An article from our NWCC CEO - Robert Ellis
Children don’t need a sports team, expensive equipment or a perfectly planned activity to enjoy being active. Often, the best kind of movement is simple, playful and shared with others.
Being physically active helps children build strength, coordination and confidence. It also gives them opportunities to practise important social skills: taking turns, cooperating, solving little problems and learning how to keep going when something feels tricky. Just as importantly, active play can be a great way to have fun, release energy and enjoy a break from screens and sitting still.
At OOSH, movement can happen in lots of different ways. Children might run, dance, kick a ball, play tag, create an obstacle course, balance along a line, or invent a game with their friends. Not every child enjoys competitive sport, and that’s absolutely fine. The goal is to help children discover activities they enjoy and feel comfortable joining in. At my recent visit to our OOSH service at Annangrove Public School I watched the children enjoy a really lively game of ‘backyard’ cricket. The rules were adapted to suit the space, everyone understood them and all the children who wanted to join in were able to do that, without feeling anxious about their level of ability.
“Children are more likely to keep moving when they feel included, supported and free to have a go.”
Families can encourage movement at home without turning it into another job on a busy day. Try walking or riding together for a short trip, putting on music and having a dance, visiting a local playground, or letting children help wash the car or work in the garden. A few minutes of playful movement can be a good place to start. Whenever possible, follow your child’s interests and make it enjoyable rather than focusing on performance and meeting a standard.
It also helps to remember that children have different energy levels, abilities and confidence. Offer a range of choices, make activities welcoming, and celebrate effort and participation—not just winning or being the fastest. Children are more likely to keep moving when they feel included, supported and free to have a go.
This term let’s keep making room for movement in the everyday moments. A walk, a dance, a game in the backyard or a laugh-filled chase at the park can all help children build healthy habits—and create happy memories along the way.
Robert Ellis