How We Stay Active
At Peikkometsä, our little trolls stay active in all sorts of joyful ways—both indoors and out
At Peikkometsä, children stay active in a variety of ways, both inside and outside. According to physical activity recommendations, children under 8 should move for at least three hours each day. Some of this activity takes place during early childhood education, and the rest continues at home. Our goal is to make sure that children get most of that recommended movement right here during their day with us.
Our approach to movement is guided by an annual activity plan. Each group uses this to design a balance of guided and self-directed play. Throughout the year, we work on age-appropriate fundamental movement skills in fun, playful ways.
Movement at Peikkometsä isn’t limited to scheduled sessions! We move throughout the day with weekly movement themes, quick “energy bursts,” outdoor adventures, and fun movement woven into transitions between activities. These shared practices bring rhythm and energy to every Peikkometsä daycare.
Our educators move alongside the children, offering encouragement and ensuring safety. Instead of saying “no,” we say “give it a try!”
Learning to Move with Confidence
Each month, we focus on different aspects of motor skills and body control, both indoors and outdoors. In every daycare entrance, you’ll find our “movement year clock” on display showing the seasonal plan. Over the course of the year, we explore all key movement skills, from walking and running to bending, stretching, and reaching.
Indoor and outdoor activities are designed to complement one another. We use a wide variety of movement tools and equipment, which bring great joy to the children—like our sparkling-new climbing bars, gymnastics rings, and a trapeze swing suspended from the ceiling!
Relaxation is also an important part of movement. Feeling good in your body includes moments of calm. Before naptime, we often settle down with storytime to help children relax and unwind.
At Peikkometsä, we encourage children to try new skills in a safe, supervised setting. That’s why we avoid unnecessary restrictions. Instead of saying “Don’t climb up there—you might fall!”, we say, “Wow, you’re doing great! I’m right here to help you with your trick.” We support children to move freely both indoors and outdoors—and most of all, we want to nurture their natural curiosity and enthusiasm for exploring the world through movement, always with safety in mind.