We develop our muscles through strength and endurance training. Similarly, we develop our minds through exercises that support our ability to process tasks, concentrate and manage our emotions.

Kylie-Jane Shannon, owner of Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre, informs on focus-building exercises during play and how these can positively assist children undertake their day-to-day activities.

“Promoting a well-focused mindset in children should start early, particular during their first five years of psychological and mental growth,”says Kylie. ” Building a child’s mental focus through key emotional control will immediately improve their concentration on tasks that can positively affect their future in both schooling, and the working world, if regularly practiced,” Kylie adds.

Focus-building exercises that can assist children include: Mind-body integration, memory and concentration games, story-based games, puzzles and mazes.

Mind-body integration: Mind-body exercises strengthen the neural connections between the brain and body. Mind-body exercises include meditation, relaxation exercises, breathing activities and guided imagery. Enabling children opportunities to have quiet times where they can relax is important. Playing quiet music or undertaking a guided imagery session can support relaxation and improve self-control. Teaching them to breathe deeply, especially when they are upset or hurt, can promote positive emotions.

Memory and concentration games: These help to improve a child’s memory retrieval and stimulate other parts of the brain. Regularly memorising sequences of visual and auditory stimuli exercises the brain circuits and strengthens neural connections and ultimately improving memory function.

Story-based games: A good story book and a good imagination are all that’s needed to support a child’s language and creative development. Parents can read a short story and give the child a quiz on the story. Alternatively, read a paragraph or two from a story and then ask the child to come up with what they think might happen next. Or for an extra twist, ask the child to come up with their own ending. These games assist in building a working memory and improving concentration. They can also help in the development of logic and a good sense of humour.

Puzzles: Puzzles of all types are excellent for a child’s development. “Puzzles allow for memory recollection as well as visual and mental improvement in understanding how to structurally compile a puzzle’s image,” says Kylie.

Mazes: Finding your way around a maze is a perfect exercise to improve concentration, planning, sequencing, processing speed and visual-motor integration.

“Utilising these focus-building tools will assist children undertake day-to-day activities, and will help them master their ability to concentrate effectively without any distractions,” says Kylie.

Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre continues to dedicate its expertise and delight to serving families within the town of Wallan, Victoria.

Check out their full range of services and current featured promotions at junglekids.com.au.Visit their Facebook page to view all their activities and special offerings. Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre is open seven (7) days a week and is open until 5:00pm on weekdays during the school holidays.

As part of their Play-all-day Single Admission, adults and babies attend free of charge. 12 months to 3 years old attend at $8.50 and 4 years old to 12 years old attend at $10.00.

Written and syndicated by: YDMA Group

In general, it can be difficult to get young children to concentrate for any length of time. Put them in a setting such as a play centre and it can be even more difficult because they become over excited and overly stimulated as there is so much happening around them. Kylie-Jane Shannon, the owner of Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre, gives some tips on how to improve children’s concentration in a play centre setting.

Some kids are just naturally excited, which is not a bad thing as it means they are curious, energetic and optimistic. Sometimes when kids are over excited they struggle to focus and concentrate. Play centres are often buzzing with excited and enthusiastic children running around and playing and many children can become over stimulated. “There are ways that parents can help to improve their children’s concentration in a play centre setting, and this involves picking up on certain behaviours as their children are playing,” says Kylie.

If the child is not concentrating or is over excited at the play centre, avoid reacting in a way that is going to escalate the situation. Always react calmly, and simply take the child aside and have a quiet conversation with them. Trying to shout over the top of children or yelling at them does not help.  If they are not listening or responding to instructions, attempt to do some breathing exercises with them. In a gentle voice, tell them to stop, take three deep breaths and then proceed calmly back to play.

“It could also be beneficial to discuss things with your child ahead of time about behaviour in a play centre or the steps to take to avoid getting over excited,” suggests Kylie. “This is particularly important for children who have been diagnosed with or suffer from ADHD,” adds Kylie. Tactics that can be used include, creating a fun song or rhyme that can be recited when its time to take a break or making eye contact with them to increase their focus, maintain concentration and listen to what is being said.

It’s important to pay attention to what steps help the child to calm down and make sure to exercise them when the time comes. Ensure that the child takes a break from play every now and then. This will prevent them from being overly stimulated and can help them to re-focus. If all else fails, it is perhaps time to leave the immediate environment. This will perhaps upset the child initially, but eventually they will calm down as often it is nearly impossible for them to take a breather amongst the ever present stimulation.

