Keeping kids active is really important for their growth and development.
The Early Years Learning Framework and Foundations for Success talk about
children being healthy and safe through physical activity, and having a strong
sense of physical wellbeing.
With young babies, this starts with developing their motor skills and hand-eye
coordination. Give them lots of different materials and objects they can play with
and manipulate. They don’t have to be fancy. Simple things from nature and
home work really well…….containers, spoons, bowls, baskets.
As children get older, think of ways you can challenge them to build on the skills
they already have. How can you encourage them to go higher, run faster, reach
further?
Incorporate the activities they’re already interested in through their family and
community. If they love football, let them kick goals, and see if they can kick
further, or higher, or get more goals.
And also give them access to different materials they can use to create, build,
paint or draw.
The options are endless. Keep trying new things. Think about physical activity in
your every day planning. But also find spontaneous ways you can challenge the
kids throughout the day.
And document what you see the children learning, to track and support their
growth as they become stronger, more capable and more confident.