Movement and play take centre stage at Little Steps sports day
Little Steps learners and their families Little Steps learners and their families came together for a morning of laughter, movement and community spirit, as the school’s annual sports day celebrated the importance of play, physical development and making memories together.
For Little Steps, sports day is about far more than winning races.
It is a day when young learners, parents and teachers come together to celebrate movement, play and the school community. The school held its annual sports day at King’s College recently, with families gathering on the field to cheer on the children and take part in the activities.
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Little Steps principal Melissa Savage said the school was grateful to King’s College for making its fields available and allowing the tradition to continue. She said the event reflected the school’s belief that children learn through play, particularly when it comes to developing gross motor skills and whole-body movement. “Sports day is a way to recognise that we can move and we can be in the beautiful fresh air, out in the beautiful sunshine, and community,” said Savage.
Families were encouraged to spend the day together, with parents joining in some of the activities while others supported the children from the sidelines. Savage said the strong involvement of parents was one of the highlights of the day. “Our parents are so supportive. We are family,” she said.
The learners took part in a variety of races, including egg-and-spoon, penguin waddle, sack, water-in-the-bucket and ball races. There were also traditional running races, ensuring children could participate in activities suited to their abilities. “We want it to be really silly and fun,” said Savage. “If they couldn’t balance, then they could run or they could bounce. Lots and lots and lots of fun.”
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The sports day tradition began 11 years ago, with Savage crediting her friend Deborah Bush for encouraging the school to start the event. “A big shout-out goes to Deborah Bush for making sure that we are continuing with moving and getting our little people out there and ready for sports,” she said.
While the children were at the centre of the day, the event also highlighted the importance of family involvement in a young child’s development. For Little Steps, the annual gathering has become an opportunity to combine physical development with something equally important – giving children space to play, laugh and create memories with the people around them.
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