Play centres are great places for kids to exercise, develop their physical and mental strength, learn social and emotional skills and enjoy the company of other children. However, remember that every child is different and something that works for one child might not necessarily work for another child. Always keep this in mind, be patient and have fun!

Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre continues to dedicate its expertise and delight to serving families within the town of Wallan, Victoria.

Check out their full range of services and current featured promotions at junglekids.com.au.Visit their Facebook page to view all their activities and special offerings. Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre is open seven (7) days a week and is open until 5:00pm on weekdays during the school holidays.

As part of their Play-all-day Single Admission, adults and babies attend free of charge. 12 months to 3 years old attend at $8.50 and 4 years old to 12 years old attend at $10.00.

Written and syndicated by: YDMA News

Eating healthily for a child is always important no matter the situation; after play is no exception. When children play they constantly use their muscles and burn a lot of energy. A well-balanced healthy meal is always needed afterwards to restore their energy and feed their growing muscles. “The availability of unhealthy foods like some fast foods or processed foods has made it tough for parents to ensure that their children are eating a healthy diet. If we factor in our hectic schedules, it becomes even harder.” says Kylie-Jane Shannon, owner of Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre.

There are many different and creative ways for parents to ensure that their children are getting the correct nutrition. Adhering to a healthy diet supports children’s development. It helps them to maintain a healthy weight, stabilise their moods, sharpen their minds and could help them to avoid a variety of health issues. “There are specific types of foods that children should eat after being active so their energy and fluids are restored,” says Kylie.

After being active, children should eat some carbohydrates as they contain glycogen. Muscles need glycogen which can become depleted when children are active and therefore it needs to be replaced. Carbohydrates are also absorbed a lot quicker than fats and proteins, making them easier to digest. Some good food ideas that contain carbohydrates include; fruit salads, toasted sandwiches or a fruit smoothie. These foods are a quick and healthy snack after play. Studies have shown that milk is better for muscle recovery than sports drinks and children can pick their favourite flavour. Fruit is a good snack, especially pineapples, any type of berry, and bananas. “This is why it is important at indoor play centres to have proper food choices on the menu for active children.” says Kylie.

After a period of being active, children also need to have some protein. This is because protein contains amino acids, which help build muscles. Muscle proteins are broken down when children are active and need to be restored. Some good food ideas for protein include; eggs, yoghurt, chicken, and cheese. Eggs are one of the healthiest sources of protein and can be prepared in many different ways. Yogurt, especially plain Greek yogurt, is high in protein and when eaten with berries or granola, makes a perfect snack. Chicken is high in lean protein and when paired with carbohydrates, makes a great after play meal. Cheese is a good source of protein and also contains healthy fats. Finally, do not forget to keep children hydrated with water, fruit smoothies or milk after active play. Try some of these snack ideas next time your children need a boost after a hectic day of playing.

Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre continues to dedicate its expertise and delight to serving families within the town of Wallan, Victoria.

Check out their full range of services and current featured promotions at junglekids.com.au.Visit their Facebook page to view all their activities and special offerings. Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre is open seven (7) days a week and is open until 5:00pm on weekdays during the school holidays.

As part of their Play-all-day Single Admission, adults and babies attend free of charge. 12 months to 3 years old attend at $8.50 and 4 years old to 12 years old attend at $10.00.

Written and syndicated by: YDMA News

Recent studies have indicated that too much time spent on smartphones or other digital and screen devices can be detrimental to aspects of children’s development. This can include, slower development of social skills, a decrease in physical health, and interrupted sleep patterns.

Kylie-Jane Shannon, owner of Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre, discusses ways that indoor play centres can provide alternative activities that can combat the negative influences of too much time on digital and screen devices.

“Studies have shown that the average child can spend up to six hours a day on a digital or screen device, which can cause concerns that parents should take seriously. Concerns can include social isolation, poor physical health, and problems with vision to name a few,” says Kylie. “While there is a lot of educational and entertaining online activity, parents of young children should try to limit online viewing to an hour or two a day. It is also advisable for parents to monitor children’s online activity to ensure they are using devices appropriately and responsibly and to reduce digital device addiction,” adds Kylie.

