Education

An Early Childhood Aquatics initiative launched in 2007

Active Movement in Water is a National campaign in partnership with Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC) supported by the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Early Childhood Education Organisations, Plunket, The National Heart Foundation, New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA), WaterSafe Auckland and New Zealand Swim Coaches and Teachers (NZSCAT) to raise awareness of the importance of a holistic approach to Early Childhood Aquatics. 

Extensive research in the area of brain development supports fundamental movement skills as paramount for brain development and critical in the early years. The water offers an environment where movement becomes free, balance is a stimulating challenge and the bonding between babies and young children and their parents is cemented.

The importance of increasing awareness of the critical nature of fundamental movement and foundation aquatic skills, can not be overstated.  The long term development of our children, maximising learning potential, and the opportunity for happy healthy lives in New Zealand starts with fundamental movement skills in the very young.

Parents:

Making Bath-time a Fun-time is a 20 page water proof booklet for parents to encourage fun safe activities at bath-time. The back eight pages are tear-out activity cards which can be used in the bath and re-inserted into the folder in the back of the booklet. This booklet can be previewed here. To order this resource click here for an order form.

There is also a series of 5 pools posters to support the Active Movement philosophy at public pools and early childhood centres and this in turn is supported by a flier detailing the parent/caregiver role and activities for developing readiness for learn to swim. These draft resources can be seen here posters and pools flier. To order this resource click here for an order form.

Scroll down to find more activities and colouring cards.

Early Childhood Centres:

The development of communication networks and resources linking parents/ caregivers and early childhood educators with Sports Trust staff, Swimming pools and Swim Schools will be paramount to the success of the early childhood aquatic development. To download resources for Early Childhoos Centres, click here for Action Songs and here for Activities on a Shoestring.

Scroll down to find more activities and colouring cards.

Qualifications and Professional Development for Swim Teachers in the Specialist Area of Early Childhood

Up-skilling and qualification opportunities have been developed for Swim School staff to ensure these critical windows for development are maximised and the latest research is used for developing knowledge and understanding.  This world leading approach linking the National Sports organisation with the key early childhood organisations nationwide ensures a collaborative approach and maximum support for every parent in New Zealand.

The training for Early Childhood Aquatic teachers is now available. New content and resources supported by a two day course to compliment the requirement of the upgraded NZCST for Early Childhood Aquatic teachers is second-to-none. Download information here for first available course and enrolment form.  Active Movement in Water training is designed to add depth of learning, and highlight to the parents the excellent work our Early Childhood Aquatic teachers are currently carrying out.

Check out the SPARC website for details of the Active Movement introductory resource.

Active Movement in Water during Pregnancy

This initiative is supporting pregnant women to maintain and/or become active during their pregnancy. The health benefits for Mum pay off in reduced labour times and accelerated recovery and weight loss after the birth of baby. The benefits for baby are a healthy and happy Mum who continues to be active with baby after birth so baby can gain all the developmental benefits of Active Movement. Pilot studies are taking place in several locations around the country in order to gain feedback from expectant Mum’s and gain an insight into some of the barriers to participation for expectant Mums.  An information booklet for pregnant women Active Movement During Pregnancy is being developed and the draft can be viewed here.

Please send us an email to ally@swimmingnz.org.nz if you have any feedback regarding this resource before we go to design and print before the end on July.

Active Movement in Water Pool Coordinators

During 2006 Swimming New Zealand has been contracted by SPARC to develop ‘Active Movement’ to include aquatics.  This project involves a national review of existing resources, structures and pathways, the development of resources and training packages, risk analysis and a national communications strategy, all within a collaborative approach with the other major organisations involved with early childhood health and well being.

Swimming New Zealand is looking for at least one Active Movement in Water coordinator in every pool in New Zealand.

What will the role of the Active Movement in Water Coordinator involve?

• Understanding the Active Movement philosophy and becoming familiar with the resources available and how to gain access to them.
• Developing communication strategies with the local Regional Sports Trust’s Active Movement Advisor.
• Ensuring strategies are in place for public access to information regarding Active Movement in Water at the venue.
• Promote the Active Movement in Water resources (as they develop) to the public and staff at the pool.
• Receiving updates, information and training from Swimming New Zealand and the Regional Sports Trusts for personal up-skilling and training of other personnel involved with early childhood aquatics.

If you have an individual in mind that would be well suited to this role please ask them to complete the venue survey and return them to your Swimming New Zealand Regional Education Manager.  Swimming New Zealand will contact your Active Movement Coordinator to acknowledge their appointment and give them the first up-date.

For further information, please contact your Regional Education Manager or the National Education Manager.