Kindergym Activities

History

The impetus towards Kindergym in South Australia came originally from a local resident, Carole Pinnock, who with her son had attended a Kindergym program in Berkeley, California. Carole was impressed with her son's physical development and upon her return to Adelaide, tried unsuccessfully to find a program here.

Finally, with the assistance of the North Unley Neighbourhood Centre, a Steering Committee was formed to develop such a program in Unley. The committee then turned to details such as locating a suitable venue, a Leader, equipment and publicity.
Kindergym Unley opened its doors in March 1980 to 47 children, who played on an assortment of rented and home made equipment and, within eighteen months, was catering for around 400 children, coming from all over the Adelaide area.

The interest in the Kindergym concept was so strong at that stage that Kindergym Unley held a seminar to assist those groups and individuals who wished to set up their own programs.

Since 1980 more than 60 Kindergyms have been established across South Australia with considerable funding from the South Australian Government Department of Recreation and Sport. (This funding ceased in 1991)

The Kindergym Association of South Australia was formed in 1982 as a link between these Kindergyms.

Kindergyms have now catered for thousands of South Australian pre-school children, and hopefully will continue to assist in the physical development of many more in the future.

Key Responsibilities

• To protect the philosophy and values of Kindergym.
• To oversee the growth, development and management of Kindergym through quality programs and resources.
• To ensure Kindergym is market focused and founded on sound business principles.
• To liaise and cooperate with other groups interested in the development of children.
  

General Program Structure

Recommended length for sessions is 45mins (0-3 yrs)

Recommended length for sessions is 60mins (3-5 yrs)

All the above components must be included within a session but they may vary in length of time, due to the age of the children in the session.

Careful planning occurs for each of these sections to ensure maximum opportunities are provided for children to practise and/or develop the movement area(s) chosen.

Parent/Caregiver Involvement

Parents/caregivers are responsible for the supervision and safety of their own child.
Parent/caregivers share their children's fun and achievements.
The real benefit comes from the child's self-initiated play rather than parent directed play.
Parent/caregivers provide encouragement and positive reinforcement for the child, through play.
Parent/caregivers observe the chid while at play.
Parent/caregivers reinforce the healthy lifestyle messages provided at Kindergym.
Parent/caregivers re-reinforce the values to the child of an active lifestyle.
By being actively involved the parent/caregiver reinforces to the child a positive life long attitude towards physical activity.

Child/Adult Relationship

A positive, nurturing relationship is fostered between the child and parent/caregiver developing and improving the child's confidence, self-esteem, physical, social and emotional skills.
The child and parent/caregiver enjoy together the worthwhile pursuits of play.
The parent/caregiver provides support and encouragement to the child to practise and improve physical skills.