Bluearth Foundation

That’s a wrap on active play month!

We hope you found it insightful and have been inspired to engage in active play with your little ones.

See you next month with our next theme.

Never underestimate the benefits of a good ol' belly laugh!
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Moving well isn't just about exercise in its traditional form. That's why we take a holistic approach that targets both the body and the mind.
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Laughter helps relax muscles, release endorphins and get air into your lungs, plus it just feels great!

We couldn’t agree more!

We love learning about how our community moves.

Tell us, how do you like to move?

Another benefit of active play is intellectual development. 🧠

When children engage in active play on their own or with others they’ll build essential cognitive skills such as critical thinking, remembering, problem-solving and paying attention.

A classic for good reason, skipping is a whole-of-body activity that develops coordination and timing, and provides an extension to jumping and hopping activities.

Grab a rope and give these variations a go:

- Boxing skip: Skip with alternate feet landing with each rope rotation.
- Doubles: Skip and attempt to complete two rotations of the rope per landing.
- Backwards skipping: Skip normally but with a backward rotation of the rope.
- Skier: Skip normally but jump feet from side to side with each rotation.
- Crossovers: Skip normally but cross hands at hip level with each rotation.

Want to engage your little ones in active play, but not sure where to start? Our Active Play Ideas is just the place.

Featuring 20 different activities, from bubble chase to an obstacle course, you’ll be sure to find something your kids will love: www.bluearth.org/active-play-ideas/

Active play aids emotional development. 😊

Active play gives children the opportunity to try new things without the fear of being wrong or failing, helping them develop confidence and self-respect.

Imaginative play in particular lets them explore their emotions and express themselves.

Play is spontaneous, creative and joyful – for children and their parents and carers.

A space that fosters both expression and connection.

Who’s up for the Warrior Pose?

Stand in Mountain Pose and work your way to Star Pose, feet out wide. As you exhale, turn the right foot out 90 degrees to face the front of the mat and allow the hips and shoulders to follow while bringing your back foot to 45 degrees. Hips, chest and eyes face towards the front of the mat- use your belly button as a guide as to how rotated your trunk is.

Inhale as you raise your arms above your head - be smooth as you do this. Only lift your arms as far as you can without flaring the ribcage forward. Gently drawing your shoulder blades down your back.

With both feet firmly grounded, become as long and tall as possible.

As you exhale, bend your right knee to a right angle. Attempt to sit in the posture, surrendering to gravity.

Press the whole sole of each foot firmly to the floor. Lengthen the front leg and slowly lower your arms to your side. Repeat on the opposite side.

Active play has big social benefits. 💬

When children partake in active play, they have the chance to interact and socialise with their peers. They’ll learn how to work together, share, take turns and listen to each other’s ideas. If conflicts arise, they can be guided on how to resolve them in a peaceful and positive way, helping them develop empathy.

It’s World Mental Health Day, which is all about raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilise efforts in support of mental health.

Being physically active is something we can all do to look after our mental wellbeing, as it has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety and feelings of depression, as well as lift self-esteem, build confidence, and maintain optimism.

As well as moving your body, here are eight ways you can look after your mental health: https://www.bluearth.org/8-ways-to-look-after-your-mental-health/