Focus on sport's ABC
| Kelly Salambasis
A recent study by the University of Loughborough revealed that an increased use in ipads and screens led to a decrease in child mobility that can subsequently impact learning. Tests to assess Foundation Stage children’s physical development at the start of the first school year found almost a third to be “of concern” for lack of motor skills and reflexes. Almost 90 per cent of children demonstrated some degree of movement difficulty for their age. Our children all spend time outside morning and afternoon and this September we’ welcomed Jon from ProInfinity Sports back to provide sporting sessions designed specifically for each age group. Our practitioners can then practice techniques with the children throughout the week. Jon has been focussing on core balance, using games including balls, beanbags and hoops to develop coordination through play. Jumping and skipping games will be introduced in the next few weeks. The younger groups are exploring various textures with pimpled balls and beanbags for them to learn how to pick up and grip different size shapes and objects.
There’s More2 IT than ipads.
We are also taking a different approach to fulfilling the Information Technology component of the Early Years Curriculum from age 3. Yes ipads and computers may play a role with educational games for the pre-school room when properly planned for. However we will also be encouraging our children to learn about technology in other ways. For example children can use Walkie Talkies to communicate, explore telephones, operate a metal detector or remote controls or take photos with a digital camera.
Supporting learning at home.
To support learning at home parents can encourage children to observe and talk about the uses of
