On-going interests at KIDSPACE and new challenges

Climbing, jumping and extending our bodies physically, is still a very big part of the daily programme at KIDSPACE. This afternoon, Netana, Mania, Acacia, Maia, Oly, Libby and Kian spent a long period of time up on the obstacle boxes after lunch. Walking one by one behind each other like a train, up and over the planks, they made it up on to the big green boxes. One at a time they would jump, while the next person in line waited until the mat was clear before they jumped. I was very impressed with the amount of confidence and physical strength and ability these children showed. Every jump looked different. Some high, some low, some with arms and legs stretched out, and others crunched in a ball. The children were showing great spatial awareness, with the limited space on top of the box when standing close together. Acacia reminded her friends to be careful not to push. And Mania was great to praise her friends jumps. The next challenge that came along was 'walking backwards'. I noticed the interest in jumping backwards and walking up planks backwards last week, with some of the 4 year olds. This new skill has obviously rubbed off on to some of these children, as they were challenging themselves to do this. Mania started this, and got her friends following suit. Netana confidently gave it ago, watching his footing carefully. The jumping and extension of their bodies continued on into the afternoon, with children coming and going from the obstacles.

"Children develop increasing control over their bodies, including development of locomotor skills, increasing agility, co-ordination, balance and gross motor skills" (Te Whaariki).

Ainslee