KIDS INPERTH
The
Born & Bred in WA
,
APRIL 2017
Parents Paper
www.kidsinperth.com
PRICELESS
For parents with children aged from birth to 14 • Free every month
Animal Fun Program for Crucial Movement Skills in Children
Students find their strength
By Sue McLaren
R
esearchers from the Health Science Faculty at Curtin University have investigated the impact of a child’s motor skill development on other areas of development. They found that children with below average gross and fine motor skills may be at increased risk of anxiety and depression, and lack the basic school readiness skills to enjoy a positive education experience. Professor Jan Piek, head of research team, reports that “Our research found that children who participated in Animal Fun showed significant improvement in their motor skills and in their social skills. There was also a significant decrease in the levels of hyperactive and inattentive behaviours in these children when compared to those in the control groups”. Animal Fun is a great resource for parents, teachers or grandparents who are looking for guidance in assisting children in developing these important motor skills and social skills prior to starting school. Sue McLaren, director of Animal Fun, said that “Teachers and educators of young children are consistently reporting that children are presenting at Kindy with poor muscle tone, lack of core strength, and are
fidgety and unable to perform basic self-help skills such as opening their lunch box or peeling a banana”. Animal Fun activity cards are easy to use and can be taken outdoors to assist parents or teachers initiating creative play experiences. For example, at the park or playground, children can pretend to be galloping and prancing horses, monkeys swinging or squirrels climbing. The imitation of the animal lends an imaginary framework for them and gives some purpose to the practice of the movement. The instructions on the cards guide how the movement should be performed. The Animal Fun Manual is designed primarily for teachers but can be useful for parents, as it explains the rationale behind the program. It includes important teaching tips and provides ideas for how to use the activities creatively. The Animal Fun@Home book provides developmental information for parents, together with some activity ideas to try as a family. For more information on the program or to purchase the resources visit animalfun.com.au or contact Sue McLaren on 0409942182 or sue@animalfun.com.au
P
erth primary school students will have a chance to boost their motivation over the coming weeks as Alpha Motivation launch a new range of primary school workshops. Run by young people, for young people, Alpha Motivation is a youth led organisation that has been working with high school students over the last six months. They are now expanding their workshops to the primary school sector, where they hope to visit over one hundred schools across Western Australia. Managing Director and West Australian of the Year Nominee, David Castelanelli, said that it was important to get students thinking about what motivates them from a young age. “If we can help students earlier, it will provide the Year Sixes with more opportunities in high school,” he said. “We are helping them identify areas of strength and encouraging students to become more involved in extra-curricular activities”. As young people’s reliance on technology continues to increase, the Alpha workshops have become an opportunity for students to challenge themselves and become more proactive.
Assistant Principal of Sacred Heart Primary School Renee Byrne-King, said that a trial workshop had been engaging and exciting for her Year Six students. “I believe the workshop has given the Year Six students a new found confidence,” she said. “The activities challenged our students to use their high order thinking skills and were very interactive in nature”. Alpha Motivation will be offering two workshops this year, with a focus on the important topics of motivation and teamwork. The sixty-minute workshops consist of interactive games and stories that are relatable for young students, and they are led by enthusiastic university students. Primary school teachers are encouraged to book a workshop by heading to Alpha Motivation’s website or by emailing them directly. Interested parents can also request a visit from Alpha Motivation by informing their school teacher about these exciting workshops. For more information, and to book, visit www.alphamotivation.com.au or email info@alphamotivation.com.au
NOW ON SALE - NEW SHOW MONDAY 5 JUNE, 3PM
Perth Arena, 2-5 June. Tickets from $35.^ 132 849 www.ticketek.com.au/disneyonice DisneyOnIce.com.au
REWARD THE KIDS THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS CATCH THE CIRCUS IN HIGH WYCOMBE March 31st - April 23rd. Cnr Roe Highway and Kalamunda Road
$5 OFF YOUR TOTAL BOOKING* Call 0411 302 095 to BOOK your seats
Online tickets go to circusjosephashton.com.au
$15 Child $20 Adult EFT/CC Facility available
*Must present advert to redeem offer. Valid only for centre seat bookings during our High Wycombe season, not available Sunday's or public holidays, not available online
ONLINE WWW.KIDSINPERTH.COM
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
KIDSINPERTH
LAS/SEP16
See The Flying Trapeze & The Wheel of Death ~ Only At The Ashtons ~