11 May New Active Play resources to help young children sit less, move more and sleep well

The Ministry of Health has launched a package of free online resources aimed at getting children aged five and under to play regularly and have quality sleep. Toi Tangata worked closely with the Ministry to develop the Active Play resources.

The Active Play resources, which were announced by Associate Health Minister Jenny Salesa in Auckland, communicate how important it is for young children to sit less, move more and sleep well. It is essential that children establish these behaviours when they’re young as these are the foundations for a healthy life.

The Active Play resources complement the Ministry’s Sit Less, Move More, Sleep Well: Active play guidelines for under-fives and are uniquely themed for New Zealand children and whānau, using a kaupapa Māori approach to communicate the key messages. The resources include a downloadable waiata and oriori, and posters written in both Te Reo Māori and English. There is also a karakia and two downloadable videos available on moving like mokomoko (lizard) and pūngāwerewere (spiders).

“It is nice to have mātauranga Māori acknowledged in the creation of resources that are designed for all whanau across Aotearoa,” says Darrio Penetito-Hemara, Toi Tangata kaiarahi, Training and Development Specialist, Māori Education Settings.

“The resources focus on positive messaging and positive approaches to the health of our tamariki, while also uplifting and recognising Māori values and concepts, which makes them so valuable” he says.

Read more about and download the Active Play resources on the Ministry website