Ages 0-5 Years

Credit: Richard Robinson Children learn from movement and physical activity. It is important for healthy brain development that children move. Early childhood experiences are critical to the development of the skills, attitudes and confidence required to become an active participant in sport and recreation in later life.

Child development is fostered in an environment that is caring, safe, supportive and encourages movement exploration, play and fun. It is just as important for newborn babies to be moving as it is for toddlers and older children.

Active Movement resources

SPARC has developed a series of resources with ideas on how to get children under-five participating in movement experiences.

These Active Movement resources show how easy it is to incorporate movement into children's lives - from balancing to walking, tummy time to climbing.

These resources are endorsed by the Royal New Zealand Plunket Society, GymSports NZ, Barnardos, the Ministry of Health, the National Heart Foundation, the Cancer Society, and Swimming NZ.

Find out more

For information about getting under-fives moving and for Active Movement resources call 0800 ACTIVE or contact your nearest regional sports trust.