Offering children alternative options to online activities is healthy and an indoor play centre is an ideal alternative. “Indoor play centres are excellent as they offer activities that can rejuvenate all of a child’s senses,” says Kylie. Importantly, children develop good social skills, and are better able to interact and communicate with others,” adds Kylie.

Spending too much time in front of a digital or screen device can be particularly detrimental to a child’s physical health. Activities at indoor play centres can support the development of children’s agility, speed, and overall athletic ability. “At Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre, the enclosed ball pit, triple story slide and jeep rider are three activities that support children’s physical and mental development and help to develop independence in children,” says Kylie.

Expending energy in an indoor play centre environment can be both rewarding and fulfilling for many children. Many of the activities are designed to challenge children’s physical, mental and emotional stamina, thus enhancing their sense of wellbeing. “Activities that enable children to expend their energy and tire them out, can also contribute to better sleeping patterns and happier, more well-adjusted children,” says Kylie.

Whether children are participating in activities in an indoor play centre or spending time on digital and screen devices, parents should ensure that children have access to healthy food and water. Sometimes, children who spend too much time in front of digital or screen devices, can tend to eat unhealthy snack foods high in sugar and sodium as they are readily available and easier to eat in front of the screen.

Understanding the dynamics between children and digital technology is crucial for parents. “While digital technology is educative and entertaining, parents should consider age-appropriate platforms and balance online viewing with other activities that promote and support a child’s physical, mental, emotional and social development. As with everything in today’s world, moderation is the key,” says Kylie.

Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre continues to dedicate its expertise and delight to serving families within the town of Wallan, Victoria.

Check out their full range of services and current featured promotions at junglekids.com.au.Visit their Facebook page to view all their activities and special offerings. Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre is open seven (7) days a week and is open until 5:00pm on weekdays during the school holidays.

As part of their Play-all-day Single Admission, adults and babies attend free of charge. 12 months to 3 years old attend at $8.50 and 4 years old to 12 years old attend at $10.00.

Written and syndicated by: YDMA News

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often occurs during childhood, with symptoms including hyperactivity, and a limited attention span. This condition can affect children in many ways, including difficulty with learning and making friendships and low self-esteem. It is important to note that if a parent suspects their child has ADHD symptoms they should seek medical advice.

There are many strategies and techniques that parents and carers can provide to support a child with ADHD. Kylie-Jane Shannon, owner of Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre, elaborates on some of these. “Both indoor and outdoor play allows children with ADHD to express their spiritedness in a more conducive environment,” says Kylie. “In the context of outdoor activities, rustling leaves and gentle wind breezes across the skin, provide a level of calmness that helps children with ADHD to relax,” she adds.

“Indoor play centres provide the perfect environment for interpersonal skill development, teaching children to take turns, respect each other and learn to manage personal space,” says Kylie. “The variety of play activities such as slides, ball pits, swings and balancing beams help with the improvement of children’s flexibility and coordination as well as providing an effective outlet for children to expend their energy,” adds Kylie.

Effective strategies and techniques that support all children but can be particularly effective for children with ADHD include understanding rules, using positive language and praise, preparing children to switch activities or finish an activity, and helping children to manage their behaviour.

“It is imperative to remind children of appropriate play, and should be done in a specific manner, as children with ADHD usually understand best through demonstration,” says Kylie. “For example, telling a child that fun balls must be placed in the ball pit after one is done playing with them followed by enacting the rule, is the most helpful way of explaining rules effectively,” adds Kylie.

Using positive language and praise is a more effective way of supporting a child to manage their behaviour. For example, saying ‘Please wait for your turn’ as opposed to Don’t push’ demonstrates how we learn to interact respectfully with each other. Commending positive behaviour is vital for all children, however, those with ADHD react very positively to praise. Commend a child who has demonstrated positive behaviour. For example, say, ‘Well done Micah, for playing so well with your friends today’ or ‘Thank you Micah for being kind to Rosie today’.

It is important to support children to manage their own behaviour. Strategies that can help include, giving children an indication of when an activity will end or when they will need to switch or transition to a new activity. All children, but more often those with ADHD, need time to realise that the situation they are currently in or experiencing is about to change. “Reminding children of the duration of play, as well as mentioning the time left before finishing an activity, eases the packing up process and helps prepare children for home time,” says Kylie.

