Week 1

Rationale behind the programme

Stretch & Play works with:

ChildrenChildren

TeenagersTeenagers

AdultsAdults

•Use stretches, storytelling, games, music and relaxation

•Ranging from private nurseries to community organisations

•Use yoga, Pilates, drama and personal development techniques

•Work in schools and community organisations

•Our facilitators teach yoga, Pilates, fitness and dance to adults

•The organisation provides facilitation and consultancy support

Stretch & Play works according to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and Article 31 which states that:

“The child has the right to rest and to engage in leisure, play and recreational activities and participate in cultural and artistic activities”.

Why is physical activity important? (From Healthy Schools Government Initiative)

Improved overall healthOpportunities for social interaction & improved social and moral developmentReduced risk of developing adult diseasesA sense of wellbeing & self esteem Reduction in anxiety and stressMaintenance of energy balance Improved cognitive functioning & academic achievement in school

The Activity Unfriendly Environment (From Healthy Schools Government Initiative)

Less walking to schoolLess opportunity for active play (home or school)Reduced formal activity at schoolIncreased attractiveness and availability of home electronic entertainmentToo much trafficFearful parents and neighbours who don’t like play near their homesReluctance of parents to encourage play

Childhood Obesity Statistics (From Healthy Schools Government Initiative)

Currently there are over 1 million obese children in the UK

The latest research shows that in the United States one in three children aged between 5 and 17 are overweight or obese

Inactive children are likely to become inactive adults storing up health problems for the future. Research has shown that 42-63% of obese school aged children also become obese adults

Sedentary Behaviours (From Healthy Schools Government Initiative)

TV viewing (average of 2.5 hours), video games playing (average of 40 minutes and computer use (average of 30 minutes) are key sedentary behaviours among children and young people each day, this peaks between the ages of 9 and 12.The overall volume of media viewing is 35-40 hours per week for 11-17 year olds.TV watching is the most common sedentary activity for children and young people of all ages with 28% watching 4 or more hours a day

Physical Activity Recommendation (From Healthy Schools Government Initiative)

All children and young people should participate in at least one hour of moderate Physical Activity each day

In addition; At least twice a week, all children should take part in activities that help to develop muscular strength, flexibility and bone health e.g. skipping, jumping and climbing

DoH (2004). At least 5 a week. Evidence on the Impact of Physical Activity and its Relationship to Health. A Report from the Chief Medical Officer

How can this be achieved? (From Healthy Schools Government Initiative)Active commutingRegular aerobic activity (using all large muscle groups)Work towards some vigorous exercise each weekReduce sedentary behaviorIncrease opportunistic activityAt least ONE walk per day See weekends as an opportunity to do moreHave different slots throughout the dayDo Stretch & Play!!!

Body fat increases

Energy

intake

Energy

output

Body fat decreases

Energy output

Energy intake

Calorie intake should increase by 100 calories

per year between 1 and 5 years

Preschool age children should eat between

1200 – 1600 calories per day

Calories intake should be of the correct foods

Calcium requirements increase up to the age of four

Children aged 6 – 8 should eat between 1600 – 2000 calories per day

Children aged 9 - 12 should eat between 1800 – 2200 calories per day

Calories intake should be of the correct foods

The work of Stretch & Play draws on:Carla Hannaford’s Smart Moves

Howard Gardiner’s Multiple Intelligences

Jean Ayres’ Sensory Integration

Tina Bruce’s Learning through Play

Based on Early Years Curriculum & Every Child Matters as well as revised NI schools curriculum for each Key Stage and informal Youth Work curriculum

When creating the Stretch & Play Manual I looked at the work of:Jon Kabat-Zinn around MindfulnessUS company Yoga Ed. who present yoga as an ideal

discipline for mind / body fitness in schoolsUK Children’s Yoga and Meditation companies Relax

Kids, Yoga Bugs and Jane Louise Kelly’s Yoga Buddies (Northern Ireland)

The NZ Government studies on Fundamental Movement Skills

Included in your training you’ll find:Weekly training videos explaining the building blocks of a

Stretch & Play sessionWeekly homework to help you consolidate your learningA manual of 100+ pagesTemplates for crèche age classes; primary school age

classes and secondary school age classes (which can also be used in youth clubs) with room to write your own ideas

Business materials such as class registration forms, sample emails, suggestions for props and resources

When you have completed your training you can send a video of yourself in action at a Stretch & Play session.

I will personally evaluate your performance and send you a certificate of completion or suggest ways to improve your performance as a Stretch & Play Facilitator.

This certification is not compulsory and you can use the training as soon as you receive it, without ever applying for a certificate.

Week 1 – Rationale behind the programme and introduction to the training manual

Week 2 – Basic anatomy & physiology of children and the benefits of ‘stretching and playing’

Week 3 – Programme breakdown into different Stretch activities

Week 4 – Programme breakdown into different Play activities

Week 5 – Putting it all together! How to structure a Stretch & Play session (includes ethics and child protection issues); How to deliver a Stretch & Play session; Discussion about “where next?”

Familiarise yourself with your Training ManualBefore next week I want you to work out why YOU

want to become a Stretch & Play Facilitator so ask yourself:What is my experience in this field?What can I bring to the table?What unique skills and talents have I that will fit into

the Stretch & Play model?Check out local statistics on childhood obesity as

these will prove invaluable when promoting classes in your area