Healthy Mind, Active Bodies

Before this project began, the children were showing a growing interest in yoga and sports. To build on this enthusiasm, we created a project focused on Healthy Food and Active Bodies, encouraging children to explore movement, wellbeing, and making healthy choices through fun, hands-on learning.

Our goal as a team was to share our love of being healthy and active with the children — encouraging gardening, positive attitudes toward food and body image, and a lifelong enjoyment of movement. Throughout the project, we explored a wide range of topics and experiences around healthy living.

The children took part in yoga sessions (often led by them!), tried foods from different cultures, and enjoyed wonderful parent involvement. They explored new sports, including football at Pioneer Park, martial arts at Kidditech, and a trip to the gym. Together, we cooked a variety of healthy foods — from vegetable fritters and pizzas to fruit leathers and homemade buns — and grew our own produce after visiting Oderings Garden Centre.

We researched where food comes from, visited the supermarket, built a bean teepee, and shared our garden harvest with families. Along the way, we learned about food groups, allergies, taste testing, and more — a fun, hands-on journey full of creativity, discovery, and healthy inspiration.

Guided by Te Whāriki – Early Childhood Curriculum, our Health and Physical Well-being focus recognises that physical, social, emotional, and spiritual growth all contribute to children’s confidence and sense of self. This project has provided a wide range of rich learning experiences — from developing physical skills and exploring health and wellbeing, to hands-on experiments, community outings, and welcoming visitors into Kidditech.