At BestStart St Lukes, we’re on a heart-healthy journey! Physical activity is a fun and essential part of our day, and we’re excited to be working towards the Healthy Heart Award by creating engaging, active experiences for our tamariki.
Physical activity is crucial for promoting a healthy heart and overall well-being for our tamariki. We have recently embarked on our journey towards achieving the Healthy Heart Award for our centre.
To support this, we’ve been setting up different obstacle courses and playing a variety of music with action songs to enhance children’s balance and coordination. Activities like running, jumping, and dancing help develop gross motor skills, coordination, and overall physical development.
Dancing, in particular, is a fantastic way for children to express themselves while getting their hearts pumping — and our tamariki are always ready to move the minute they hear the music! Some of the centre’s favourite songs include “Chuchu Wah Wah Wah”, “A Ram Sam Sam”, and “The Floor is Lava”.
Additionally, activities like throwing, catching, or kicking a ball improve hand-eye coordination and encourage teamwork. We’re always encouraging our tamariki to try different activities and discover what they enjoy most. Offering a variety keeps them engaged and helps develop a wide range of skills.
By fostering an environment that promotes physical activity, we’re helping our tamariki develop healthy habits that support a strong heart and overall wellness. And of course, the key is to make it all enjoyable and engaging!