For children who find it hard to manage their behaviour or display forms of tantrums, it is important to be kind but firm. Children like boundaries, so being clear about behavioural expectations and what will and won’t be tolerated is necessary from the outset. It is also important to be consistent about behavioural expectations. “for example, should a child display impatience in a crowded line that potentially may trigger a tantrum, suggest a detour to another play area until the traffic of the previous area slows down,” says Kylie.

Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre continues to dedicate its expertise and delight to serving families within the town of Wallan, Victoria.

Check out their full range of services and current featured promotions at junglekids.com.au.Visit their Facebook page to view all their activities and special offerings. Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre is open seven (7) days a week and is open until 5:00pm on weekdays during the school holidays.

As part of their Play-all-day Single Admission, adults and babies attend free of charge. 12 months to 3 years old attend at $8.50 and 4 years old to 12 years old attend at $10.00.

Written and syndicated by: YDMA News

We all know that a child’s development can vary immensely from child to child. It is perhaps not as well known that a child’s vision also develops over time and can also vary from child to child.

Jacqueline Gattegno, a leading Smart Vision Optometrist at Eyes InDesign Bondi, explains the relationship between vision and learning; and why it is so important for parents to understand the difference between sight and vision.

Often it is not until children begin to read that we first notice they have a vision problem. This is the time when they start using their visual system more intensively to tune in to small details. The level of demand on visual skills required for reading increases throughout a child’s learning years.

Jacquie says, “it is important for parents to understand that children with excellent eyesight can still have significant vision-related learning difficulties. A child presenting vision skills concerns is more likely to have difficulty reading and understanding what they have read. The extra effort required can cause blurriness and discomfort, as well as preventing them from performing to their potential.”

“It is important that we understand the difference between sight and vision,” says Jacquie. “Eyesight essentially refers to the physical attributes and performance of the many organic components involved in the visual system. 20/20 vision is a commonly quoted measure of normal vision, yet it simply describes the sensitivity of the eye to see fine detail in the distance,” Jacquie says.

“Unlike eyesight, vision is a thought process, which emerges as an understanding of what is seen, where it is and how to react to it. It combines information from many sensory systems to create a perception of reality,” says Jacquie. “Vision describes a more dynamic and interactive process, essentially a whole information processing system developed through experience to gain understanding of the external visual space world.”

For example, for a person driving a car, vision is much more than reading license plates clearly at a distance. Vision is the total process whereby the spatial relationships between the cars are taken in and processed by the driver in order to guide the car safely to its destination, without an accident and with minimum stress. Vision judges the relative speeds of the other cars, and alerts the driver to a pedestrian stepping onto the road or another car at an intersection, or the door of a parked car opening.

Jacquie says, “therefore, some of the primary visual skills required for early readers include; Tracking: scanning from letter to letter, word to word, looking ahead and predicting text, moving from one line to the next. Focusing: maintaining clear focus at a particular point (e.g. a word on a page) and the ability to rapidly change focus from one point to another (e.g. from copying from the board to the book). Sequencing: recognising the order of numbers or letters in words, as well as left to right progression when reading and writing. Short Term Visual Memory: recalling information presented quickly; and Visual Discrimination: recognising subtle visual differences between letters (e.g. m/n) and words (e.g. was/saw or big/dig), reducing reversals and improving overall recognition.”

Some children complain about headaches. These can be caused by vision problems, which can signal a broader issue as well as distract them from their learning, and it can also cause them to strain to see the board at the front of the classroom.

“A comprehensive vision skills assessment takes about one hour and is crucial for detecting various eye conditions. This includes, Strabismus (misaligned eyes), Amblyopia (lazy eye), Myopia (near-sightedness), Hyperopia (far-sightedness), and Astigmatism,” says Jacquie.

Many children and teens have near-sighted or far-sighted vision problems. “These conditions can be treated with special glasses or contact lenses,” says Jacquie. Some children and teens may benefit from having contact lenses instead of eyeglasses. Contact lenses are a good choice for those who often play sports and feel uncomfortable wearing glasses. Children often wear glasses to help improve their vision and provide protection against vision loss.

“Having a vision problem can affect a child’s academic performance and quality of life,” says Jacquie, “being able to identify these symptoms can help prevent this from happening.

