Latest news with #activeplay
CTV News
11 hours ago
- Health
- CTV News
Early childhood study brings active play into Montreal daycares
A Montreal daycare is trying a pilot project called 'active play' that experts say is helping with brain development. A new pilot project in Montreal is using something simple — movement — to help preschoolers build lifelong skills before they even step foot in a classroom. At the Pré-maternelle de la petite italie in the Little Italy neighbourhood, children are running, jumping, stretching, and laughing as part of a project that researchers hope will strengthen both body and brain during the most critical stage of development. 'About 90 per cent of brain development happens before age six,' said Sylvana Côté, a professor at Université de Montréal's School of Public Health and a researcher at the CHU Sainte-Justine. 'When children start school, they should already have acquired several basic skills in order to really benefit from everything school has to offer.' Sylvana Côté Professor Sylvana Côté says that about 90 per cent of brain development happens before age six. (CTV News) Côté is leading the research project, which aims to help young children develop motor, cognitive, and social skills through structured active play. Educators are supported over 14 weeks to integrate movement into daily routines, even in spaces that may lack ideal infrastructure. 'Our goal is to give educators simple, effective tools,' said Côté. 'We offer a portfolio of active games that can be done anywhere, in any weather — even if the daycare doesn't have a backyard or is far from a park.' The project is currently running its pilot in two Montreal daycares, with a planned expansion to 60 centres involving about 2,000 children over the next two years. The goal is to measure not just how much children move, but how their abilities and attitudes toward physical activity change over time. Active children The children at two Montreal daycares are engaged in active play, which is said to develop the brain as well as the body. (CTV News) The long-term aims include improving kids' coordination, balance, and posture, but the broader ambition is to build confidence, enjoyment of movement, and a foundation for lifelong health. 'We do what we like to do, it's a cycle,' said Côté. 'Learning to enjoy movement because we know how to do these movements, that's one of the greatest pleasures in life.' She said these skills shouldn't be taken for granted. 'A little practice and support can make a big difference in how much children enjoy physical activity.' At the Little Italy daycare, educator Marilyn Harper said the impact on children was almost immediate. 'They're very into it; every morning they ask what we're going to play,' said Harper, who's worked at the centre for nine years and has a three-year-old daughter enrolled there. Marilyn Harper Marilyn Harper says the impact on children involved in active play was immediate. (CTV News) 'It's very special to bring this to them and to see the emotions when they're playing more, especially with all their friends.' She said the project is also allowing her to broaden her toolkit as an educator. 'Before, kids would mostly be left to play on their own, but now I have specific things to work on with them, like posture and balance,' said Harper. 'And I can already see they're more attentive and active.' The focus isn't just on movement for movement's sake. According to Côté, active play also teaches children how to manage emotions and navigate social situations by setting boundaries. 'They learn how to communicate their frustrations,' she said. 'Even if someone is their friend, they can say, 'This time, I need my space.' Those kinds of social skills are really useful for life.' At home, parents have noticed changes too. Geneviève Woods, a mother of four — two of whom attend the daycare — said her younger children have been more engaged and independent since the program started. 'It's such a challenge being able to fulfill their needs on a daily basis — like how they want me to play with them all the time, but meanwhile I have to prepare snacks and everything,' she said. 'Now, I see them playing games together, and it's not coming from me telling them how to do it. I can just meet them there, and my older kids also join in because it looks fun.' Woods said the program gave her new ideas and models to engage with her kids, and brought a boost in energy and happiness across the board. 'At the end of the day, I see them and their educators being happier,' she said. 'It brings something really positive and for parents, it's also helped us spend more quality time with them.' To track the impact, children in the study wear actimeters — devices that measure physical activity — for a week at the beginning and end of the program. Researchers will also observe school readiness and assess basic motor skills, with final results expected in two years. But for Côté, the mission is already clear: 'We want to give the kids a strong start.'
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
TuniTuni Opens New Storytelling Kids' Gym in Shek Mun, Hong Kong
HONG KONG, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TuniTuni, the beloved Korean kids' gym brand, is thrilled to announce the opening of its second Hong Kong center in Shek Mun on 1st June 2025. Located at Unit N, P. 19/F Kings Wing Plaza 2, No 1 On Kwan Street, Shatin, this new facility follows the phenomenal success of its first location, TuniTuni Lohas, which launched in 2024. Due to overwhelming demand, we're expanding TuniTuni centers to serve more families, bringing our unique "storytelling gym" experience to even more children across the city. TuniTuni Lohas made waves in its debut year. Since its opening, over 2,500 students have experienced the TuniTuni program. The center has since been in great demand, with a long waiting list of eager families. Parents have consistently praised the excellent program and the sheer joy it brings their children, highlighting how TuniTuni's innovative approach fosters a love for movement through "learn and jiggle, play and giggle." Building on this success, the new Shek Mun center is already off to a remarkable start, with more than 300 trial students registered even before the official opening. This overwhelming response underscores TuniTuni's reputation for delivering engaging, fun, and educational experiences that captivate young minds and bodies. "Our mission is to create a space where kids can explore, grow, and have fun through dynamic storytelling and active play," said Mr. Austin Oh, CEO at TuniTuni Hong Kong. "The incredible feedback from parents and the enthusiasm of our young members inspire us to bring TuniTuni's magic to more communities." The Shek Mun center will feature TuniTuni programs, designed to spark creativity and promote physical development in a joyful environment. Families can look forward to the same high-quality experience that has made TuniTuni a household name among Hong Kong parents. For more information about TuniTuni Shek Mun, including class schedules and registration details, visit or contact WhatsApp [852-5645 5370]. Join us at TuniTuni, where every class is a story, and every movement is a moment of delight! About Daekyo Hong Kong Daekyo Hong Kong is the Hong Kong subsidiary of Daekyo, a leading global education company founded in 1976. Operating in 19 countries worldwide, Daekyo is dedicated to providing personalized education tailored to each child's level. Daekyo Hong Kong has proudly operated the Eye Level brand, focusing on English and Mathematics education, since 1997. Expanding its offerings, the company also launched and has been successfully operating the TuniTuni early childhood physical education brand since June 2024. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE TuniTuni Hong Kong Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
