Shine Magazine, Issue 3, April 2010 - Department of Education and ...

EARly CHILDHood
How do we build play and
movement into daily life?
Use active transport, which requires
children to walk or push their way to a
destination, and encourage them to help
around the house. Decrease long periods
spent in strollers, highchairs and cars to
allow more time for play and physical
activity. This can be hard on parents but
make up for it later in the day with some
outdoor play. Outside, children can really
move big muscles and engage with the
environment.
What is your final message to
early childhood professionals
and parents?
Adults who have contact with children
aged zero to five should rethink the
value of play and physical activity. They
need to understand that the benefits of
physical activity far outweigh risks like
minor injury. Adults must prioritise
opportunities throughout the day for
children to be active. The picture around
play and movement is very complex. There
is no magic fix – it’s a whole lifestyle issue.
One the whole family needs to embrace.
Geraldine Naughton is Professor
of Paediatric Exercise Science and
Director of the Centre for Physical
Activity Across the Lifespan at the
Australian Catholic University. She
also works with the Royal Children’s
Hospital to provide resources for health
professionals working with young
families. In February she addressed
800 maternal and child health nurses
at the MCHN Conference to discuss the
importance of play and movement in
relation to young children. S
Tell us what you think. Email editor@edumail.vic.gov.au
Shine APRIL 2010 23