Event explores positive outcomes through active play
Image provided.
By Cecilia Nasmith
Northumberland County is inviting families and educators to explore the power of active play in the digital age with a free Oct. 3 event called Every Move Matters.
As concern grows about increasing screen time and declining levels of physical activity in young children, this event will explore how active play supports children's physical, cognitive, emotional and social development, while offering practical strategies families can apply in their everyday lives.
It's an effort in which collaboration among families, educators and community partners is key, Early Years Services Manager Lesley Patterson said in the announcement.
“There are so many ways for children to be active, in addition to traditional methods like sports,” Patterson stated.
“Incorporating movement in the early years of child development doesn't need to be an added task – it can become a mindset that is a natural part of childhood.”
Running from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the event begins with a keynote presentation by Active For Life Executive Director Richard Monette in the theatre at Cobourg Collegiate Institute (335 King St. E.), in which he will provide insights into the benefits of active play and offer tangible ways to incorporate it into everyday life.
Participants will gain a clear understanding of how movement and active play support healthy brain development in early years, and how active play has declined in the digital era. There will be practical ideas for incorporating active play into everyday routines at home, school, child-care and community settings, as well as opportunities to identify barriers to active play within one's own environment.
Following the presentation, attendees may participate in a question-and-answer session with the keynote speaker.
To help make the event accessible to families, complimentary child-minding services will be available. While the event is free, advance registration is required at Northumberland.ca/EveryMoveMatters.
The event is organized by the county, Northumberland EarlyON Child and Family Centres and Active For Life, promoted in partnership with Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic School Board and the Community Training and Development Centre.
