P.E. at Home: A Workout for Active Kids
Oskar's Wooden Ark | October 07, 2021
We had a special visitor at the Ark recently - Mr. Marcus Davies; a local primary school Health and Physical Education teacher who is truly passionate about children's wellbeing and physical activity. We were lucky enough to sit down (and up!) with Mr. Davies as he talked more in depth about how important physical activity is for young ones, as well as demonstrating some exercise and mindfulness activities that you can try at home!
Mr. Davies had to resort to online learning both this year and last for his students, and it was deemed a huge success by students, parents and fellow teachers at keeping the kids engaged, as well as active when they were stuck at home.You can have your own virtual one-on-one lesson with Mr. Davies right here as he shows us some ways to get active at home. Even better, he shows us how to incorporate your Oskar's Wooden Ark toys and/or regular household items into the routine.
Getting educated on how much physical activity your kids need AND the benefits involved is an important part in getting the most out of a lesson. To help, Mr. Davies had a class discussion with his Year 5 students to get their input. We then asked Mr. Davies for his answers and it was interesting to have both perspectives. Mr. Davies says:
How much physical activity do you recommend young children should be getting each week?
An hour of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity per day is
recommended for kids. A healthy amount would be seven hours per week. It is vital their health and overall development; strengthening their bones, muscles, heart and lungs, as well as improving their coordination, posture and flexibility.
Photo Credit: @exploringlifetogether_
Photo Credit: @playroomstories
Aside from the physical health benefits, what are some of the emotional and mental benefits of physical activity for kids?
Physical activity is refreshing for your brain as it allows the body to relax and focus on the positive things in life. It can also be rewarding in various ways as it allows us to be in touch with our positive emotions whilst easing the mind at the same time. This can also boost your social wellbeing which can allow you to participate and engage with friends and family at the same time.
What are the easiest ways to incorporate exercise and physical activity in your kids' daily routine?
It can be as easy as finding items around the house, playing with siblings and friends before, during and after school, on the weekends, at a sporting club, or even with the family pet! Be creative and find ways to incorporate physical activity in everyday tasks you do frequently to achieve the recommended amount.
Photo Credit: @playroomstories
What items can I use instead?
If you can't find a way to utilise your toys in your children's physical activity, you can get creative with other items that you probably have lying around home.
Mr. Davies uses...
- MOOV Baby Pikler Triangle for stretches, but an ALTERNATIVE would be a step ladder or chair
- Wobbel Board for step-ups, but an ALTERNATIVE would be a stool
- Wobbel Board for balancing, but an ALTERNATIVE would be a plank of wood under a rock
- Goldon Shakers for punching, but an ALTERNATIVE would using drink bottles
- Sarah's Silks for freestyle movement, but an ALTERNATIVE tea towels
Photo Credit: @ourcountrytale
Let's Talk About Wellbeing!
There are 5 related domains of personal wellbeing which Mr. Davies likes to teach his students about:
Physical Wellbeing (exercise e.g. being a part of a sports team)
Cognitive Wellbeing (learning e.g. being persistent with a "you can do this" approach)
Emotional Wellbeing (feelings e.g. expressing your emotions healthily)
Social Wellbeing (relationships e.g. spending time with positive people)
Spiritual Wellbeing (beliefs e.g. playing by the rules)
Activity: Self-Reflection Rainbow
For this activity, Mr. Davies takes inspiration from the Grimm's Medium Rainbow, but often uses this self-reflection technique in his lessons. He encourages his students to use the colours of the rainbow as a guide for self-reflection by asking a set of questions. Give your children these prompts (or make up your own) and have them write, draw or tell you what their answers are.
Red: Something that makes you HAPPY
Orange: Something that FRUSTRATES you
Yellow: Something that makes you EXCITED
Green: Something that makes you SAD
Blue: Something you did well today and are PROUD of
Purple: Something you could've done BETTER today
A mindful moment with the Grimm's Rainbows
Photo Credit: @mumz.world
Photo Credit: @exploringlifetogether_
Mr Davies' Golden Rules
As a teacher, Mr. Davies has specific mantras he encourages his students to adapt. You can easily utilise his "golden rules" at home during playtime, homeschooling lessons, or for any other activity you desire!
Set a Goal
Choose Positivity (Energy, Attitude, Mindset & Environment)
Stay Focused
Do Your Best
Have Fun!
How MOOV Baby can assist with your child's physical development:
Find your Zen with Wobbel Yoga:
Class Dismissed!
We hope your lesson with Mr. Davies has given you some new ideas to get active at home with your kids! We'd love to see what you get up to, so please tag us on Instagram, or join The Wooden Ark Family on Facebook!
