Children at TAFEKids were encouraged to run, jump, and climb last month for their own mini-Olympic games.
  

While the official Olympics get underway in Paris, the outdoor play area of TAFEKids was host to their own small athletes who took part in a range of active challenges.  
 

The 2, 3, and 4-year-olds were split into five teams and were encouraged to dress in their respective colours to represent their team.  
 

The children tried their hand at an obstacle course, football kicking, bean bag throw, long jump, and a bike race. The big finale event was a running relay and an egg and spoon race.  
 

The reward for participating was a 3D-printed gold medal created by Library Support Makerspace Officer Jasmin Simmons.  
 

“Every child received a medal regardless of the score,” TAFEKids Assistant Director Jess Inwood Irrgang said.  
 

“It’s not about the score for us, it’s more about getting them involved.  
 

“We hope they will have learned a bit more about teamwork and that it isn’t always about winning, but that sometimes it’s just about being a part of it and having that sense of community.”  
 

The mini-Olympics fits within the kindergarten curriculum by helping the children understand how they are connected to the world around them.  
 

“The Olympics presents a great opportunity to connect the children to their local community and events that are going on around the world, and to promote healthy choices as well with the sport aspect,” Jess said.  
 

“Throughout the Olympics we will also introduce other learnings about the games to the classroom.  
 

“We’ll bring it into our group times and our conversations where we’ll ask questions about whether they have watched it or who they are going for.”  
 

Some of the educators got involved in the mini-Olympics too, with the running races and long jump proving favourites amongst the TAFEKids staff.  
 

TAFEKids is a community childcare and kindergarten centre located at SuniTAFE’s Mildura campus. The educators continually create new and exciting ways to engage the children with the world around them. Click here to read about how TAFEKids celebrated Book Week last year.  
 

TAFEKids is now accepting enrolments for 2025. Interested parties can call 5022 3791 or email tafekids@sunitafe.edu.au to express their interest.  
 

Do you want to play a part in shaping the lives of young people? SuniTAFE offers courses in Early Childhood Education and Care that will empower you to work in a centre like TAFEKids. Click here to see the available courses.