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Animal fun

Animal Fun

Animal Fun is an evidence based program designed by psychologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists to improve the physical and mental health of young children aged 3 to 6 years using imaginary, pretend play. Fun and engaging for children. Simple for educators to implement.

  • Online
  • ACT
  • NSW
  • NT
  • QLD
  • SA
  • Tas
  • Vic
  • WA

Pricing: Paid

Origin: Developed in Australia for Australian schooling contexts

Affiliations: Curtin University; Approved elsewhere: Be You

Product type: Program; Posters; Online resources (e.g. videos, games, tools, readings); Student activities; Professional learning; Presentation by an expert or speaker ; Class lesson plans

Contact details

Animal Fun
ABN: 15 445 632 009

https://animalfun.com.au/

sue@animalfun.com.au

Focus areas

  • Positive relationships

  • Belonging and inclusion

  • Mental health literacy and life skills

  • Self-regulation and engagement

  • Resilience and optimism

  • Self-esteem and body image

Curriculum alignment

  • Health and PE

Prospective users

Audience: Whole class universal (Tier 1), Targeted small group early intervention (Tier 2), Intensive individualised approach (Tier 3)

Communities: Diverse cultures or language groups

Context: School or centre-based, Outside School Hours Care (OSHC), E-schools

Main beneficiaries: Early learning, Foundation/Prep, Year 1

Delivery style: Classroom teacher is trained

Aims & approach

The links between motor development and mental health and wellbeing have been clearly established by research. The Animal Fun program engages children in meaningful, imaginary play where they are practising key skills. Improvements in balance, core strength, upper body stability and coordination allow for positive social interactions with peers.

The program is divided into 9 modules - focusing on gross motor skills, fine motor skills, and social/emotional skills; and consists of 97 different activity cards.

The Manual provides educators with some background information around the purposes of the activities within the modules together with some creative ideas for implementation.

Animal fun@Home is designed to upskill parents with some basic development information together with activity ideas to try at home.

The Scope and Sequence book lays out the program in a developmental sequence and provides links to EYLF and the Australian Curriculum for each activity.

Implementation support

  • Access to professional facilitator, instructor or mentor
  • Implementation training webinars or modules
  • Ongoing helpdesk, email or phone support

Evidence

Program is underpinned by Mindfulness, and Environmental Stress Hypothesis. Recent references include:

  • Policastro F, Biancotto M, Zoia S (2022). Animal Fun: Supporting the Motor Development of Italian Preschoolers. Acta Psychologica 230.
  • De Oliveria JA, et al. (2018). Does 'Animal Fun' improve aiming and catching, and balance skills in young children? Research in Developmental Disabilities.
  • Piek JP, et al. (2015). Does the Animal Fun program improve social-emotional and behavioural outcomes in children aged 4-6 years? Human Movement Science, (43): 155-163.