By Shauna Mahon Karate offers far more than physical activity alone. For children with disabilities, structured martial arts training can support strength, coordination, confidence, focus and emotional regulation. In Irish schools, inclusive karate programmes are increasingly being used as part of broader school fitness and wellbeing initiatives, helping children of all abilities participate in meaningful […]
By Phoebe Bailey During the primary school years, children experience rapid brain development. Between the ages of 5 and 11, the brain is constantly building new connections that support learning, memory, and emotional growth. One of the most powerful ways to support this development is through regular physical activity. Research in neuroscience and education shows […]
By Eoin Keane As parents and educators, we all want children to grow up healthy, confident, and active. Yet in modern Ireland, this is becoming increasingly challenging. Screen time is rising, outdoor play is declining, and many children are not meeting basic physical activity guidelines. A 2023 report by the University of Limerick for Sport […]
By Shauna Mahon A new year brings fresh energy, new goals and the perfect opportunity to introduce fun, healthy habits in your classroom. Adding simple classroom fitness challenges, movement breaks and team-based activities can help improve student focus, behaviour and wellbeing. Plus they’re incredibly easy to implement! This guide shares creative, engaging and practical active […]
Summer holidays are here! While kids are thrilled with the break from school, the change in routine can often lead to a big drop in how much they move. Without their usual PE lessons, yard time, or after-school sports, many children end up spending more time sitting still than running around. And research backs this […]
For many children, sports day is a highlight of the school year; a chance to move, play, and cheer each other on in the fresh air. But traditional races like sack races, egg and spoon races and three-legged races can start to feel a bit tired, and not every child thrives in that format. So […]
Active School Week is here, and what better time to get your class up and moving? We all know how important it is to get kids active throughout the day, but let’s be honest, between busy schedules, packed lessons and rainy weather, it’s not always easy to make time for it. That’s where movement breaks […]
By Sam Wheeldon It’s no secret that kids today are moving less than they used to, something that’s causing real concern when it comes to their overall motor development (Coach Laura dives into this in her latest article!). According to the Active Start guidelines from the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE), helping […]
The Importance of Fundamental Movement Skills for Children Fundamental movement skills (FMS) are the basic movements that involve the trunk, legs, arms, hands, and feet, serving as the foundation for more complex movement patterns. These skills are typically categorised into three main groups: locomotor skills, body control skills, and object control skills. Categories of Fundamental […]
What is Physical Activity? Physical activity is defined as any bodily movement that occurs due to the contraction of skeletal muscle, resulting in energy expenditure (CDC. 2019). Regular physical activity is extremely beneficial for both physical and mental wellbeing. It helps to reduce the likelihood of, and manage noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease, diabetes […]
