Northumberland partners host event aimed at keeping kids active
By West Northumberland Independent staff
Northumberland County partners are hosting an upcoming event in Cobourg that targets keeping kids on the move.
Northumberland County, Northumberland EarlyON Child and Family Centres, and Active for Life invite families, educators, early years professionals, and residents to join their free community event focused on “helping children stay active, healthy and thrive in today’s digital world.”
The event runs from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3 and takes place in the theatre within the Cobourg Collegiate Institute (CCI), which is located at 335 King St. E. It will feature a keynote presentation by Richard Monette, executive director of Active for Life, which is a nationally-recognized initiative that supports children’s healthy development through movement and play.
“Supporting children’s healthy development is a shared responsibility, and collaboration between families, educators, and community partners is key,” said Lesley Patterson, the county’s Early Years services manager, in a media release. “There are so many ways for children to be active, in addition to traditional methods like sports. Incorporating movement in the early years of child development doesn’t need to be an added task – it can become a mindset that is a natural part of childhood.
“During this presentation, Mr. Monette will provide valuable insights into the benefits of active play and offer tangible ways to incorporate more movement into our everyday lives.”
Drawing on more than a decade of experience developing the Learn Through Active Play (LTAP) professional development program, this presentation will explore how educators can intentionally integrate active play into daily practice and support children’s overall development, added organizers.
With growing concerns about increasing screen time and declining levels of physical activity in young kids, the session is designed to be engaging and informative. It will explore how active play supports children’s physical, cognitive, emotional and social development, while offering practical strategies families and educators can apply in everyday settings.
Participants will gain an understanding of how movement and active play support healthy brain development in early years and gain insight into how active play has declined in the digital era and the potential impacts on child development.
They will hear about practical ideas for incorporating active play into everyday routines at home, school, childcare, and community settings, identify barriers to active play within their own environments and explore realistic, community-based solutions.
The event includes a real-world example of successful implementation through the LTAP program in childcare settings.
Following the presentation, attendees will have a chance to participate in a question-and-answer session with the keynote speaker.
Complimentary childminding services will be available for registered participants. Advance registration is required to reserve a space and arrange child care.
This event is promoted in partnership with Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic School Board, and the Community Training and Development Centre.
To register, visit Northumberland.ca/EveryMoveMatters.
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