Benefits of physical activity

Physical activity is crucial to the development of children’s gross motor skills and eye-hand coordination.

In the early years, physical activity involves learning how to run, jump, hop, balance, throw and catch, and create shapes with one’s body.

At Goodstart, our educators encourage children to participate in physical activity through regular play-based games and activities. Games like hopscotch, climbing, balls games, yoga, community walks and excursions are just some examples incorporated across our program.
 

Children who have positive experiences with physical activity are more likely to be healthy and active in life. Evidence shows that children who are physically active benefit through:
 

Goodstart Glenorchy is passionate about getting children involved in lots of fun physical activities. They partnered with their local community fitness centre, Health and Fitness World, to implement a six week Nutrition and Exercise Awareness program. 

The program was sponsored by Speaker of the House of Assembly Elise Archer. Sessions ran for 30 minutes each week and involved games that use creative ways to introduce exercise.

Centre Director Larissa Bellette said the joint community initiative aims to promote good health, fitness and nutrition as a lifestyle for children and their families within the Glenorchy community.

“The latest Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) data shows the percentage of children vulnerable on the physical health and wellbeing domain has increased from 9.3 per cent in 2009 to 17.77 per cent in 2015.”

“Using this data, we decided to contact our local community fitness centre, to develop a program that would benefit children’s health, fitness and nutrition.

“Our partnership with Health & World Fitness allows us to extend our physical activity curriculum to assist children with their development of their gross motor skills, coordination and self-esteem.”