A few signs or symptoms that indicate your child may be experiencing vision problems and needs glasses include squinting, also known as a refractive error. A child might tilt his or her head to one side and depend on one eye to improve their vision. It could also be a sign that the eyes are not aligned properly or that there is a lazy eye. Sitting too closely to a television or holding a hand-held device too closely to the eyes can be signs of poor vision. Excessive rubbing of the eyes is also a common symptom of poor vision and can also be a sign of other conditions that cause vision problems. Complaining of eye pain or headaches are other common symptoms to take note of.

Due to the nature of our environment and the variety of technology devices that children use, children with visual disorders may have difficulty concentrating on their schoolwork. “Many parents don’t know that their child has a problem with their vision, which is why it’s important that they have a comprehensive vision skills assessment, annually,” says Jacquie. She concludes that whenever children show signs of lack of concentration or symptoms such as mentioned above, a visit to the optometrist is a must.

Smart Vision Optometry clinics are located in Sydney. Book a Smart Vision Comprehensive Vision Skills Assessment or Advanced Eye Health Test for any child or adult by calling the Mosman clinic (02) 9969 1600 or the Bondi clinic (02) 9365 5047, alternatively book an appointment online.

Written and syndicated by: YDMA News

A poor diet consisting of highly processed foods with large amounts of salt and sugar can increase the risks of developing diabetes and many other health problems that can lead to blindness.

Jacqueline Gattegno, a Smart Vision Optometrist at Eyes InDesign Bondi, explains the importance of healthy food to maintain eye health. “Try adding some eye-friendly food to your diet, it can help improve vision and ward off diseases. While it’s important to nourish the body, adding certain nutrients can improve vision, especially in children. A well-balanced diet can help children develop vital learning skills and prevent vision loss,” Jacquie suggests.

We all know that a child’s development can vary immensely from child to child. It is perhaps not as well known that a child’s vision also develops over time and can also vary from child to child.

“Having a vision problem can affect a child’s academic performance and quality of life,” says Jacquie,” She explains the relationship between vision and learning; and why it is so important for parents to understand the difference between sight and vision. “Often it is not until children begin to read that we first notice they have a vision problem. This is the time when they start using their visual system more intensively to tune into small details. The level of demand on visual skills required for reading increases throughout a child’s learning years.”

 A healthy lunch box is a great start to help boost the nutrients children need to protect them from eye health issues such as the formation of cataracts, and macular degeneration. A good diet can also reduce the effects of dry eyes and other eye problems.

It is often a struggle to get children to eat more fruit and vegetables, but it is these that provide essential nutrients that children need for healthy vision. Including sliced fruit or vegetables in children’s lunch boxes can be a great way to tempt them with easy to eat bite-sized snacks. Some great options include apples, blueberries or strawberries. Citrus fruits deliver powerful antioxidant levels that can help prevent cataracts later in life, so the inclusion of oranges and mandarins can be beneficial. Citrus fruit can also help lower the risk of diabetes and blindness.

Studies have shown that vegetables, such as kale and spinach, can also support healthy eyesight as they contain the carotenoids zeaxanthin and lutein necessary for the development and maintenance of healthy retinas. “Beta carotene can be found in capsicum, carrots, and tomatoes and helps protect eyes from night blindness. These foods can also be used as tasty snack options and are simple enough to prepare each morning. Beta carotene is also beneficial for protecting children from diabetes-related ocular diseases,” Jacquie says.

Eggs, oily or fatty fish, and nuts are great sources of omega 3, which supports healthy eye function and brain development in early childhood. Essential fatty acids protect the retina from weakening and can reduce the effects of dry eyes and other eye problems. “Excellent options for quick and easy lunches are tuna and crackers or salmon fishcakes,” says Jacquie.

A deficiency in zinc can lead to deterioration in the macula, which is the centre of the retina responsible for central vision. Eating fresh meats and green vegetables can help protect the macula from disease, including macular degeneration. As well as being used in a variety of metabolic processes throughout the entire body, zinc also helps transport other nutrients to the eye. “An easy way to get extra zinc into children’s diets is through zinc-fortified cereals or pumpkin seeds, which have added vitamins and minerals,” says Jacquie.

For more great ideas about how to support children’s healthy vision, talk to a Smart Vision Optometrist soon.

Smart Vision Optometry clinics are located in Sydney. Book a Smart Vision Comprehensive Vision Skills Assessment or Advanced Eye Health Test for any child or adult by calling the Mosman clinic (02) 9969 1600 or the Bondi clinic (02) 9365 5047, alternatively book an appointment online.

