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Christmas Time at BestStart Papatoetoe
Summer is right here, and we are making most of it. Recently we organized a Bike Day. The children brought their bikes and scooters and had fun riding the wheels with their friends. There was instant increase in confidence in their ability to maneuver around the bike track. Rules were set up to follow one way riding freely on the bike track which enabled the children to ride safely in a group while sharing the space. During mat time, we discussed traffic lights rules – ‘red’ means stop and green means go, along with safety measures like wearing helmet to be a safe cyclist.
Apart from learning all the safety rules, the children also practiced operating their bike while balancing, steering, and regulating their speed.
To support children’s wellbeing, we also introduced children to exercise and yoga in a fun, playful and safe way. Exercise and yoga take a holistic approach to maintaining taha tinana (physical well-being – health), taha hinengaro (mental and emotional well-being – self-confidence), This also promote flexibility, strength, concentration, good posture, and self-confidence. Children are learning to focus on their breathe which is an essential part of yoga practice.
Our babies are also active explorers and love outdoor play. They are demonstrating their increasing physical capabilities and acquiring new skills while they run, climb, jump, ride, blow bubbles, explore in the sand pit and dance in the deck area. Babies are involved in learning experiences like sand play with collage materials, running race, bubble play, balloon play, music and movement, hide and seek etc.
Being physically active is an important part of children’s growth and development. It supports them to gain control of their bodies and grow in confidence. They learn that physical activity feels good and helps release tension which is great for their wellbeing.