Ready Steady Go Kids!

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Physical activity has been linked to many benefits for the developing child:

Declining Levels of Physical Activity in Children

Unfortunately, for various reasons, there has been a steady decline in children participating in regular, physical activity. The largest drop in physical activity usually occurs between the ages of 9 to 15 years old. By the time these children reach high school, only 29% meet the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity a day. Admittedly, these statistics are from the US, but the concern for declining physical activity in children exists everywhere (one Malaysian study reported concerns with the increasing number of deaths related to sedentary lifestyles, especially among the youth). With a greater number of younger children entering early care and education settings, this situation is likely to get worse unless we actively incorporate physical activity into their regular daily routine and build good habits for an active lifestyle from an early age.

Researchers recommend parents and care givers start early, by providing safe places, preferably out doors, in which to engage in active play. They also advise that daycare and early child care programs include activity and that school systems increase both quality and quantity of PE and recess in schools. – UCSD News

Declining Motor Skills Development in Children

There is not only an issue with declining physical activity levels in children, there is also a concern that preschool children are entering school without the associated fine motor skills required for school readiness. The development of fine motor skills begins with the large muscles which are developed through physical activity. This lack of development can be seen in children whose hands get tired easily because they lack the hand and lower-arm muscle strength.This decline in fine motor skills and hand strength can lead to many problems in students’ academic careers.

Ready Steady Go Kids – Malaysia

Ready Steady Go Kids is an Australian sports program designed for children age 2.5 to 6 years old. Designed by a paediatric physiotherapist and occupational therapist, the goal is to enhance children’s gross and fine motor skills, encourage their continued participation in sport, and prepare them for the early school years.

Multi-sports program

Ready Steady Go Kids incorporates a variety of sports and helps children develop a broad range of skills.

teaches 10 different sports – football, soccer, athletics, t-ball, hockey, tennis, cricket, AFL, basketball, and rugby
builds a platform of sporting knowledge
variety ensures continued interest from children