Written and syndicated by: YDMA News

Fun and excitement form the foundation of all play centre experiences, as well as the intuitive, educational aspects that accompany them. What’s at the fore, is the particular environment that play is conducted in. At play centres specifically, there are a number of key areas that act as important venues to foster ideal cognitive and physical development.

Kylie-Jane Shannon, owner of Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre, discusses the essential play areas that promote holistic development for children at play centres.

Sensory play areas identify and describe an environment where children’s senses are stimulated and support fine motor, emotional and cognitive development. “Sensory experiences include activities such as, play dough, drawing, and painting, as well as ball pit areas,” says Kylie. As dough is malleable, children can shape and construct objects through tactile means, and can be physically involved in creating, developing and materialising an idea. Drawing, and painting enable children to be creative as they imaginatively guide a paintbrush on paper, creating colourful and creative artworks through both tactile and visual development. Ball pit areas can facilitate fine motor skills development by children learning to throw and catch.

Dramatic play areas are great for children to develop their social, emotional and problem solving skills as well as their oral communication. Themed children’s parties also support dramatic play and skill development “At Jungle Kids, The Fairy, Pirate and Safari themed parties offered, are opportunities for children to creatively develop their imagination through the use of exciting settings and props,” says Kylie. She goes on to add that, “the concept of fun and learning co-exist effectively through dramatic play if the environment and its accompanying elements are conducive.”

A block construction play area supports the development of children’s fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, and also contributes to a sensory play aspect. Block construction also teaches children about balance, spatial awareness, judgement and perception,” says Kylie. Block construction encourages children to use their decision-making skills to fit pieces together and build supported structures as well as encouraging oral communication and learning to share and to co-construct with peers.

Play areas should be fun-filled, yet mentally and physically engaging for children’s growth and development. While there can be a place for children to use technological devices, children should be offered challenging play environments that ultimately support their overall development and health and wellbeing.

Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre continues to dedicate its expertise and delight to serving families within the town of Wallan, Victoria.

Check out their full range of services and current featured promotions at junglekids.com.au. Visit their Facebook page to view all their activities and special offerings. Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre is open seven (7) days a week and is open until 5:00pm on weekdays during the school holidays.

As part of their Play-all-day Single Admission, adults and babies attend free of charge. 12 months to 3 years old attend at $8.50 and 4 years old to 12 years old attend at $10.00.

Written and syndicated by: YDMA News

Play has evolved and changed rather gradually for the past four decades. With newfound and extensive play aspects introduced in the play centre industry, children are provided with an all-round play experience that accommodates both their development, and their uniqueness.

Kylie-Jane Shannon, owner of Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre, and proud mother, discusses the six major categories of play that provide the well needed cognitive stimulation and nourishment for children’s play centre experience.

“Children require, and essentially need multiple types of play to best facilitate and support meaningful and constructive learning opportunities as they develop their motor, language, emotional, social and cognitive abilities,” says Kylie. “Play can be subdivided into six main aspects: sensory, physical, dramatic, nature, age-appropriate and music and art play,” adds Kylie. Every aspect of play extensively challenges children’s abilities.

Sensory play: Children develop important sensory abilities that include; sight, smell, hearing, touch and taste. Each sense is stimulated one way or another during play.  “Play environments should provide a range of play equipment to best help children in the exploration of their five sensory skills,” says Kylie. As an example, “At Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre, the Jeep Rider and Enclosed Ball Pit Area provide children with visual, auditory, kinesthetic and tactile learning opportunities to explore their senses.

Physical play: Strengthening young people’s bodies as well as developing gross motor skills are central to this type of play. Physical play promotes muscle development, hand-eye coordination, balance and fine motor skills. “At Jungle Kids, Play Centre, areas such as the Triple Story Playground stimulate the necessary elements of physical development for children,” says Kylie. Children have the opportunity to climb, crawl, swing, hang, roll and jump, all skills to promote excellent physical health.

Dramatic play: At Jungle Kids, it’s lights, camera and action! Children are introduced to a variety of activities that inspire children to enact stories, create unique narratives and cultivate a supportive play environment that develops their emotional, communicative and creative abilities. “Dramatic play is also known as pretend or imaginary play, and is a critical element for children’s daily educational program,” says Kylie.

