Moving Munchkins is a back-to-basics approach seamlessly connecting movement based activity and the traditional ABC’s. Created in 2014 by Andrea Schlegel MED/OCT and business owner of Schlegel’s Gymnastics Centre (1998-2022), Moving Munchkins is a successful program for 2 – 4 year olds about to embark on their Kindergarten journey. Andrea believes early exposure to fundamental movement skills (eg. Hopping, jumping, throwing, balancing) is essential in forming physical literacy and provides a foundation for a continued active lifestyle.
Literacy is not only about reading and writing. It is also about physical movement which is a child’s first language. Research has shown that movement is a child’s preferred way of learning and it is through their actions that a child learns best. The Moving Munchkins program has been created with this in mind; to seamlessly connect the traditional ABC’s with the ABC’s of physical literacy:
A-ctive Body – problem solving in how and when to move the body
B-ehaviour – helping to build confidence and self esteem of the child
C-onnections with others – teamwork, communicating with others.
There is no technology (cell phones, iPads, computer programs) in this program. This is by design. In this current age where children are becoming increasingly dependent on digital technology, science is showing this dependency is creating deficiencies in our children. Children are becoming more passive than active in their learning. Children require less fast-paced entertainment and more time spent on fine and gross motor skills. What this program has established is an environment that promotes a deeper, calmer approach to learning. Routine and independence are at the heart of Moving Munchkins while exploring shapes,
letters, numbers, colours and FUN!
Physical Literacy, as defined by Physical and Health Education Canada defines physical literacy as:
– Individuals who are physically literate move with competence and confidence in a wide variety of physical activities in multiple environments that benefit the healthy development of the whole person.
– Physically literate individuals consistently develop the motivation and ability to understand, communicate, apply and analyze different forms of movement.
– They are able to demonstrate a variety of moments confidently , competently, creatively and strategically across a wide orange of health-related physical activities.
– These skills enable individuals to make healthy, active choices that are both beneficial to and respectful of their whole self, others, and their environment
Moving Munchkins is designed to coincide with the school year. To develop the skills required for Kindergarten, learning is progressive, encouraging, challenging and successful!
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A MOVING MUNCHKIN:
9am – 9:15am Drop off (independence fostered with removal of boots/shoes/jackets)
9:00 – 9:30am Fine motor skills development with play doh, puzzles, cutting, buttoning etc
9:30 – 10:15am Gym time (gymnastics circuits – vault/bars/beam/floor/trampoline)
10:15 – 10:30am Snack (provided by parent)
10:30 – 11am Colours, shapes, numbers letters developed through fine motor
11am – 11:25am Gym time (gross motor development through gym equipment – throwing, jumping, hand held equipment, locomotions, sorting, backward,
forward etc.
11:25 – 11:30am Independent dressing for home and good byes
