September: National Organic Month
This is a celebration of all the work farmers do to bring fresh food to our tables. Organic food isn’t necessarily healthier or more nutritious but does focus on home growing which is what Startwell would like you to undertake with the children. National Organic month looks at the journey of food from ‘farm to fork’ and is a great time to grow your own and teach children the journey of food, where your food has come from and the importance of looking after the planet and our bodies. Growing at home has disappeared from many households so growing at nursery is a great way to explore food and learn new skills. There is lots of research to support the notion that children being involved in the growing and preparation of food, means they are more likely to try the food. Get children thinking about where food grows by playing ‘Where do I grow’, this is a great Fay 5 a Day interactive game to play with children using real fruit and vegetables. Look at our website for growing and food ideas.
9th September: 999 Day – Emergency Services Day
999 day is a day to celebrate the work of the emergency services from nurses, doctors through to firefighters and coastguards. Suzy Startwell is an important role model for children and staff and could be used as the driver to talk about and explore a range of roles and the impact that they have on health and wellbeing.
14th – 20th September: Recycle Week
an you encourage your staff, children and families to get those belly buttons moving with Active Azra and recycle more in setting and at home. Check out WRAP’s webpage for more info on how you can do this.
13th – 19th September: Balance Awareness Week
Imagine living life without balance? We do not really think about balancing and we take it for granted as we walk, run, climb and move but it is such an important skill. Balance is a fundamental skill necessary for maintaining controlled positions, such as sitting in a chair, or engaging in physical activities like running or riding a bike. Having balance makes motor skill development easier, reduces the risk of injury, and helps children focus on academic tasks. Sammy Skills wants to know if you could promote Balance Awareness Week in your setting and deliver activities to develop balance in your children? Use your Startwell Physical Skills Toolsheet and try out a whole host of static and dynamic stability skills with Sammy Skills.
16th September: National Fitness Day
National fitness day is a day to encourage activity and fitness. It is a day to celebrate how important physical activity in our lives to keep our bodies healthy. Children under 5 need a minimum of 180 minutes of physical activity daily to be healthy. It’s a great day to be physical and talk about the physical characters and share their messages with the children and families.
22nd September – 22nd October: Seed Gathering Season
Since 1998, The Tree Council has been organising ‘Seed Gathering Season’, the Autumn campaign to inspire everyone to gather seeds, fruits and nuts and grow the trees of the future. The festival starts each year on the 23rd of September and remember to be as active as possible as you gather. It is a great activity for Sammy Skills and Active Azra as you use a range of skills to pick and gather the seeds ready for sorting and planting and it keeps your belly button moving. You can then use the seeds for future growing and exploration activities with the children.
25th September: World’s Biggest Coffee Morning
This is Macmillan’s biggest fundraising event for people facing cancer each year. Lots of settings do bake sales or coffee mornings where lots of unhealthy cakes/biscuits are on offer. So, to give it a healthier stance as we know that eating healthily keeps us healthier and eating our 5 a day with Fay helps to fight off illness. If you are looking to sell cakes at your site, why not print out some healthier alternative recipes for parents to try at home and have some healthier cakes made so everyone can have a taste.
29th September: World Heart Day
World Heart Day is celebrated throughout the World. It aims to raise awareness of the importance of keeping our hearts healthy. This is the perfect time to talk about 180 Katie and the importance of our heart going Boom, Boom, Boom and also talking about the foods that we eat and what is good for our heart using Fay 5 a day. Why not share the 5 Extra Years clip with parents!
