According to the guidelines by Health Hub SG, young school children should aim for at least 180 minutes of physical activity of any intensity spread throughout each day. It doesn’t have to be all at once and every minute counts. Additionally, for all children aged three years and older, 60 minutes of the time spent actively should be of moderate- to vigorous-intensity. Preschool, school children and youths should also engage in vigorous-intensity aerobic activities, muscle and bone strengthening exercises at least 3 days a week, where doing a variety of activities can help to build their Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS).
At our school, we believe that active playtime is essential for a child's physical, social, and emotional development. Not only is it fun, but it also promotes the development of gross and fine motor skills, problem-solving skills, and social interaction and cooperation with peers.
We have incorporated active playtime into our curriculum in numerous ways. Every day, we allocate a 30-minute outdoor play session where children can run around, climb, and explore the environment. We also take children on nature walks and engage them in indoor activities such as yoga or obstacle courses to keep them active and engaged, even on rainy days. Moreover we have Sports Day every year to encourage parents to join their children in exercising.
We understand that playtime is not only important for physical health but also for mental wellbeing. It can help reduce stress, anxiety, and improve sleep quality. Dr. Maria Montessori once said, “The education of a very small child does not aim at preparing him for school but for life.” Keeping this in mind, we prioritize playtime as a cornerstone of our approach, aiming to cultivate healthy habits that endure throughout the child's journey into adulthood.
As our school is located in Bullion Park Condo, we take extra measures to ensure the safety of our students during playground time. To that end, we will be locking the playground gate. Rest assured, the Condo area is well-equipped with security guards and CCTV cameras, making outdoor playtime even safer for our children. Our school boasts a safe and nurturing environment where children are encouraged to express themselves freely and learn through play, which is crucial for fostering their creativity and curiosity.
Instilling healthy habits during childhood can have a significant impact on a child's long-term health and wellbeing. By prioritizing active playtime and promoting physical activity, children are more likely to develop positive attitudes and healthy habits that they will carry with them into adulthood. In addition to physical health benefits, regular physical activity can also have positive effects on mental health, such as reducing stress and anxiety. By instilling these healthy habits early on, children are more likely to maintain an active lifestyle as they grow older. Furthermore, by prioritizing active playtime and physical activity, children can develop social skills, problem-solving abilities, and self-confidence, which will serve them well in all areas of their lives. Therefore, we believe that it's essential to prioritize active playtime and instill healthy habits in children during their preschool years, setting them up for a lifetime of physical and mental wellbeing.
Below you'll find our Sports Day this year, but unfortunately, we had to move it indoors due to the rain. Despite the change of plans, we still had a great time.
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