This video is based on He Pī Ka Rere, Toi Tangata’s under-fives movement programme run through kohanga reo. He Pī Ka Rere uses the traditional movements of pūngāwerewere (spiders) to inspire tamariki to be active.
Key points about keeping your preschool child active
activity is just as important for your baby as it is for older children
by helping your baby, toddler or young child to get active, you help them to learn and grow
getting enough sleep each day is also really important for your preschooler
sleep is good for your child's physical, emotional and social development
Why is movement and physical activity important for my preschool child?
Children learn from movement and physical activity. Movement is important for your young child's healthy brain development. Your child's early experiences of movement and physical activity can help them develop the skills, attitudes and confidence to be active throughout their life.
Are there any resources to help me encourage activity in my preschool child?
The Ministry of Health has developed some resources to support active play in children under 5. The aim is for young children to:
sit less
move more
sleep well
Infographic posters
These infographic posters encourage:
moving more throughout the day through regular play
the right amount of sleep for tamariki under 5
In these posters, the child is represented by the tukutuku pattern 'maunga' (mountain). The pattern demonstrates that all people are made up of many different strands, with each strand representing who we are. The strands represent whakapapa (genealogy), whatumanawa (emotional), tinana (biological), wairua (spiritual), whēako (experiences). Kaiako, parents, caregivers, grandparents, aunties, uncles and whānau can all influence the strands that make up the child.
He Pī Ka Rere uses the traditional movements of pūngāwerewere (spiders) and mokomoko (lizards) to inspire tamariki to be active. Children can use mokomoko and pūngāwerewere movements in games such as Simon says, races, and obstacle courses. Kai tipu kai tope is a game often played with these movements. One team are the kai tipu or planters. They must plant the seed for the tree or rakau to grow (by placing a cone, water bottle or similar upright). The other team are the kai tope who are chopping down the rakau (by knocking over the cone or bottle). Children can use the mokomoko and pūngāwerewere movements while playing the game.
Oriori – Huia Kaimanawa
You can play this oriori (lullaby) to your child as they go to sleep.
This karakia is designed for tamariki (children) to reach their potential as tangata. Within Te Ao Māori, the karakia is a mechanism to talk to the child about their future aspirations and adventures. Kaiako, parents, caregivers, grandparents, aunties and uncles can use these karakia words in any setting.
The Active Movement brochures show how easy it is to incorporate quality physical activity into your children's lives - there are brochures about balancing, walking, tummy time, climbing and more. Sport NZ developed Active Movement/Koringa Hihiko to get more infants, toddlers and young children more active. You can find out more about the thinking behind Active Movement in the introductory booklet (PDF 976KB) on the Sport NZ website[21].
[19]These Ministry of Health guidelines provide population health advice to support health practitioners, early childhood educators, regional sports trusts and others who provide advice to parents, caregivers and whānau or families on physical activity for children under five years of age.
This page last reviewed 01 July 2022. Email us[23] your feedback