Big muscle play
Play is fun and lets tamariki develop their bodies and learn. It’s important for tamariki to exercise their big muscles so they can practise running, climbing, jumping, and throwing. Whānau should be aware of safety at all times.
All through the Whakatipu booklet Te Kōhuri 1, there are hints that a toddler needs lots of space and time to develop their ‘big muscles’.
On page 6 of the booklet, tamaiti says “When I hear music it makes me want to kanikani . I can’t stop myself from moving. Look at me! I can haka too.”
Perhaps you could try the waiata Tohorā Nui in the Te Kōhuri 1 booklet (page 13).
Waiata Tamariki - Tohora Nui
Waiata Tamariki - Tohora Nui (transcript)
Tohorā nui
Tohorā roa
Tohorā tino mōmona
Tohorā puhapuha
Whiore piupiu e
Tohorā kaukau roto i te moana e.
Poaka nui
Poaka roa
Poaka tino mōmona
Poaka kunekune
Whiore koropiko
Poaka hongihongi i te paru e.
Tohorā nui
Tohorā roa
Tohorā tino mōmona
Tohorā puhapuha
Whiore piupiu e
Tohorā kaukau roto i te moana e.
Follow the translation of the waiata and create some actions for big whale, long whale, fat whale, spouting out its blowhole, waggling its tail, and swimming in the sea.
Page 24 of Whakatipu Te Kokuri 1 is about haututū – the playful explorer. It explains how this child is learning through explorations, and that it’s up to whānau to keep them safe and to ensure they've got a ‘yes’ environment to explore in.
Try an activity
Tunnels
Children enjoy creating new environments and activities using everyday household materials. This activity encourages large muscle play indoors. It’s especially good on really cold or wet days when they can’t get outside
Getting tamariki interested in active play
Children need space to run, skip, jump, crawl, roll and play.
Explain to whānau how active play helps children gain control and awareness of their bodies and to understand space and distance. It’s important that they exercise their big muscles so they can practise running, climbing, jumping, and throwing.
The key to providing a ‘yes’ environment is to be aware of safety and to keep an eye on their toddler at all times.
Conversation ideas
Helpful resources for whānau
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Play and learning 1 to 2 years
Whānau Āwhina Plunket
This page from Whānau Āwhina Plunket has information on why play is important, types of play and play ideas.
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Safety around the home
Whānau Āwhina Plunket
As children become more mobile, it’s a good idea to observe the new places they can go and what they can reach. This page from Whānau Āwhina Plunket provides safety information to stop them from hurting themselves.
