
Jr. NBA introduces kids to basketball
With the Toronto Raptors’ deep run in the NBA playoffs, and now a franchise-first NBA championship, everyone in Canada is talking basketball. And as often happens when the “home” team finds success, kids everywhere want to start playing and emulating their heroes. Jr. NBA Basketball is now making it easier than ever to get the … Continued

How to get your daughter inspired by the FIFA Women’s World Cup
But role models are not enough to change the lives of Canadian girls

Emergent curriculum: How to adapt early childhood activities to meet kids’ interests
Our “groundhog maze” brings active learning to life I introduced the activity by reading the storybook Ten Grouchy Groundhogs by Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook. We talked about the legend of Groundhog Day and looked at pictures of real groundhogs. The children learned about groundhog behaviour, such as living in a burrow and hibernating in … Continued

How integrating outdoor play at school benefits children
It’s changed my outlook as well. Children in my program get to run, laugh, and explore while developing their language and social skills. Through these experiences, they also develop their muscular strength and endurance. Outdoor programming in our pre-kindergarten classrooms At Edmonton Catholic Schools, physical literacy and outdoor programming are a priority for our 100 … Continued

How parents can support the responsible coaching movement
Parents can insist sports clubs train and screen all coaches

Why this camp encourages child-led play in nature
On a summer afternoon, you might find four-year-olds digging in the mud with sticks while six-year-olds toss stones into a creek and eight-year-olds climb trees or build a fort. Welcome to the Into the Wild nature camp at WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park in Calgary, Alta., where unstructured, child-led, risky play is the name of the … Continued

How to regulate emotions through soccer
Ready, Aim, Kick! to the rescue One particularly difficult day, we tried an activity called Ready, Aim, Kick! (see Activity #6) from the APPLE Seeds program. This robust program introduces physical literacy skills in a sequential way within everyday play. Ready, Aim, Kick! involves playing kicking games using targets and a variety of materials, including pylons, … Continued

World Health Organization releases new guidelines on screen time and sedentary behaviour for children under five
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released new guidelines on “physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under five years of age.” Specifically, it provides recommendations for sedentary screen time, suggesting no more than one hour per day for children ages two to four. The guidelines were developed by a WHO panel of experts … Continued

Multisport programs are thriving in Nova Scotia
Multisport programs are spreading across Canada

57 fun physical activities for kids aged 2 to 4
This list offers plenty of fun and simple ideas that will help your little ones get active and develop movement skills!

How to find a childcare program that cares about your child’s physical literacy
The early years are crucial for developing physical skills

Roundup of Canadian physical literacy programs in schools – Part 2
See what programs schools across Canada have to offer

Thrive by Five: Advocating for our children with government
Get ready to vote for kids

What’s in a cardboard box? 12 new play ideas for kids
With these creative ideas, a cardboard box will become so much more than that to your kids! It’ll serve as a play prompt for hours of fun.

CBRM Multisport Program helping kids reach potential through sport
Multisport mission We want to help kids reach their potential through sport! CBRM Multisport is a collaborative project between community sport organizations, CBRM Recreation Department, and Cape Breton University (CBU), with the support of numerous community sport stakeholders. The program vision is simple, to provide children the opportunity to grow through sport by developing physical … Continued

All ages can learn to skate through Back2Basics program
Learning how to ice skate is a common rite of passage for most Canadians. Do you remember how it felt when you were first able to skate on your own? The crisp air on your face as you glided along the ice, maybe dreaming of that first goal, first race, or first spin? Perhaps you … Continued

Lucy Tries Hockey is a fun and inclusive introduction to a beloved sport
5 things to love about Lucy Tries Hockey

Stay active outdoors with your little ones through a Little Explorers club
Start a club in your community today

Active for Life is partnering with bestselling parenting author Ann Douglas
Welcome to Active for Life, Ann Douglas!

Does your child care centre encourage risky play? Here’s why it should
What to look for in a child care centre

Start a Polar Bear Club at your child’s school this winter
Let kids play outside every day

5 tips to make your family winter hikes memorable
With these helpful tips, your family will be prepared for a season of winter hikes!

Why recess is as valuable as any subject in school
Kids need movement throughout the day

Active for Life is studying the benefits of physical literacy programming for the early years
AfL to study physical activity at child care centres