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The Weekend Sun
Developing fundamental movement skills Want to help give your preschoolers their best sporting chance? A programme being offered at TECT Arena at Baypark will help them prepare for success on the sports field. Tauranga Leisure programme manager Robyn King says the ‘GO4IT Get ready for school’ programme was designed to help develop fundamental movement skills. The programme, which begins at TECT Arena at Baypark this week, is designed for 3-5 year-olds, taking them through a series of routines and exercises to ensure children have the ability, strength and coordination to participate in more formal sport by the time they go to school. Robyn says GO4IT is a good follow-on programme to the musi-
gymnastics, outdoor education and physical recreation activities.” Robyn says developing fundamental movement skills benefits children in all areas of learning, including reading and writing, because it strengthened neural pathways in their brains. Parents work alongside their children
in the programme – with classes at 9.30am and 10.30am on Thursdays and Saturdays. Classes start on April 26. “We’re offering classes on Saturdays to give working parents or dads a chance to have some one-on-one time with their preschooler.”
By Hamish Carter
fference is DRAMAtic i D the Michael Paris-Arnaud, Tanner Gilpin and Ruben Swart learning racket and ball skills. Photo by Tracy Hardy running, hopping, catching, throwcal Moves ‘n Grooves sessions that ing, hitting and balancing. introduce children to movement. “They are the foundation or buildIt involves moving different body ing blocks to more specialised, skills parts such as the legs, arms, body used in play games, sports, dance, and head, and include skills like
Quality child care in city centre If you’re looking for quality child care for your young ones, look no further than the ARK Early Childhood Centre on Devonport Rd. Established in 1984, ARK Child Care provides preschool children with a nurturing and fun learning environment, right in the heart of Tauranga. The centre, owned by Holy Trinity Church, currently has vacancies available due to previous children starting school.
Tiana Guy, Cole Dean and Bailey Pitman having fun practising their bike safety. Photo by Tracy Hardy.
Centre manager Shirley Shilling says ARK is a caring, professional place with well-trained staff and teachers dedicated to reflecting their belief that each child is a unique gift from God. With a large outdoor area, the centre has ample room for outside play. It also involves its children in many different activities and offers a wide range of learning opportunities such as gardening, recycling, arts, crafts and more. For example, February was Bikewise month, where children learnt about bike safety, balancing, steering and spatial awareness while sharing their bikes with friends on safely planned courses. The centre’s prime location also allows for many fun outings in the city. Our city is our community and children can visit the art gallery, the library, parks or shops, in small groups. The ARK centre is licensed for 45 children from three months to five years and is open Monday to Friday 7.45am-5.15pm, including school holidays. For more information, email ark@holytrinitytauranga.com or phone Shirley on 07 578 5377.
Bringing out the BEST in Everyone 07 576 4400
www.helenogrady.co.nz
By Corrie Taylor
Starting 26 April 45min sessions
ARK
EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTRE
Thursdays 9.30am & 10.30am Saturdays 9.30 am & 10.30am