Why do it?

Why do it — He aha e mahi ai?

Climbing and balancing are important activities for tamariki so that they:

• have fun and enjoy some vigorous play out in the fresh air
• strengthen their large and small muscles
• practise and improve their physical skills
• have experiences with the laws of physics (swing = pendulum, slide = ramp)

• increase their confidence and self esteem through experiences, support and encouragement.

How to do it

How to do it — Te tikanga mō tēnei mahi

• Draw a chalk line on the path for your tamaiti to practise balancing on.
• Draw chalk shapes for them to jump between.
• Use a plank and two bricks to make a low balance beam.
• Help them to create a simple obstacle course. Include objects to go over, under, through and around.
• At the playground, follow their lead and interests.
• Stay close by to ensure their safety and give help if they need it.
• Encourage them to solve problems themselves first, but be ready to help if they get scared or stuck.
• Praise them for trying new things and for solving problems — for example, ‘I like how you figured out how to get down.’
• If they aren’t ready to try something new at the playground, let them give a toy a turn first.
• Sing while you play. Made-up songs are great:¯“Look at you zooming down the slide!”¯
• Later on, read books about playing outdoors. Suggestions might include:
  • The children at the playground — Tracey M Cox and Dolores Costello
  • Hide and seek Harry at the playground - Kenny Harrison
  • Roll, slope and slide: A book about ramps - Michael Dahl and Denise Shea

Using more te reo Māori