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Physically Active Play | Korikori tinana

Physical activity is important for children’s growth and development and supports them to gain control of their bodies and become confident. They learn that physical activity feels good and helps release tension, supporting healthy wellbeing.

Learning and Development

Physical play plays a crucial role in brain development. The neural pathways that are formed during early years lay the foundation for lifelong brain function.
Activities such as crawling, walking, jumping, skipping, turning, twirling and rolling create neural connections that grow stronger through repeated movement.
Physical activity boosts heart rate, increasing oxygen flow to the brain and promoting brain cell growth.
Our centres have purpose built outdoor areas, allowing for children to run, throw balls, skip and complete obstacle courses while also playing freely.
Teachers provide a variety of physical challenges to help children develop physical, social and emotional skills.
Physical play supports a healthy body strengthening bones, muscles, the heart and lungs.
It also enhances motor skills, concentration and thinking abilities. Children who engage in regular physical activity show improved attention, problem-solving and persistence.
Teacher guidance during physical play helps children learn spatial concepts like under/over and in front/behind/next to, as well as early maths concepts like long/short and big/small.
Group games promote essential social skills like taking turns, cooperating and sharing.

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How physically active play relates to the primary school curriculum

Continuing Learning at Home

Consider a variety of activities:
Encourage activities that develop a range of movements like crawling, walking, balancing, climbing, running, swinging, pushing, jumping, hopping, skipping, crouching and twirling.
Outdoor exploration:
Visit local parks, nature reserves or bush areas where children can safely run, explore and engage with nature.
Obstacle courses:
Create simple obstacle courses using materials like nets, crates, cardboard boxes or tyres to challenge physical skills and problem-solving.
Skipping ropes are great for older children to build coordination and agility.
Use plastic cones to define play areas and provide structure for activities.
Use balls of different sizes for kicking, throwing or rolling. Playing with others builds teamwork and relationship skills.
Swings are excellent for developing muscles, coordination and balance.
Rainy days can be perfect for outdoor play! Dress children in waterproof clothing, grab umbrellas and gumboots and let them explore! It’s a rich sensory experience that adds excitement to play.