AnIMAl Fun - Health Sciences - Curtin University

animal fun
A movement program promoting
physical activity and mental health
Animal Fun is an evidenced based
program which can be embedded
into the everyday routines and
learning experiences of the classroom
whilst meeting many of the desired
outcomes of the Early Years Learning
Framework and the Australian
Curriculum for Health and Physical
Education(Foundation Year).
Animal Fun enhances gross and
fine motor skills together with social
skill development in young children
in a fun, non-competitive way by
imitating the movement of animals.
It is suitable for children with a range
of abilities aged 3-6 years.
Make tomorrow better.
animalfun.curtin.edu.au

Each Animal Fun Pack
contains the following
resources:
Manual
The manual provides
teachers and professionals
with valuable information
on the rationale behind the
development of Animal Fun.
The manual is divided into
9 Modules covering gross
motor, fine motor and social/
emotional development.
Each Module is introduced
with the purpose of the
activities contained in the module and notes for the teacher/
professional on the techniques and tips for implementation.
animal fun @ home
This book is designed to extend the Animal Fun experience
outside the classroom. It is intended to be a home activities
book and gives children opportunities to discuss the Animal
Fun movements with their parents and siblings. It provides
cross curriculum opportunities by allowing children to
practice their hand writing, drawing and cutting skills;
mathematics by recording time, and measurements; science
by exploring the natural world of plants and animals and the
arts by singing songs and engaging in dramatic play.
The book has been designed to also provide
parents with some developmental
background into the rationale behind
the movements.
rationale
and research
Appropriate motor skills are essential for all children.
Children with poor motor skills participate less in
physical activity than other children and this has
been linked to health problems such as obesity and
increased risk for cardio-vascular problems. Children
with poor motor skills also see themselves as less
competent-both athletically and academically and
this can lead to feelings of low self-worth.
A Healthway funded research project evaluated
the effectiveness of the Animal Fun program using
a randomised/controlled trial across 12 schools
in metropolitan and regional Western Australia.
Results showed that the movement skills of children
participating in the program improved significantly
whereas children in the control schools showed
no improvement.
Activity Flash Cards
Each kit contains a set of 97 A5 flash cards which provide
children with a visual prompt for the movement. The simple
to understand instructions on the reverse side of the card
means that teachers can engage the support of Education
Assistants or parent volunteers by allowing them to take
small groups of children for specific activities. Each module
targets a different set of skills and activities are grouped into
easy, medium and difficult subsets-each with a graduated
colour strip-light, medium and dark -located at the top of the
card for easy reference. Once familiar with the movements,
the children will eventually be able to engage in the activity
by recognising the pictorial clue on the flash card.
For inhouse information
sessions or training
Please contact:
Sue McLaren
Project Co-ordinator
Mobile: 0409 942 182
Email: s.mclaren@curtin.edu.au
Web: www.animalfun.curtin.edu.au
Information in this publication is correct at the time of printing but may be subject to
change. In particular, the University reserves the right change the content and/or method of
assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw any unit of study
or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or
to vary arrangements for any program.
Full details of the course and units are available by contacting the Future Students Centre
or online at: handbook.curtin.edu.au
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Sydney Campus of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 02637B
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