At a glance: Learn & Laugh Drummoyne integrates physical movement through park excursions, JarJums yoga, bike days, sports coaching and daily obstacle courses, all guided by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and children’s interests.
Why we are passionate about physical activity in Early Childhood
At Learn and Laugh Drummoyne, physical movement is so much more than just a part of our daily routine. It is an important tool for growth, community and cultural connection and self-expression.
Physical Movement and Gross Motor Development
Our belief in physical movement is guided by the Reggio Emilia approach as we believe children learn their best through exploration, relationships and meaningful experiences.
We ensure our physical movement experiences are integrated in a way that is responsive to the children’s interests, needs and wants as well as assist the children in building their confidence and deepen their understanding of their world around them.
How we support Physical movement at our centre
Our approach to movement is guided by not only developmental milestones but by the children themselves. We observe, listen and respond by creating environments and experiences that honour their voices and spark their sense of wonder.
Community Excursions and Outdoor Play
As a form of physical movement, we have taken children on excursions to the local park within our Drummoyne community and utilise the front grass area at our centre.
These outings offer the children learning experiences where they explore natural spaces, challenge their physical skills and develop a sense of belonging within their community. These park excursions often turn into the park becoming a “third teacher” inviting not only physical movement, but curiosity and connection with nature.
JarJums Yoga Programme for Cultural Connection
As a part of our commitment to inclusive and holistic learning, we have implemented the continual use of the NSW government JarJums yoga program.
This program was developed as a way for children to deepen their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through the use of movement. This program is strongly aimed at developing the fundamental movement skills of the children.
We were provided with sun mats to use during these yoga sessions; these sun mats are a way for the children to build a connection to the land and sea which ultimately is building their spiritual connection and knowledge regarding the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Bike and Scooter Day: A Child-Led Initiative
One of our most loved events, Bike & Scooter Day, grew from a child-led moment. A child had just learned to ride without training wheels and proudly shared this milestone with an educator. Their excitement inspired a larger conversation, and soon, we co- constructed the idea of a centre wide Bike & Scooter Day.
Bike day was also a way for our children to develop an understanding and connection to our community.
We implemented this bike and scooter incursion on a National day which also celebrated children riding their bike’s and scooters safety to school. This excursion which started at a child expressing their excitement, turned into an experience which would connect the children to their wider community.
Sports Coaching Sessions for Fundamental Movement Skills
The children have had the opportunity to join mini sessions led by a qualified sports coach, giving children the chance to explore and develop their fundamental movement skills in a fun and engaging way.
Each session introduces simple techniques – such as jumping, balancing, running, and throwing through playful activities that build confidence and coordination. The children especially enjoy talking about how they use these skills when playing sports on the weekend, proudly sharing stories about their games, the teams they’re part of, and the new moves they’ve tried.
Daily Physical Activities in Our Program
At our centre, everyday physical movement is thoughtfully integrated into our weekly program, designed to reflect children’s interests, family goals, individual voices, and each child’s developmental stage.
Our educators create dynamic and engaging experiences, including daily obstacle courses, parachute games, and interactive story reenactments, along with a variety of other hands-on activities.
Children are encouraged to assist with planning and setting up these activities, giving them a sense of ownership and allowing their ideas and creativity to shape their play.
Through various physical movement, our children are building strong bodies, confident minds, and the essential skills they need to thrive in all areas of their development.
Learn & Laugh Drummoyne is proud to serve families across Drummoyne, Canada Bay, Abbotsford, Russell Lea and Five Dock. To learn more about our physical development programme or to book a centre tour, visit our Drummoyne centre page or enquire about enrolment today.
Q: Why is physical movement important in early childhood education?
A: Physical movement builds gross motor skills, coordination, confidence and social connections. At Learn & Laugh Drummoyne, we integrate movement throughout our daily programme using the Reggio Emilia approach.
Q: What is the JarJums yoga programme?
A: JarJums is an NSW Government yoga programme that helps children develop fundamental movement skills whilst building understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Q: Does Learn & Laugh Drummoyne offer sports coaching?
A: From time to time, qualified sports coaches are invited to lead mini sessions focusing on jumping, balancing, running and throwing through playful, age-appropriate activities.
Q: What outdoor activities are available at Learn & Laugh Drummoyne
A: Children enjoy park excursions within the Drummoyne community, bike and scooter days, obstacle courses and nature-based play experiences.
Ready to see our physical movement program in action? Book a Tour at Learn & Laugh Drummoyne or call us on (02) 9719 3213.
