What are Mini Activ8rs sessions?
Mini Activ8rs sessions are designed to allow children to begin to develop their confidence, both physically and socially, with apparatus and with others. Through a mixture of free play and guided development, the sessions introduce the children to games and activities that help towards learning their physical ABCs (agility, balance and coordination).
With peer interaction and developing their ability to follow instructions, the children will gain confidence in tackling basic movements, whilst having fun in the process.
What are the benefits of the sessions?
It has been long since known that physical activity reduces the risk of childhood obesity and increases their levels of development. From to the report 'Start Active , Stay Active' in 2011, guidelines for the Under 5's were released. These were:-
Guideline 1
Infants who can't yet walk unaided should be encouraged from birth to be physically active through floor and water based play in safe environments.
Guideline 2
Pre-school Children who can walk unaided should be physically active daily for at least 180 minutes (3 hours) spread throughout the day.
Guideline 3
All those aged under 5 should minimise the amount of time spent sedentary (being restrained or sitting) for extended periods (except for time spent sleeping)
The Mini Activ8rs sessions are a great way to help children meet the guidelines in the report and help to improve their physical and neural development. Continued attendance at the sessions will help prepare children for pre-school alongside learning in an environment that allows them to be more expressive and free to learn at their own pace.
The sessions focus upon the three main areas of development listed in the EYFS curriculum, as they develop communication and language, physical development and also their personal, social and emotional development. The sessions also develop the other areas literacy, mathematics, expressive art and design and also their understanding of the world through the games and activities played.