GREAT efforts are being made in Gisborne to make it easier for children to be involved in regular sporting and physical education activities.
The Eastern and Central Community Trust is giving $15,000 towards a new pilot programme, and the Crackerjacks programme, which aims to train and support teachers to developgreater confidence and competency in teaching physical education, is under way in 15 Gisborne primary schools.
ECCT's two-year pilot is being run through Sport Gisborne, and its aim is to enable children to leave primary school with the ability and confidence to play sport.
“It’s not just about encouraging kids to play formal sport but to help them develop skills that also build their character and confidence through tactical games, thinking and questioning,” said ECCT general manager, Jonathan Bell.
“The drive to encourage children into regular physical activity certainly fits well with the community trust’s focus on improving future outcomes for young people,” he said.
Crackerjacks is a curriculum-linked health and physical education programme teaching fundamental life skills and builds a child’s good character, equipping them to achieve on and off the field. The game-playing and role modelling teaches them strategies to make and maintain healthy friendships, build self esteem and confidence so they can respond positively to success and adversity.
“The programme helps upskill teachers to provide physical education lessons in a way that ensures no kid sits on the sideline. It’s about getting kids thinking in a game-play focus but not necessarily playing formal sporting games,” said Sport Gisborne’s Crackerjack trainer, Kate Ney.
Crackerjacks has been developed by New Zealand teachers, with Gisborne schools identifying the need for greater teacher training to help deliver relevant physical education programmes. More schools than could be managed applied to participate, and 15 Gisborne schools are now involved.