Nature play: Children benefit well and are highly responsive to daily connections with nature. “Be it log balancing, or watching flying butterflies, nature play is ultimately identified as child-initiated and child-directed,” says Kylie. Play centres should include nature-based activities within play environments for children to both experience the natural world, as well as learn and develop their understanding of animals and plants and their responsibility to care for them.

Age-appropriate play: This type of play focuses on the core aspects of developmental ages and general guidelines for safe, stimulating and appropriate play areas and equipment. Both indoor, as well as outdoor play centres should provide age-appropriate play opportunities for children. “For example, a one-year-old child cannot be expected to climb monkey bars intended for an eight-year-old. Play equipment must be age-appropriate, allowing fun for all ages, as well as a versatile learning environment,” says Kylie. Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre provides the necessary elements of age-appropriate play through their top of the line materials, equipment and activities for children from infants, to school-age children.

Music and art play. “Children can learn, as well as explore their creativity in the world through music and art play,” says Kylie. Music and art play enhances children’s innovation, vocabulary, memory, creative expression and brain power. Art and music can ignite passion in children and support them to develop their creative attributes and make sense of the world around them.

Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre has dedicated its expertise and delight to serving families within the town of Wallan, Victoria.

Check out their full range of services and current featured promotions at junglekids.com.au. Visit their Facebook page to view all their activities and special offerings. Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre is open seven (7) days a week and is open until 5.00pm on weekdays during the school holidays.

As part of their Play-all-day Single Admission, adults and babies attend free of charge. 12 months to 3 years old attend at $8.50 and 4 years old to 12 years old attend at $10.00.

Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre is situated at 2B Commercial Drive Wallan, Victoria and can be contacted on: (03) 5783 4104.

Written and syndicated by YDMA News.

Indoor play centres are one of the most popular leisure destinations for families with young children. However, play centres can become a hazard to public health and safety if not properly maintained. Owner of Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre, and proud mother, Kylie-Jane Shannon, shares the essential components of promoting safe and hygienic standards at play centres.

The first essential component for play centres, is to ensure that all resources, play equipment including indoor and outdoor toys, swings, bikes, etc, as well as the physical areas are thoroughly disinfected and sanitised regularly. Ensuring that everything is well-organised everyday is another essential component for promoting safe and hygienic standards.

“As a well revered play centre, Jungle Kids ensures that sanitising meticulously and arranging the play centre before the very first customers step in, and after the last customer steps out, is of utmost importance and is regularly exercised by staff,” says Kylie.

With numerous children using the play centre’s equipment and resources daily, disinfecting surfaces regularly, allows for greater control of the hygiene standards that assures parents that their young ones can enjoy themselves in a safe and sanitary environment.

Another essential component of a safe and hygienic environment is to enlist the participation of both the children using the centre and their parents. Through good communication, play centres can implement hygienically beneficial protocols that set the hygiene standards for the centre. Examples include, ensuring that everyone thoroughly washes and sanitises their hands before they enter the play centre, and if directed to do so, adults wear a mask. “If everyone is aware of, and maintains safe and hygienic standards, we can help keep both kids and parents safe and healthy, and communicate our standards in a fun and informative manner,” says Kylie.

Another essential component is to ensure that parents adhere to the rules and regulations of the play centre. “For example, at Jungle Kids, the play centre strictly advises that all children must wear socks when they’re in the play centre, and that parents supervise their children’s activities,” says Kylie. Following the rules and regulations assist play centres highly maintain a safe and orderly environment.

The final component is to ensure that all play centre equipment is well maintained and safe for daily use. “At Jungle Kids, all play centre equipment is safe, regularly serviced and versatile to cater for all age groups,” says Kylie. All surface areas in the play centre should be preserved well, and show no signs of wear and tear.

The essential components discussed above should serve as the most informative and frequently practiced etiquette to best deliver and uphold the ideal play centre experience for children and parents.

Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre continues to dedicate their expertise and delight to serving Australian families within the town of Wallan, Victoria. Checkout their full range of services and current featured promotions. Visit their Facebook page to view all their activities and special offerings.

Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre is open seven (7) days a week and is open until 5:00pm on weekdays during the school holidays.

As part of their Play-all-day Single Admission, adults and babies attend free of charge. 12 months to 3 years old attend at $8.50 and 4 years old to 12 years old attend at $10.00.

Jungle Kids Indoor Play Centre is situated at 2B Commercial Drive Wallan, Victoria and can be contacted on: (03) 5783 4104.

Written and syndicated by YDMA News