I Move We Move - Good For Kids - NSW Government

2.3
Curriculum, teaching and learning experiences
Physical activity in early childhood is important as it provides an ideal opportunity to set a strong
foundation for active habits into adolescence and adulthood and also develop lifelong skills.
Children's Services can maximise opportunities for children to be active through incorporation of
physical activities into the curriculum, active play and learning experiences. The learning experiences
should be integrated throughout the day. They can also provide opportunities for developing other
skills in the following key areas:
• Physical development (sensory, fine and gross motor skills)
• Social development (interacting with adults and other children, ability to work as part of a team
and controlling behaviour)
• Science and mathematics (the environment, gardening, counting and numbers)
• Language and communication (listening, talking, reading, using pictures)
• Art and creativity (painting, dramatic play, dance)
For example, to link stability skills learning experiences
to other areas of the curriculum you could ask preschoolers
to think of what their body looks like when they stretch,
bend, twist or balance then demonstrate and draw it.
The drawings could then be made into prompt cards
for these activities. Your children may like to create
their own set of cards using their ideas.
The integration of physical activity learning experiences throughout the day should involve:
• Opportunistic learning
• Programmed learning experiences
• Linking the learning experiences with the home
The promotion of healthy physical activity habits is part of the National Childcare Accreditation
Council’s Quality Improvement and Accreditation System. By providing learning experiences that
encourage physical activity, accreditation requirements will also be met 13 .
Learning experiences should be based on children’s individual interests, their age, their prior
knowledge and include the basic principles of each fundamental movement skill for the particular
age group. The I Move We Move Physical Activity Handbooks provide examples of learning experiences
for physical activity and small screen recreation to integrate into your service’s everyday programs
and practices. It also provides ideas to develop additional learning experiences. These experiences
can be adapted and extended as required to better suit individual children and services.
I Move We Move, The Guide Edition 1 August 2009
Legs apart, arm
stretched up to
the sky
AREA HEALTH SERVICE