Let the children do it!Exercise is more than just sport
Movement is a key to the world
In an article about movement spaces in daycare centers published in the February 2024 issue of TPS magazine, Kameleon Managing Director Gottfried Schilling and Kameleon Product Designer Tobias Richter advocate for designing movement spaces in a way that encourages children to engage in self-directed physical activity.
Movement is not the same as sports, the daycare space experts emphasize. Sports mean: Adults dictate movement sequences. And children often wait until it is their turn to perform them. As a result, they move far less during sports classes than they would otherwise, and they cannot decide how they want to do it. For the most part, such sports activities have a classroom-like character and are accompanied by comparisons and evaluations. Many children get the impression: “I can’t do this. I’m not athletic,” and lose confidence in their abilities.
Moving independently, experiencing one’s own body
Yet movement is a key to the world, especially for young children. This is how they come to understand their surroundings while simultaneously discovering the possibilities their own bodies offer. By overcoming physical challenges through their own efforts, they gain a sense of self-efficacy and boost their self-esteem. They become more agile, and the risk of injury decreases. However, these results only materialize when children move of their own accord and are given the necessary time and a suitable environment to do so.
Creating Challenging Play Spaces
Ideal play spaces or areas in daycare centers are therefore designed to encourage climbing, crawling, scrambling, swinging, and playing. Play platforms meet these requirements. They offer various routes to the top and to every corner of the structure via stairs, ladders, wave-shaped steps, bridges, and nets. As children get older, they reach higher and higher, discovering new places and hiding spots. This keeps the space exciting, and every child can explore it at their own pace.
In their article, the authors also discuss the connection between physical activity and role-playing, as well as how to manage accident risks. They emphasize the importance of quiet corners within the space and offer tips for encouraging physical activity in the outdoor area.