what about their physical development?
Moving our bodies is essential for brain and heart health; bone strength; and mental wellbeing (to list a few) and it is recommended that adults aim for 30 minutes of physical activity every day.
But what about kids? Should they be joining a gym? Training for a half mara? Or dropping and giving us 50 push ups on the reg?
Fortunately, it’s actually a lot simpler than that.
Once again we chatted with Kim, the dedicated Educational Leader at Explorers Learning Academy and delved into the physical side of early education and got the downlow about the importance of movement and strength in early education.
Why is movement and strength important in early education?
Building strength in children’s bodies is an essential part of school preparation and getting them physically ready for school. The demands of sitting at a desk are huge on little bodies, particularly their core and they can’t be expected to correctly hold a pencil and write if they don’t have conditioned upper body strength.
Kim explains that movement and strength is important right from the get go, “we sit with the really little babies and encourage their strength and core development” through to the preschool room.
“Often we think more structured movement and strength activities are beneficial for our schoolie year kids but getting some structured movement in a learning centre can also be beneficial for our 3-year-old kiddos too.
We build on what they might have learnt in the baby or toddler room but then start to add on more strength and movement skills in an age-appropriate way so that they thrive in their schoolie year.”
The way in which we can get them match fit and ready is through plenty of movement and physical activity.
At Explorers Learning Academy, movement is embedded in the centre’s practice and incorporated into everyday life. Through movement and playing games and teaching fundamental skills, the children are also developing their social skills; learning about social behaviour; building their confidence and learning about turn taking. All aspects of their day are intertwined.
Angela, their Occupational Therapist, visits the team regularly to teach strategies that will help the children to build and strengthen their core, upper body and vestibular movements. “There is a direct correlation between strengthening their vestibular movements or fine motor skills and their ability to sit and listen or writing or even their concentration span”.
So how do we get our kids moving and strengthening their bodies?
One of the simplest ways to get kids moving and building their strength is, once again, through play. Through playing, children develop in all areas including their motor skills.
By taking our kids to the park, kicking a ball with them or watching them on the trampoline, we are doing more than simply burning off energy. This physical time is also essential for motor skills development, strengthening their muscles and bones and giving them a chance to practise their physical skills. Last but not least it is an effective tool for boosting their confidence as they test their abilities and discover that they can gradually run faster or climb higher or throw the ball further with each and every attempt.
How often do they need to move?
Australian guidelines recommend that preschoolers should be active for at least three hours every day. Active play can range from running and jumping to quieter activities like putting toys away, going for walks or helping around the house.
Much like adults, when a child’s day involves enough physical activity through play, it’s beneficial to their overall health and wellbeing. Although different children prefer different types of play and physical activity, it helps that young children generally enjoy being active.
From good ol’ fashioned wheelbarrow races to the Yulunga Games resource (a selection of games and activities from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations all around Australia) to following the ‘Munch and Move’ program which educates the children about healthy eating and physical activity, Kim recognises that all children are completely different and have different needs. “Sometimes you have children who are more energetic and need that release of energy more so than other children”. The centre has an indoor / outdoor flow, weather permitting, to accommodate this. They also appreciate the need for relaxation and calm periods.
A steadfast childcare worker, Kim has been in the industry for 20 years and yet despite her enduring career, there’s always a time for reflection. “I’ve been in this job for a while and I’ve never heard anyone say I’ve got nothing else to learn. There are always new things coming out. New ideas and ways to do things and get our kids moving and learning”.
Every day really is a school day. For everyone!
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This piece is sponsored by Explorers Learning Academy and is proudly endorsed by The Fold Southern Highlands. The Fold team is excited to share the amazing stories and adventures of our local businesses and we want to say a BIG thank you to you for supporting our sponsors who help make The Fold possible. We strongly believe in the businesses and all the information we share with you on The Fold.
