Getting Canberra’s kids active through online education resources


Released 24/08/2016

New digital resources designed to help early childhood educators in Canberra’s preschools and childcare centres improve children’s fundamental movement skills are now available, Assistant Minister for Health Meegan Fitzharris announced today.

Kids at Play Active Play is part of the ACT Government’s Healthy Weight Initiative and supports early childhood education and care services to provide children under five with the skills and confidence they need to be more physically active.

“Fundamental movement skills, like jumping, catching and running, hopping, kicking and throwing are the building blocks for participation in active play, sports and recreational activities,” Minister Fitzharris said.

“We know children without these fundamental movement skills will often choose not to participate in physical activity due to a lack of confidence and ability. That’s why it’s best to build these skills early in life.

“To help our early childhood educators in Canberra’s preschools and childcare centres improve these skills and get our children excited about being active, through the Kids at Play Active Play program, ACT Health has developed a series of 14 short video clips.

“These clips show educators how they can teach fundamental movement skills in a fun way. They are also easily accessible online, ensuring that educators can re-visit information after they attend training sessions that are available through the Kids at Play Active Play program.

“I am pleased to say that as part of the program, three new videos have also been created for parents and carers.

“As a mum, I know that particularly on cold, wet days, getting kids up and moving can be a challenge. These clips provide practical ideas on how to encourage kids to be more active at home and I encourage parents and carers to check them out online.

“I also encourage our preschools and childcare centres to check out the new resources and become involved in the Kids at Play Active Play program,” Minister Fitzharris said.

Moving to digital platforms and resources, which are easily available, supports the ACT Government’s commitment to use technology to improve the way it engages with the Canberra community.

Since Kids at Play Active Play started in July 2014, 99 early childhood education and care services have participated inprogram, including a combination of training, active play visits and use of active play resources.

To view the new Kids at Play Active Play digital resources and for more information on the program, visit goodhabitsforlife.act.gov.au/kids-at-play.

- Statement ends -

Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases

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